For some students, pursuing an athletic career while keeping up with academic demands can be challenging. But for Alex, an eighth-grade student at California Pacific Charter Schools, online learning has provided the flexibility and support he needs to pursue his passions for swimming and triathlon while continuing to excel in his schoolwork.
Diving In
Alex has been involved in swimming since he was introduced to the water before he turned one, and he began competitive swimming at the age of 12. He also started participating in triathlons at ten after a friend introduced him to the sport. “I love the rush of energy I get after a good swim in a race,” Alex said. “It’s a feeling like no other. And during triathlons, I really enjoy the ease of biking when I’m in a giant pack drafting.”
Alex has an impressive track record when it comes to competing. He took part in the San Diego-Imperial County Junior Olympics and emerged as a high-point swimmer. At Spring Sectionals, he became the youngest competitor to make it to the finals, a remarkable achievement for someone his age. In triathlon, Alex has also shown his competitive spirit and determination. He was the National Age Group Champion for 2021 and finished 6th in the Youth Elite National Championship in 2022; he looks to improve upon that finish this year.
With such an impressive track record, Alex is certainly a force to be reckoned with. His dedication and hard work have paid off in the form of these awards and recognitions, and the future looks bright as he continues to strive for excellence in his athletic pursuits.
Despite his busy schedule, Alex has also excelled academically, including earning a 4.0 grade point average during the 2022-2023 school year and being selected for the Principal’s Honor Roll. He chose to come to Calpac because he had been unsatisfied with his previous in-person school. He found that online learning offered the flexibility he needed to pursue his passions without missing out on an education.
Choosing Online Learning at CalPac
“I chose CalPac because it meant I could do all of the training and traveling without having to worry about missing school,” Alex said. “The flexibility of being able to train while doing school was important to me, and the academics are definitely hard enough, and there’s a lot of it.” CalPac’s rigorous yet flexible program allows students to work on their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule throughout the week, giving them the freedom to structure their days in a way that suits their needs and lifestyle.
This can be especially beneficial for students juggling extracurricular activities, work opportunities, or family responsibilities. Being able to attend live session classes over Zoom creates an accessible learning environment that can be accessed from wherever the student has wifi. Coursework is accessible 24/7 and is always available on all students’ CalPac-provided Chromebooks. This means that students like Alex can travel for athletic competitions or attend training sessions without worrying about having to request time off from attending school.
CalPac has also equipped Alex with computer skills and the ability to understand different online programs and applications that he may not have gained at a brick-and-mortar school. One tool Alex felt was especially beneficial was the guided notes offered in his online classes, which helped him connect to the material he was learning. “The notes are really well-organized, and they help me understand the material better,” he added. Additionally, CalPac’s teachers, such as Alex’s homeroom teacher Ms. Johnson, have been a bright light throughout the learning process. “Ms. Johnson has been amazing, and she’s always there to help with any questions I have. She makes sure that everything is running smoothly and is always available to help students in any way she can,” Alex said.
Looking Ahead
Looking toward his future, Alex explained that he hopes to continue pursuing his athletic career and see where it takes him. When asked what advice he had for future CalPac students, he recommended they take the time to go back and fully understand the material before starting quizzes or tests and to tackle challenging assignments early on to avoid procrastination.
Overall, Alex’s experience at CalPac has played a key role in helping him get where he is today. The flexibility and support provided by CalPac’s online learning program have been instrumental in his ability to find a balance between his extracurriculars and his education. Online learning can be a powerful tool for students like Alex. By offering a diverse range of online resources and personalized support, CalPac enables students to pursue their passions relentlessly.
Through this innovative approach to education, CalPac is helping students overcome the traditional limitations of in-person schooling and unlock their full potential. Whether they are athletes, artists, or simply looking for a more flexible and personalized learning experience, students at CalPac can thrive in an environment that supports their unique interests and goals.
Interested in enrolling your student at CalPac? Visit our enrollment page for more information.
The post Student Spotlight: Alex Pursues Athletics and Academics at CalPac appeared first on California Pacific Charter Schools.
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