LYNCHBURG, Va. – For many families, the traditional educational path just doesn’t fit. That’s why having options is crucial. During National School Choice Week, 10 News spoke with a family who experienced firsthand the transformative power of school choice.
Meet Aleah Moon, a local high school student whose life took a turn in June 2023.
“Would you say it was rock bottom for you?” 10 News asked.
“I would say it was deeper… I really didn’t have anywhere else to go, besides up and I don’t know how to go up,” Aleah replied.
It was rock bottom when she found herself in the emergency room, battling a mental health crisis. Self-harming in class, skipping meals and being caught in a toxic friendship circle at school, Aleah was struggling.
Carolyn Knuckles, Aleah’s mother and learning coach, shared, “From the emergency room she was put into a youth mental facility and while she was there I started to think of other options because I knew I wanted to take her out of the school she was in because it was doing her more harm than good.”
That’s when she discovered online learning through Virginia Virtual Academy. Now, a year and a half later, Aleah is thriving academically, focusing on her future, and has rediscovered her confidence.
“How does that feel to be in the National Honor Society?” 10 News asked.
“Amazing, I never thought I’d get there. I was a straight-A student, but my depression made me think less of myself and I never really got to see how much I could do in a public school because there was just trying to fit everyone which is hard,” Aleah said.
Aleah’s mom says she finally has the true Aleah back.
“She has just climbed her way up to the top she is flourishing socially, mentally, academically, she has several therapies that she’s involved in she’s taking control of her mental health and she has just flourished and empowered herself and become the Aleah she knows she could be,” Knuckles expressed.
The traditional one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t always fit all. With choices like online learning, private school, public school, and more, students and families are finding their way to the best education for each.
For more information on different school choices: Virginia School Choice | Navigate School Choice