Learner Spotlights
Learner Spotlight: Grayson Ferrera-Schmidt
iLEAD Exploration kindergarten learner Grayson Ferrera-Schmidt has a joke for you! Q: “What do you call a fly without wings?” A: “A walk!” Grayson will “bug” you with his jokes;…
Learner Spotlight: Brown Family
Introducing iLEAD Exploration learners Kaleb and Kaden Brown. Kaleb is a senior who will graduate this fall semester. Kaden is in 10th grade. The past two years of independent studying…
Learner Spotlight: Enzo Cosio
For third grader Enzo Cosio and his family, iLEAD Exploration has felt like finding the last puzzle piece. Even though COVID-19 has shut down external get-togethers, iLEAD Exploration feels like…
Learner Spotlight: The Libbrecht Family
The Libbrecht brothers, Logan (7) and Nathan (5), are not just family but also really good friends. These brothers enjoy independent studying together through iLEAD Exploration and have been doing…
High School Student Spotlight: Abigail Myers
Abigail is a junior in her third year of independent studying. This year, she is president of iLEAD’s National Honors Society and enjoys leading her peers. She enjoys finding new…
Learner Spotlight: Slater and Preslee Casaus
Do you need dog training? No problem! What about a custom-made skateboard? Again, no problem! iLEAD Exploration learners Preslee and Slater Casaus have you covered. This sister and brother duo,…
Learner Spotlight: Adrian Staab
After a particularly disappointing loss in a jiu jitsu tournament, someone told iLEAD Exploration learner Adrian Staab: “You never lose; you only learn.” A third grader who has earned a…
Learner Spotlight: Gianelle and Madilyn Do
iLEAD Exploration learners Gianelle and Madilyn Do believe in the power of “yet,” and are always looking for new interests to explore and finding creative ways to help others. The…
Learner Spotlight: Akiro Niella
Because 4th grade “just wasn’t making sense,” Akiro Niella, 12, began his independent studying journey with iLEAD Exploration. Now, three years later, he is clearly thriving! This happy, busy 7th…
Learner Spotlight: Ackah-Miezah Family
The Ackah-Miezah family are longtime successful independent studyers starting their 12th year learning from home and their fourth year with iLEAD. Lena Ruisseau (grade 12), Oliver, (grade 10), and Edward…
Learner Spotlight: Layla Solano
iLEAD Exploration 8th grader Layla Solano is new to independent studying this year, but you would not know it with how creative and connected she has been with so much…
Learner Spotlight: Ayah and Nyla Dadsi
Look out, world! The Dadsi sisters are on the move! In their second year with iLEAD Exploration, Nyla and Ayah Dadsi are enjoying the opportunity that independent study provides to…
Learner Spotlight: Lindsay Yang
Eighth grade iLEAD Exploration learner Lindsey Yang showed a great interest and love for music from an early age when watching her older sister play piano. By the time she…
Learner Spotlight: Mason Harris
Mason Harris is an extraordinary 1st grade iLEAD Exploration learner who shows social intelligence by being very empathetic. In fact, Mason often says “I like to help people because it’s…
Learner Spotlight: Ami Kharitonov
Ami Kharitonov is graduating from middle school this year and will be a freshman with iLEAD Exploration. He has been with iLEAD since 2016 and speaks English and some Russian….
Learner Spotlight: Ace Maestas
Ace Maestas has been independent studying for two years. The flexibility that is offered through iLEAD Exploration to focus on strengths, work on weaknesses, and cultivate social intelligence has been…
Learner Spotlight: Everett Family
The Everett family didn’t set out to independent study but have totally embraced the lifestyle. Since both Ben, first grade, and Caroline (Caddie), kindergarten, have an immunodeficiency diagnosis, it is…
Learner Spotlight: Ariella Clarino
Ariella has been independent studyed for the past nine years, and this is her second year with iLEAD Exploration. She is currently in 10th grade and already has an impressive high…
Learner Spotlight: Lily Ochoa
iLEAD Exploration eighth grader Lily Ochoa has been independent studying since fall of 2018. She finds that home study fosters her creativity and inspires her to dig deeply into what…
Learner Spotlight: Garrett Family
The Garrett family joined iLEAD in 2019 and thus began their first ever independent study journey, primarily animated by a thirst for knowledge. At first they were nervous about the…
Learner Spotlight: Stephenson Family
The iLEAD Exploration learners in the Stephenson family transitioned to independent studying only a couple of years ago but have been customizing learning and pursuing their dreams ever since! Tahani…
Learner Spotlight: Lila Inman
Optimism is the way you see and think about what is happening around and to you, looking for good in each situation. Optimism describes iLEAD Exploration learner, Lila Inman! Always…
Learner Spotlight: Corban and Deacon Barnett
iLEAD Exploration learners Corban and Deacon Barnett are so different and yet these brothers both exude optimism, each with his own brand of it. Older brother Corban is a confident…
Learner Spotlight: Jaidynn Watson
iLEAD Exploration learner Jaidynn Watson always sees the bright side of a situation even if the initial outcome isn’t always favorable. She is open to new experiences because she believes…