Learner Spotlights
Meet DreamUp to Space Team Member Quentin Gauge
By iLEAD Exploration learners Grace Stumpf & Raegan Brown DreamUp to Space is a project that challenges young people to understand and explore the impact that microgravity has on matter….
Learner Spotlight: Olivia Armstrong
iLEAD Exploration learner Olivia Armstrong has been independent studyed for about six years. She started with early preschool curriculum at two and a half years old and is currently working…
Learner Spotlight: Emma Weisenberger
To dance “on pointe” is the ultimate goal of serious ballet students, and it is the same for iLEAD Exploration learner Emma Weisenberger. The Weisenberger family has been independent studying…
Learner Spotlight: Mailee and Keoni Wun
The Wuns are a family who play together and learn together! Meet iLEAD Exploration learners Mailee (8th grade) and Keoni (6th grade)! The Wuns have been independent studying for the…
Learner Spotlight: Mateo and Quinn Garcia
iLEAD Exploration learners Mateo and Quinn Garcia have been independent studying for three years. Originally, they began independent studying to have more time together as a family after a particularly…
High School Spotlight: Heather and Hope Hemsley
We are the Hemsley twins. Not only are we sisters, but we are also best friends. We share so many interests: musical theatre (acting, singing, and dancing), piano, volleyball, traveling,…
Learner Spotlight: Elisabeth Sur
Luggage + Library = Elisabeth the Book Lover! ???? The Sur family started with iLEAD when Elisabeth was beginning her educational journey as a budding kindergartner just last fall. They…
Meet DreamUp to Space Team Member: Raegan Brown, Team Carrot
DreamUp to Space is a project that challenges young people to understand and explore the impact that microgravity has on matter. Through a partnership with DreamUp, iLEAD learners in grades…
Learner Spotlight: Sebastian Buckhalter
Energetic. Curious. Athletic. iLEAD Exploration 6th grader Sebastian Buckhalter encompasses all that is wonderful about independent studying. This is his second year with iLEAD Exploration, and he has been enjoying…
Learner Spotlight: Juan Munoz “Jr.”
What is your favorite saying in your native language? My favorite saying is “Que si” because it’s very funny when I say it to my dad when I play around….
Learner Spotlight: Olivia Edwards
iLEAD Exploration kindergartener Olivia Edwards lights up a room with her smile and enthusiasm about her studies. She really does embody optimism, and her family loves to make learning fun,…
High School Spotlight: Amy Baldwin
Hey, I’m an Aussie who moved to Los Angeles almost 5 years ago as my brother is an actor and musician. I have always loved sports. At one time, I was…
Learner Spotlight: Fiona Zoss
When 3rd grade iLEAD Exploration learner Fiona Zoss first started reading, it was tough for her to finish one chapter of a book. Since then, she has developed a love…
Learner Spotlight: Ethan Datt
Have you ever met a ninja warrior who is also a dodgeball champion? Well, look no further: We would like you to meet iLEAD Exploration learner Ethan Datt! Ethan, age…
Learner Spotlight: Tyson Olivieri
iLEAD Exploration learner Tyson Olivieri is a four-time jiu-jitsu world champion. This talented 8th grader is also a top-ranked athlete for Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation in both Gi and NoGi. …
Learner Spotlight: Faye Battat
Thank goodness for the endless supply of ebooks at Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)! iLEAD Exploration fourth grade learner Faye Battat is an insatiably voracious reader and LAPL helps keep…
Learner Spotlight: Kiah Lewis
Hello! My name is Kiah Lewis. I’m a senior in high school, and I’ve been independent studyed my entire life. Some words people use to describe me are outgoing, charismatic,…
Learner Spotlight: Adalynn Stokes
Nine-year-old Adalynn has been enjoying her independent study journey through iLEAD Exploration. Although this year looks a little different than anticipated, she is adjusting well and even helping her little…
Learner Spotlight: Clive and Lucia Gompert
For the Gompert family, independent studying has always been the plan. Many things about it appeal to them: the flexibility it gives them, the ability to change methods and curriculum…
Learner Spotlight: Christina Virchis
Three years ago, iLEAD Exploration learner Christina Virchis, 13, was uncertain and a little anxious about her future. The private school she had been attending was closing and she didn’t…
Learner Spotlight: Priscilla Pope
My name is Priscilla Pope, and I am 17 years old. I have been dancing since I was just two! I grew up performing with the Santa Clarita Ballet Company and studied…
Learner Spotlight: Everly Benning
iLEAD Exploration learner Everly Benning started independent studying last year in the extended-TK program. What drew her family to independent studying was the time her mom got to spend with…
Learner Spotlight – Mya Felix
Mya is a first grade learner who started independent studying in March of last year. She likes independent studying because she is able to do her school work in her…
Learner Spotlight: Karina, Victoria, Adrianna, and Samuel Ramirez
The Ramirez family is filled to the brim with creative, fun-loving learners who enjoy supporting each other in everything they do. Karina (9th grade), Victoria (6th grade), Adrianna (4th grade),…