learner spotlight
Learner Spotlight
Samuel Medina-Negrete, questions answered by mom and the learner. What languages do you speak? English and Spanish What is the best part about knowing more than one language? It…
19-Year-Old Learner With Autism Launches Successful Career As Artist
One of the most important outcomes of education is yielding adults that are independent and able to thrive economically and socially. For learners with disabilities, this is often more difficult…
Learner Spotlight: Jedaiah Pierce
Jedaiah Pierce has the “first things first” habit down pat. This 6th grade iLEAD Exploration learner starts his day with a plan and makes a checklist of everything he plans…
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: The Gomez Family
Second-generation independent studyers, Maximus (grade 4) and Tobias (grade 1) are two inquisitive, driven learners with a clear purpose for their education. The Gomez boys have been independent studying with…
Learner Spotlight: Katelyn Bright
Katelyn has been independent studyed her whole life and joined iLEAD Exploration three years ago. independent studying allows her to pursue her life passions, including dance. Katelyn’s love of dance began while she…
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: DeCoursey Family
Meet Ruth, the newest — and eleventh — member of the DeCoursey family! This past June, baby Ruth had the good fortune to join this large, loving iLEAD Exploration family…
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: Grace Gilroy
When you think of a learner who exemplifies the notion of what a independent studyed 10th grader might look like, you think of Grace. She thrives in this environment and…
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…