Riding Toward Her Dreams: How Ella Balances School and Show Jumping with FLCCA

For rising ninth grader Ella, learning doesn’t stop when class ends – it continues in the ring, on the back of a 17-hand gray horse named Quill.

Since 2021, Ella has been a full-time student at Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA), but her journey with online education began even earlier. As a competitive equestrian, her family split their time between Maryland and Florida, following the show jumping circuit. Traditional schooling didn’t fit their lifestyle, and that’s when they discovered FLCCA – an option that has allowed Ella to stay on track academically while pursuing her lifelong passion.

“I’ve technically been riding since before I was born,” Ella jokes. “My mom rode while she was pregnant with me!”

Her mom, a licensed U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) judge and lifelong rider herself, introduced Ella to the sport early on. Ella competed in her first lead-line class at just two years old. Today, she trains and competes in show jumping and other events as part of the USEF and U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). She lives on a farm in Levy County, Florida, with her family and horses – meaning her classroom is never far from the stables.

Why FLCCA Works for Ella

Ella and her mom agree: FLCCA has been a game changer for the family.

“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 able to really focus on the class and assignments.”

For her mom, the ability to travel to shows while keeping Ella on track academically is priceless. “We can be hauling a trailer to Aiken, South Carolina, and Ella is still attending class or watching recordings,” she explains. “It suits our lifestyle perfectly.”

Personalized Support = Academic Acceleration

Ella’s academic journey has been as impressive as her riding. Thanks to FLCCA’s advanced courses, she skipped pre-algebra and went straight into Algebra I while still in middle school. Last year, she was enrolled in four advanced classes – completing ninth-grade coursework while still in eighth grade.

“She earned high school credit and even placed in the top percentile for English,” her mom shares proudly. “FLCCA has given her the space to grow, both academically and athletically.”

The family credits teachers like Ms. Lissa Logue for providing support, especially in math. “When Ella hit a rough patch, Ms. Logue made a plan and saw it through,” her mom says. “That kind of personal investment made all the difference.”

Chasing Big Goals – with Grace

When asked about her future goals, Ella doesn’t hesitate: “I’d love to be an Olympic medalist.”

But she’s also honest about the mental challenges that come with competition. “I get really anxious in the ring,” she admits. “At my last show, I could feel my heart beating in my ears.”

Still, with the support of her family, school, and her horse Quill, Ella is learning how to manage her nerves, build her confidence, and keep her eyes on the prize.

A Life Rooted in Family and Passion

Equestrian sport runs in Ella’s blood – her mom, grandfather, and great-aunts all rode and competed. Now, Ella is continuing that legacy on their family farm, alongside the horses that have become part of her daily life.

Between her academic ambition and her love of all things equestrian, Ella is proving that with the right support system, it’s possible to pursue your passions – and succeed at school – at the same time.

Is Online Learning Right for You?

Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) is a full-time online public school providing tuition-free education to students in grades K-12 throughout Florida. FLCCA, powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, offers flexible, personalized learning with a curriculum designed for academic success. With 25 years of experience, K12 has led the nation in providing online education programs that help students thrive. Learn more at flcca.k12.com.

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