Meet Chloe: An 11-Year-Old Musician, Coder and 8th Grader at North Carolina Virtual Academy
Through online learning, Chloe is able to follow their passions at a young age.
At just 11-years-old, Chloe is already thriving in the 8th grade at North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA). A gifted learner who skipped both second and fifth grades, Chloe is also a multi-instrument musician, jazz enthusiast, coder, and aspiring video game score composer. And thanks to NCVA, they’re finding the time, flexibility, and support they need to explore all of it.
Before joining NCVA in fourth grade, Chloe attended a traditional school. While they were learning, the environment was often challenging.
“There were a lot of disruptive kids in my class, and that was kind of hindering many people’s progress,” they explained. “We thought maybe we should try something else … and online school seemed like a good opportunity.”
NCVA quickly proved to be the right fit. Chloe enjoys shorter, more focused school days and a flexible schedule that allows time for creativity and rest.
Like many NCVA students, Chloe stays busy outside of class. This year, they’re participating in chess club, brain breaks, and the National Junior Honor Society. They also regularly attend jazz jams – often staying out late on Thursday nights when they know Friday will be an asynchronous day.
“That flexibility is huge,” Ethan added. “We can choose to go anywhere in the state, explore, meet people, and still stay on top of school.”
Chloe also speaks highly of their teachers, especially Ms. Spiker.
“She’s awesome. She was my science teacher last year and now she’s my computer science teacher. She’s incredibly nice and incredibly helpful, and I feel so happy that I get to be in a school with teachers like her.”
Read more on about Chloe's musical journey on the NCVA website.