Kai came to BLC in his senior year of high school after spending his junior year abroad because he was interested in finding out about self direction and the unique opportunities it offers. Kai was able to continue his academic studies in subjects like philosophy and advanced biology, as well as take time during the week for political activism with his father as part of his civics studies.

Kai graduated in June of 2020 and is now pursuing undergraduate studies in Berlin, Germany.

Testimonial by Paula, Kai’s mom:

BLC was one of the best choices we made for Kai’s education and without a doubt the best one for his last year in high school after returning from a year abroad as a exchange student in Denmark. We love the holistic approach that BLC has, as they support each student’s individual needs while helping them understand how to be good and reliable community members. Learning with people of different ages and from different backgrounds is invaluable, so is the weekly meetings that students have with their mentors.

Kai was motivated, encouraged, and guided in his curiosity and regained his passion for learning and enjoying reading, something he had lost in the previous more formal education setting he was in. Not having tests or pressure to do homework without a doubt contributed to him being happier. He also was given the opportunity to gain a different kind of responsibility by teaching a Spanish class in exchanged for his scholarship, learning the work that goes into being a teacher/educator and the importance of being accountable, showing up on time and being kind, empathetic and creative when helping others learn; this he learned with the gentle guidance of Eileen, Paul and his peers.

At BLC Kai had the chance to take control of his own education by being able to explore his interests and new ones, and by taking the initiative of what classes he chose and how much work he did; all while meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education in order to obtain his high school diploma and go to the college of his choice. Even through the 2020 world public health crisis, and the suspension of in person classes, Kai continued to obtain constant support and was able to take and teach his classes online. The online transition was made smoothly and organically. He is now studying at Bard College Berlin and this was in part thanks to the support he received from Eileen and Paul, as well as other staff members and peers that supported him, in one way or another, while preparing his applications for colleges/universities. Kai is doing his BA in Humanities, Arts and Social Thought, concentrating in Ethics and Politics, and he plans to study abroad in Palestine and other countries during his 3rd and 4th years in college. After Bard he is thinking about continuing his education and becoming an international human rights lawyer.