Meet Chloe: An 11-Year-Old Musician, Coder and 8th Grader at North Carolina Virtual Academy

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. 

A Talented Student With Big Passions 

“I have a lot of hobbies and I do a lot of things,” Chloe said with a smile. “I play piano; I play drums. I’ve been playing for quite a while. I’m in a few different jazz bands, and I also enjoy going to jazz jams in my free time.” 

That love of music runs deep – so does their fascination with technology. 

“I’m also interested in coding,” they shared. “Sometimes there are school projects where I get to do that sort of thing, and I really enjoy it.” 

At NCVA, Chloe has the time to pursue both, often finishing schoolwork early in the afternoon so they can focus on practice, composing, and learning new skills. 

Why Chloe Chose NCVA 

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. 

A Parent’s Perspective: Time, Safety and Opportunity 

For Chloe’s dad, the shift to online learning has been just as transformative. 

“There’s a ton of benefit,” he said. “I don’t have to do the commuting in the morning and that saves me an hour or two every day. And now I get to make lunch and breakfast every day. We get a lot more time together, which for me is so cool.” 

He also loves being more engaged in Chloe’s learning. 

“I know every single assignment that’s coming in and going out. We’re able to explore things in different ways and find enrichment opportunities and clubs. I get to see what Chloe loves and help them pursue it.” 

He shared that NCVA made grade acceleration far simpler than their previous school system. “At NCVA, it was straightforward,” he said. “We met with admin, and it didn’t take anywhere near as long. And they’ve still had straight A’s since.” 

Safety has also been a meaningful part of their experience. 

“In the classroom, there was a surprising level of aggression that we didn’t anticipate,” he said. “At NCVA, physical aggression is just not possible. It’s one of the safest ways to do school.” 

Finding Community and Connection Online 

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.” 

A Bright Future Fueled by Creativity 

Whether they’re practicing jazz, composing original pieces, or refining their coding skills, Chloe sees endless possibilities ahead. 

“I’d love to combine my love of coding and music and create music and sound effects for video games,” they said. “There’s so much cool stuff I could do as a composer.” 

Becoming a gigging musician, forming a band or even an engineer are also on the table. 

“I love creating things,” they said. “I love taking an idea and refining it until it’s great. I think any of those paths – or even both at the same time – could be great for me.” 

Advice for Families Considering Virtual Education 

From their perspectives as a student and a learning coach, Chloe and their dad both had powerful advice. 

A Parent’s Perspective: 
“Get deeply engaged every single day. Know what’s going on, support your student, and jump into the process. It makes all the difference.” 

Chloe’s message to new NCVA students was just as inspiring: 

“With all the time you get in virtual school, it’s the perfect opportunity to really do well. Spend that time making yourself a more well-rounded person. Work on your school, your activities, and the things you love.” 

The Takeaway 

For Chloe and their family, NCVA has been more than a school – it’s been a platform for safety, flexibility, and extraordinary growth. 

“It gives you great teachers, great resources, a lot of time, and a lot of safety,” Chloe said. “It helps you become the best version of yourself.” 

Is virtual learning right for your family? 

Unlock possibilities you never imagined! Explore how North Carolina Virtual Academy can support your child’s journey. Click here to learn more about us today! 

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