Levy County equestrian balances school and show rings thanks to online learning
Oct 6, 2025
While many students head into the classroom this fall, Ella, a ninth grader from Levy County, is logging into hers from places most kids can only dream of – on the road to a horse show, beside the barn, or from the comfort of her family’s farm.
A full-time student at Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) since 2021, Ella is also a competitive equestrian who trains and competes in show jumping events through the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) and U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). For her family, traditional school couldn’t keep pace with the demands of competition and travel, so they turned to online learning. It’s a decision they say changed everything.
“We can be hauling a trailer to South Carolina, and Ella is still attending class or watching recordings,” her mom explains. “It suits our lifestyle perfectly.”
Ella’s classroom often moves with her, whether she’s studying in the backseat of a truck en route to a show or catching up on coursework between rides on her 17-hand gray horse, Quill. And even with her packed schedule, Ella is thriving academically. She skipped pre-algebra and completed ninth-grade coursework while still in eighth grade. She’s earned high school credit, taken advanced English, and consistently placed in the top percentile among her peers.
“I love that I can attend live classes and still have time for everything else,” Ella says. “Sometimes I’m doing school on the way to a show, and I’m still able to really focus on the class and assignments.”
Ella’s story is especially timely as families and educators recognize National Online Learning Day on September 15th, a day that highlights the potential and power of virtual education. Her experience shows that, when done right, online learning can offer more than flexibility. It can offer freedom to grow, to achieve, and to dream.
At Florida Cyber Charter Academy, Ella has also benefited from personalized academic support. Her family credits teachers like Ms. Logue for helping her succeed in challenging subjects. “When Ella hit a rough patch in math, Ms. Logue made a plan and saw it through,” her mom shares. “That kind of personal investment made all the difference.”
Outside the classroom, Ella’s goals are just as impressive. She hopes to one day compete as an Olympic equestrian, though she admits the pressure of competition can be tough. “I get really anxious in the ring,” she says. “At my last show, I could feel my heart beating in my ears.” But with the support of her family, her school, and her beloved Quill, Ella is learning to manage those nerves and keep her eye on the prize.
In a world where school choice is becoming more important than ever, Ella is living proof that learning doesn’t have to look traditional to be successful. With the right tools and environment, students can pursue their passion – and still ace their classes along the way.