Testimonial by John, BLC member since January 2020:

My main issues with traditional high school were how early in the day it started, how strict the schedule was, and how much homework there was. The only parts I liked were the music extracurriculars I joined. I was still performing well on my report cards, but I wanted to enjoy learning, so my mom and I looked for another solution.

BLC is a much better fit for me. I can learn about just about anything I want, and I enjoy doing it. Sometimes I get distracted and end up spending too much time watching videos or doing something else unproductive. But the mentors are always there to give a friendly reminder and help to keep me on track.

Testimonial by Kate, John’s mom:

What does “success” in school look like? Our son, John, had always loved school and done extremely well academically. As he entered high school we were hoping the opportunity to take honors and AP courses would be challenging and motivating, but in fact it was the opposite. Instead of intellectual challenge, the culture of the school was constant pressure and piles of busywork. We met with school and district staff to find a way to allow for some flexibility; we were shut down at every turn and they were frankly perplexed by our requests. To them, John looked like the perfect student, the picture of success; in fact he was miserable and was learning to hate school.

As he started 10th grade and things were no better, we decided we needed to make a change. Private schools known for “academic rigor” seemed like more of the same broken culture, so when we found BLC online we were hopeful it could offer what we were looking for. During our tour, John and I were surprised and encouraged to hear about flexibility, choice, and the chance to pursue personal interests. It was so different from what we were used to we had a hard time believing it!

John started BLC in the middle of 10th grade and the change was immediate and very positive. He was happy to go to school, he was engaged and curious, he was connecting with teachers and peers, he was learning. The culture of the school emphasizes exploring new areas, diving deeper into topics of interest, and engaging with peers in a culture of inclusiveness and curiosity. Allowing choice is so motivating to teen learners, and BLC reminded him what it was like to learn for the sake of learning and to take ownership of his learning by making decisions about it.

I am a former public school teacher and currently a teacher educator, so it was not a quick or easy decision for us to leave traditional school and choose this less-familiar path. I am so grateful we had BLC as an option, it has been a fantastic setting for John to remember what it is to love school and to be a learner. This is our definition of success.