Twin Scholars Balance Soccer, Coding, and Virtual Learning at Washington Virtual Academies

Meet Assane and Ousseynou, twin brothers in 4th grade at Washington Virtual Academies, who are coding games on the computer, sprinting down the soccer field, or diving into their latest math lesson. 

Washington Virtual Academies is the perfect fit for Assane and Ousseynou, their mom, Julia, shared that when they transitioned out of a traditional school, she carefully researched the best environment to support their growth, especially for Assane, who was diagnosed with autism. She found exactly what they needed in Washington Virtual Academies, balance and a supportive learning model. “K12 has been a great win for our family,” she said. “The support from staff is amazing, and we’ve developed great friendships with other families.” 

With Washington Virtual Academies’ Flex program, the boys are able to balance their rigorous soccer schedule, two practices and a game every week, with their academic goals. A typical day includes engaging lessons on a tablet, creative breaks in the garden, and lots of movement throughout the day to keep their minds and bodies active. “They’re never rushed and can work at their own pace,” Julia explained. “That makes a big difference for both of them.”

Outside the classroom, Assane and Ousseynou are passionate about soccer, a sport deeply rooted in their family’s culture. Their dad is from West Africa, where soccer is a way of life, and the boys have been kicking a ball since they could walk. They officially joined a team in September 2024 and now thrive in a competitive league that keeps them sharp and motivated. They’re eager to play, learn, and grow as athletes. 

But their interests don’t stop at sports. Another favorite hobby,  computer coding. The twins enjoy watching tutorials and researching new coding techniques with their mom, all in pursuit of creating their own games and developing strategies to win them. Their love of math shines through in their schoolwork, and the whole family enjoys reading together as part of Washington Virtual Academies’ ELA curriculum. “The stories are so diverse and representative. It’s important for our boys to see the world reflected in what they read,” Julia shared.

This summer promises to be full of new adventures for the family. Assane and Ousseynou will be attending zoo camp, coding camp, and a bicycle safety program, exciting firsts that will no doubt give them plenty of stories to share with classmates this fall. 

When asked what they love most about Washington Virtual Academies, the twins light up: it’s the fun, the freedom, and the teachers, who they describe as amazing. If they were to give advice to another student thinking about enrolling; they explained that Washington Virtual Academies helps you succeed in school and in life, whether you’re coding, reading, or racing down the soccer field.