At VLACS, we know that education is about more than just assignments and tests: it’s about building a life that allows you to pursue your passions. Every student has a unique story—for many, their passions lie outside of the classroom. How can a student be a dedicated dancer, a competitive kickboxer, or an adventurous sailor while keeping up with their academic work? The answer is flexibility.
We’re pulling back the curtain to feature some incredible VLACS students who are truly living their best lives. The innovative, personalized, and flexible structure of VLACS is what makes it possible for them to achieve their goals without having to sacrifice a quality education.
Read on to discover how these students manage to juggle their schoolwork and their outside passions.
Avari Shipley, Pre-Professional Ballerina
I’m a 15-year-old pre-professional trainee at the Russian Ballet Academy in Newmarket, NH, where I train in the Vaganova method of classical ballet. I’m currently in year four of an eight-year program and working diligently toward my dream of becoming a professional ballerina.
I started ballet when I was 12 years old, which is considered late in the ballet world. Most dancers begin training seriously at a much younger age, so starting later has definitely been one of the biggest challenges for me. What I quickly learned is that ballet requires an incredible amount of discipline. Every day demands focus, hard work, and commitment and there are no shortcuts.
The most rewarding part of this journey is seeing my growth every day, both physically and artistically, and watching younger dancers fall in love with the same dream that inspires me.
I decided to take my education online with VLACS because it gives me the flexibility to dedicate myself fully to my training. I can structure my schoolwork around my ballet commitments, which is essential for someone pursuing a professional path in the arts.
A typical day for me is waking up, getting my assignments done for the day then packing my bags for ballet in the afternoon. I spend 30 to 40 hours a week at the studio and travel throughout the year to compete in ballet competitions nationally and internationally. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities VLACS provides and how perfectly it supports committed and aspiring artists, athletes, performers, and other students with big goals and unique paths.
Camper Dales, Sailboat Racer
I have been sailing competitively for three years now. I compete in regattas (sailboat races) almost every weekend. During the week, my sailing partner and I practice to learn strategy, teamwork, and precision. We also do our own boat maintenance, packing, trailering, and prep before regattas.
The most challenging part of sailing is mastering the constant variables. The wind, water conditions, currents, and weather are constantly changing, so we are always readjusting our approach during racing. It is also what makes this sport so rewarding; there is nothing like making the right choice on a race course or executing a perfect maneuver we learned in practice.
I chose VLACS because it allows me to have a flexible schedule for long regatta weekends and lengthy sailing practices. My grandparents also live in Florida, so we travel to be near them. VLACS allows me to have the ability to sail and travel while still doing coursework.
My school day varies depending on sailing practices and races. On a typical day, I might start with schoolwork in the morning and then spend the afternoon on the water. On travel or race days, I often work through assignments on my laptop on the team bus. VLACS gives me the flexibility to work from anywhere, which I love!
Austin Smith, Kickboxer
I train in kickboxing and do kickboxing fights. I have been doing it for a little over two years now. The most rewarding part of kickboxing is 100% winning the fight because you get the rush from the fight, but more importantly you get the vindication from putting in the months of work in the gym while in fight camp and cutting 25+ pounds to make weight.
I choose an online school like VLACS because it gives me the flexibility and freedom to come to the gym and work whenever possible, while still being able to complete school on the time that I am at home.
A typical school day while I’m in fight camp would look like me getting up at 7AM and going for a mile run as fast as possible, getting back home and doing footwork drills, making a good breakfast at 8AM, going to work, going home and knocking out a few assignments at about 4PM, going to the gym at 6PM and doing kickboxing and MMA class, then getting home at 9:30PM to make and eat dinner and go to bed at about 10:30PM.
Kiely Morneau, Competitive Dancer
I have been dancing since I was three and started doing it competitively about five years ago. After my senior year I will be attending a dance conservatory where I’ll train with industry professionals to prepare for a professional career. As of now, I train six days a week and travel around the country for events like competitions and conventions.
The most rewarding part is getting to work with people I am inspired by, and seeing my own progress over the years. The most challenging part of competitive dance for me would be balancing school and dance, but VLACS has made this much easier.
I chose to switch to VLACS in sixth grade to allow for a more flexible schedule, VLACS allows me to work at my own pace which is extremely helpful when I need to take time off to travel. On a typical day, I’ll do school for a few hours in the morning, then be at dance from 3:00-9:00PM. VLACS’ flexibility allows me to get some school work done late at night as well.
Just like Avari, Camper, Austin, and Kiely, you can enjoy the flexibility to design your own education schedule, seamlessly balancing your studies with work, hobbies, and personal interests. Discover how becoming a VLACS student can fit into your life by exploring our website or joining an upcoming open house webinar.
