Sarena Michnick just graduated from IVLA in the spring of 2019. Her hard work during her high school career paid off, winning her an athletic scholarship to Fairmont State University. Read her letter below that she wrote to those considering an education with IVLA.

Sarena Michnick's Letter to Incoming HS Students About Getting an Athletic Scholarship

Me-in my Fairmont State Fighting Falcons gear!

I decided to homeschool starting in sixth grade because I'm a high level gymnast who was training away from home.  My goal was to attend college on an athletic scholarship. I have achieved that goal in part because of the education I received from International Virtual Learning Academy. Was it tough? Absolutely! The course work in the APEX program is difficult but I received a much more comprehensive education than my friends who attend traditional high school. This program is also accepted by the NCAA as meeting the requirements for athletic scholarship and acceptance. I will be attending Fairmont State University on an athletic scholarship starting Fall 2019.

As an added benefit, I learned how to manage my time in an online environment. Most colleges offer a wide variety of online courses. This is especially helpful to athletes who must balance their course load with their practice and competition schedules. I feel as if I can approach these classes when I begin college in the fall with discipline and a firm understanding of what it will take to succeed.

If you are on the fence about homeschooling and wonder if your child will miss out on the high school “experience” I offer this: everything in life is what you make of it. My high school education may have been different from other students, but I can honestly say I would not change a minute of it. Thanks to IVLA, a caring group of teachers, and a wonderful success coach I feel as If I can approach this new stage of my life with confidence.

Sarena Michnick, Bishopville, MD
Class of 2019