Student Spotlight: Brody

Finding a Safe Place to Learn: Brody’s Journey at Carolus Online Academy 

For Brody, a senior at Carolus Online Academy (COA), virtual learning has provided something that once felt out of reach: a safe and supportive place to focus on school. 

Before enrolling at COA three years ago, Brody attended a traditional school. But like many students, he faced challenges that made the environment difficult to navigate. 

“The bullying was a big reason,” Brody shared. “It’s better than it was before.” 

His Learning Coach – and mom – Joy said the transition to virtual learning gave their family the chance to create a more positive learning environment. 

“He tried it the first year, and there was no going back for him,” she said. “It’s been great.” 

Support for the Whole Family 

For Joy, one of the biggest benefits of COA has been the communication and support from teachers and staff. 

“There’s always great communication,” she said. “If there’s an issue, if he’s falling behind, or if I need assistance, there’s always somebody I can reach out to and they’re quick to respond.” 

That support has been especially important this year as the family navigates a difficult time while Brody’s father deals with a serious illness. 

“Virtual learning gives us the flexibility for a not-so-standard family structure,” Joy explained. “This year has been rough, but the flexibility has helped.” 

Brody has also taken on more responsibility for his own learning during this time. At 17, he’s learning to balance school, family responsibilities, and planning for the future. 

Discovering Interests and New Opportunities 

During his time at COA, Brody has been able to explore classes that match his interests. One class that stood out was Introduction to Hospitality. 

“My favorite class was Intro to Hospitality with Mr. Kayser,” Brody said. “We learned about different countries and their food and hospitality.” 

The course sparked his curiosity about how cultures around the world approach hospitality and service. 

Outside of school, Brody has also developed creative and active hobbies. He’s been skateboarding for 14 years and enjoys photography, especially collecting and experimenting with vintage cameras. 

“He loves photography,” Joy said. “He even collects older Polaroid cameras and enjoys learning how they work.” 

Looking Towards the Future 

As Brody prepares to graduate this year, he’s already thinking about the next step. After high school, he plans to begin working at a mechanic shop to gain hands-on experience before deciding whether to pursue additional training or technical education. 

For Brody and his family, the past three years at COA have been about more than academics – they’ve been about finding a place where he can learn, grow, and focus on his future. 

“Virtual school gave us the ability to work through challenges and find what works for our family,” Joy said. “And that’s made all the difference.” 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

At Carolus Online Academy (COA), students experience a tuition-free online education designed for their individual learning needs. Serving K-12^th grade students in South Carolina, COA offers a college and career- focused curriculum, passionate teachers, and a variety of social extracurricular opportunities. Since its founding in 2023, COA has empowered students through flexible learning and personalized support. As a K12-powdered school, COA benefits from 25 years of leadership in online education through K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand. Learn more at coa.k12.com. 

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