Student Spotlight: Kaitlynne

Finding Her Voice: How Kaitlynne is Thriving at Washington Virtual Academies

Washington Virtual Academies’ (WAVA) students don’t just log in to learn; they discover who they are. For Kaitlynne, a 7th grader from Des Moines, Washington, online learning has provided the consistency, support, and creative freedom she needs to grow both academically and personally.

Her story was recently shared through a K12 Voices submission, highlighting how digital learning environments can empower students to build confidence and independence. Kaitlynne’s journey reflects how today’s learners are finding their voice in modern classrooms.

A School Designed Around Real Life

Kaitlynne enrolled at WAVA nearly eight years ago after her mom and Learning Coach, Kourtney Carter, began searching for a different educational experience. Kourtney wanted something that better supported her daughter’s needs and daily life.

“I didn’t want her to struggle the way I saw many students struggle in a traditional environment,” Ms. Carter explained. “After seeing a K12 commercial, I called with questions and they really listened. WAVA eased my concerns right away.”

Because Kaitlynne splits time weekly between her mom’s and dad’s homes, consistency matters. Online learning made that possible.

“The schedule works beautifully for shared custody,” Ms. Carter said. “She has stability no matter which house she’s at, and she never falls behind.”

Creativity Without Limits

13-year-old Kaitlynne has turned that stability into creativity. She spends much of her time drawing and crafting, often inspired by researching projects and enjoying her mom’s crocheting and knitting projects. Over the past year alone, she has created nearly 20 handmade masks, built a detailed cardboard dragon sculpture that took more than three days, and regularly fills sketchbooks with new ideas.

She also enjoys quadrobics, imaginative play, and caring for her 16-year-old cat and family dog.

“She’s always been creative,” Ms. Carter said. “WAVA gives her the time and space to actually explore those interests instead of squeezing them in after long school days.”

Confidence Through Connection

Even in an online environment, Kaitlynne has built meaningful friendships. Through WAVA’s K12 Zone, she chats with classmates near and far, participates in activities, and has even formed friendships with students who live nearby, meeting up for outings like theater trips.

“People think online school means isolation, but it’s been the opposite,” Ms Carter shared. “She’s more comfortable socially because she connects first through shared interests.”

This school year 2025/26, Kaitlynne said she’s most excited about meeting new friends and expressing herself more confidently.

Strength, Discipline, and Self-Defense

Outside academics, Kaitlynne has been practicing karate since 2021 and enjoys wearing her uniform, which is called a karate gee (pronounced ghee), which is designed to provide comfort, and full range of motion when executing her karate techniques. She proudly has earned an advanced purple belt with a black stripe and is looking forward to mastering the green belt next. She trains twice a week for several hours, focusing on discipline and self-defense, skills she carries into everyday life.

“Karate gave her confidence,” Ms. Carter emphasized. “WAVA gives her the time to commit to it without sacrificing school.”

Learning Coaches: The Heart of the Experience

For Ms. Carter, being a Learning Coach has become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“You’re not doing it alone, the teachers and support team guide you every step of the way,” she said. “I can be involved without feeling overwhelmed.”

That partnership is a defining feature of WAVA’s approach — families, teachers, and students working together to create a personalized learning path.

Growing the Next Generation of Female Leaders

As conversations around girls in digital learning and leadership continue to grow, Kaitlynne’s story highlights how modern education empowers young learners to explore their identity and interests early.

“She isn’t just completing assignments; she’s learning who she is and building confidence, creativity, and independence.” Kourtney said. “That matters more than memorizing facts.”

For Kaitlynne, school isn’t limited to a building. It’s a place where creativity, friendships, and confidence grow, no matter where she logs in.

Kaitlynne’s journey shows how confidence begins early. When students are supported, heard, and encouraged to explore who they want to become, they thrive. Through creativity, independence, and strong guidance from her Learning Coach and teachers, she’s already developing the skills of leadership and self-advocacy that tomorrow’s female innovators and changemakers will carry forward.

At WAVA, empowering young women isn’t a single day of recognition, it’s part of everyday learning.

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