Learner Spotlights
Learner Spotlight: Desiree Rios
When Carol Dweck and her team first wrote about the difference between the GROWTH MINDSET and the fixed mindset, education was forever changed. Since beginning her independent studying journey, Desiree…
Learner Spotlight: Thomas Maskow
iLEAD Exploration ninth-grader Thomas Maskow lives his life with PURPOSE. He has a passion for helping and working with animals, and wants to be a zoologist when he grows up….
Learner Spotlight: The Smalley Family
The Smalley kids are a quirky crew! They were born in Idaho, spent four years living on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, and now find themselves in sunny California….
Learner Spotlight: David Budge
Last year, David relocated to California to get a fresh start on his life and education and moved in with a family who was already educating through iLEAD Exploration. David was nearing…
Learner Spotlight: The Hingco Family
The Hingco brothers, Isaac and Ben, are active collaborators in their own education, and being learners with iLEAD Exploration allows them to pursue and study the subjects that they are…
Learner Spotlight: The Brown Family
Meet the adventure-seeking Brown family! This family’s ultimate goal is to fully experience the world and to take their place as citizens of the world. This family of learners seeks…
Learner Spotlight: The Moffitt Brothers
Standard brick and mortar schools were simply not a good fit for Rhys and Ian Moffitt. Fortunately, these two brothers have been happily independent studying for the past 2½ years…
Learner Spotlight: Harper & Jett Carney
If you happen to be looking for the Carney family, chances are you will find them outdoors. This sweet family of young iLEAD Exploration learners has fully embraced the adventure…
Learner Spotlight: Anna Zielke
iLEAD Exploration learner Anna Zielke is an outgoing and active 8th grader whose passions are acting and performing. She has been involved in the theater on and off since she…
Learner Spotlight: Noah & Sky Naishtut
The Naishtut family has taken full advantage of their first year with iLEAD Exploration. Noah, 7th grade, and Sky, 4th grade, are excelling not only in their academics, but in…
Learner Spotlight: The McLaughlin Family
The McLaughlins are longtime independent studyers who appreciate the freedom to pursue their passions and learn what interests them. Both Owen and Tess McLaughlin appreciate the flexibility to shape their…
Learner Spotlight: The Theule Family
The four Theule family learners are adventurers who love exploring nature, reading great books, playing music, and chasing curiosity wherever it may lead. They can regularly be found conducting experiments,…
Learner Spotlight: The Strawn Family
The Strawn family loves to learn! Owen (4th grade), Ryder (2nd grade), and Molly (kindergarten) are curious and love to explore and discover. The family enjoys taking field trips and…
Learner Spotlight: Lana Tapson
Meet Lana, a joyful iLEAD Exploration kindergartener with a passion for dinosaurs and all things sweet! Her sweet tooth led her to start her own chocolate shop at the age…
Learner Spotlight: The Huang Family
Meet the multi-talented Huangs! Logan (grade 6) and Delphine (grade 5) are quite the impressive duo! Whether it be martial arts, speaking French fluently, learning Mandarin, playing piano or practicing…
Learner Spotlight: Maliah Siyoum
Maliah is a bright, friendly 6th grader who has been diving into her first year of independent studying! Her favorite things to do are watch anime, visit Japantown in Los…
Learner Spotlight: Blake and Sydney Brower
Blake (1st grade) and Sydney (3rd grade) are a multi-talented brother/sister duo who have quite an impressive list of talents. Blake and Sydney excel as iLEAD Exploration learners. Their hard…
Learner Spotlight: Griffin Loch
iLEAD Exploration learner Griffin Loch is 15 years old and has written, produced, directed, and edited two feature-length films. iLEAD Exploration has given him the latitude to pursue his passion…
Learner Spotlight: The Steinberg Family
The Steinberg family, aka “the Reptile Family”, has a passion for animals and nature. iLEAD Exploration learners Owen (12) and Hunter (6) help care for the many reptiles, amphibians, and…
Learner Spotlight: Melissa Termini
Our learner spotlighted this week prefers to address you directly: My name is Melissa, and I am an 11th grader in iLEAD Exploration. Except for some time in preschool, I…
Learner Spotlight: Koiter Family
The Koiter family — whose family motto is “We’re not quitters! We’re Koiters!” — are busy with many amazing projects and varied interests. Miles, Lennon, and Everly Koiter are working…
Learner Spotlight: Mariah Cruz
iLEAD Exploration learner Mariah Cruz (11th grade) has made a comeback in the last innings of the epic game of high school. Mariah enrolled in iLEAD Exploration last summer and…
Learner Spotlight: The Ray Sisters
The Ray sisters — Scarlett (4th grade) and Carley (1st grade) — love that learning is an endless discovery. These learners often get lost in their topics of study, whether…
Learner Spotlight: The Longhenry Family
The Longhenry family includes learners Ella (3rd grade), Nate (6th grade), Maia (8th grade), and Julianna (10th grade). They are eclectic independent studyers with classical roots and a bent towards…