A story of slaying dragons...

Our Heroes, in their Journey, sometimes complete levels, units, lessons and chapters.

And sometimes... we slay Dragons, figuratively and literally.

This week two of our Heroes slayed a Dragon by completing their Language Arts software.

In 9 weeks, they completed a full Grade level and, in turn, completed the entire software.

Over the entire year, they have both been really focused. Every day during core skills time, they isolate themselves to really be able to focus. To the outside world, completing a full Grade level in a subject in 9 weeks may seem crazy... From our view point, we're not the least bit surprised - we see how dedicated they have both been.

Contrary to the basis of the traditional school system, our Heroes didn't need homework, graded work, tests, quizzes or report cards to motivate themselves to work hard. They set a goal for themselves, they felt agency over their own education, and they didn't stop until they slayed that dragon. Along the way, they have also demonstrated exceptional character traits for our younger learners, and showed excellence in core skills, as well as in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.

Self-paced, learner-driven education works. When Heroes are motivated, they can make amazing progress on their own without being lectured to or saddled with homework.