If you have school-age children, you know that finding a good school is at the heart of any permanent change in station activity. We make important decisions, such as housing and employment based on our children’s school location. The stress of finding a school takes a toll on everyone in the family, but our children take the brunt of it because they have to restart their academic and social journeys every few years. The lack of continuity in education can lead to longer-term challenges in academic performance and emotional development. In a world filled with technological advancements, we must find a way to change the narrative of education continuity for our military children.
Academic Decline
In January 2022, I approached my husband, concerned about our child’s middle school experience. I had watched their interest in learning evaporate, their performance plummet, and their overall happiness noticeably decline. Having experienced the challenges of the lack of education continuity with our older daughter, we reflected on the importance of establishing a solid learning foundation and began searching for alternatives.
Modernizing the Education System
Since the pandemic, the growth in online schooling options has paved the way for new learning models and expanded the education landscape for military children. The 2015 film, Most Likely to Succeed captures the problems with the current education model and offers a new way to view the possibilities in education for our children. When we rethink how education could be, we find an opportunity to shape our children’s future and prepare them for real life. The traditional education model does not include a curriculum about executive functioning or real-world problem solving, which is critical for developing global citizens. You can listen to a podcast with Garret Smiley, CEO of Sora Schools and former military child, to learn about why project-based and interdisciplinary education fits the needs of our modern kids today.
Transformation and Education Continuity
We enrolled our child at Sora, and within the first six months, we witnessed a complete transformation in their overall approach to school. They dove deep into real-world topics and found a real purpose in their academic exploration. When the retirement process came upon our family, there was zero anxiety about the potential places we could move to. “I can take Sora with me anywhere,” they said. When I found Sora, I felt as though I had hit the jackpot because it’s a school that takes a modern approach to education and moves with you!
The Sora Experience
Sora is an accredited online middle and high school where students are organized into “houses,” yes, think Harry Potter. They meet daily and have live classes with top-notch faculty that connect personally with each student. My child loves their academic advisor and teachers because they challenge them in supportive ways. Regarding social opportunities, we’ve connected with other Sora families in our area and look forward to attending an academic field trip with peers this spring. If you’d like to explore whether Sora might be a good fit for your student, you can learn more and ask questions by scheduling a quick 15-minute call here!
Erika Nance is a dedicated advocate for military families, drawing from her unique experiences as a former military spouse, Gold Star family member, and a military veteran with over 20 years of service. As a mother of two, she is deeply committed to helping military-connected families navigate the challenges of securing quality educational resources for their children. Erika’s diverse background includes firsthand experience with private international schools, Department of Defense schools, and public domestic schools. She is currently pursuing studies at the Escola Nacional de Feng Shui while working as a self-employed consultant, blending her expertise and passion to support others effectively.
