Finding Confidence Again: Alivia’s Story at North Carolina Virtual Academy

For Samantha and her daughter Alivia, North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) has been more than just a school. It has been a place of safety, healing, and confidence.

A Difficult Start to the Journey

Before joining NCVA, Alivia was struggling daily in the traditional classroom.

“It was a struggle with the classroom dynamic,” Samantha recalls. “There was a lot of bullying going on … even violent behaviors. It was rubbing off on her, affecting her confidence, affecting everything about her. She was just so sad all the time.”

Things escalated to the point where Alivia began receiving threats, and the stress became unbearable. That’s when Samantha began searching for a new option.

Discovering Virtual School

As both a teacher and a parent, Samantha needed a solution that would keep her daughter safe but also fit her family’s schedule.

“I was hoping to find some kind of homeschool I could do on top of my job. I still needed an income. That’s when I came across NCVA. I thought, well, if she’s going to be home all day, I’m going to need to be with her. So, we started together.”

The change was immediate.

“It was a game-changer for us. For both of us, but especially her. She’s been smiling so much since we started at NCVA.”

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Virtual learning has created a calm environment where Alivia can truly thrive.

“She has the freedom to step away when she needs to. She doesn’t have all the chaos around her anymore. In this environment, she can focus on her schoolwork. She’s actually learning,” says Samantha, with a smile.

Alivia agrees: “I’ve been happier. I actually made some friends who are like me. A lot of my friends came here because of bullying too.”

The Best Part of Virtual School

While safety and peace of mind are the biggest benefits, Alivia also enjoys some of the other perks of virtual school.

“I get to sleep in,” she laughs. “The bus here would run at 6 o’clock, but now sometimes my first class doesn’t start until 9:15.”

And academically, she’s thriving – especially in science.

“I’m a science nerd,” she admits proudly. “Last year I dissected a cow’s eyeball, and I loved it. It was gross and cool at the same time!”

Her mom adds, “She talked about it all year long. She took so many photos.”

Life Outside the Classroom

Outside of school, Alivia is a talented soccer goalie.

“I’ve been playing for three seasons,” she says. “I dented a goalpost with my head once and didn’t even get a bruise.”

Her confidence on the field mirrors the confidence she’s found with her education, and she has big plans for the future.

“I want to be a nurse,” she says. “But if that doesn’t work out, I’ll be a soccer player.”

The Gift of Time

What began as a solution for Alivia has become a transformation for Samantha – and for their whole family.

“Things were so different at my previous job. I had to get there early, stay late for bus duty, lunch duty, recess duty … and then plan at night. At NCVA, they actually give us planning time. I leave when I’m supposed to, and I spend my evenings with my family. That has been a game changer.”

Her husband has noticed the difference, too:

“He said, ‘You are present now.’ Before, my mind was always on the next day. Now, when I’m off, I’m present. That’s priceless.”

Looking Ahead

Now in their second year, Samantha and Alivia are settled and thriving. Samantha has even enrolled her son, Lucas, at NCVA.

“We can set the tone of our own environment here. We don’t have to worry about bullies. For us, NCVA has been wonderful.”

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