Ella Smith is a bright, creative 6th grader who loves to draw, fold origami, and spend time with her dog and family. She began her education in the public school system, but when she returned to the classroom after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ella and her family found that the traditional school environment no longer supported her needs or emotional well-being.
Rather than watching their daughter struggle with post-pandemic burnout and stress, Ella’s parents made the bold decision to try something new. They transitioned to homeschooling mid-year with Bridgeway Academy, and that change made all the difference in Ella’s happiness and academic success.
At Bridgeway, we see hundreds of stories just like Ella’s every day. Many families are discovering that traditional school just isn’t working for their children, and finding the right alternative can be daunting. But for Ella and her parents, homeschooling through Bridgeway restored Ella’s confidence, balance, and joy in learning—and allowed the whole family more time together.
In this post, we’ll discuss:
- Why traditional school no longer worked for Ella;
- Why the Smith family chose to homeschool through Bridgeway Academy; and
- How homeschooling has transformed Ella’s education and life for the Smith family.
Meet Ella – A Student Who Needed Something Different
Ella Smith started her education like many children do: in the public school system. But when the COVID-19 pandemic closed the school and forced Ella into at-home learning, everything changed. Returning to school the next fall proved more challenging than expected, says her mother RaeAnne.
“They went back to school the next school year, and school was not the same,” RaeAnne explained.
After months of learning at home, Ella was struggling in the traditional school environment. Like many kids, she faced:
- Overcrowded classrooms and limited individual attention.
- Difficulty readjusting to rigid schedules.
- A growing sense of stress and frustration that affected both her academics and confidence.
“They were really unhappy, and we knew that we needed to find an alternative,” said RaeAnne.
Ella’s parents began to explore homeschooling. They wanted an educational option that would meet Ella where she was, not force her to fit into a system that wasn’t working. They found that in Bridgeway Academy.
Why the Smith Family Chose Bridgeway Academy to Homeschool Ella
When the Smith family decided to homeschool Ella, their next challenge was choosing the right program. Ella and her parents were drawn to Bridgeway Academy by its flexibility, structure, and individualized approach, all of which fit Ella’s educational goals and needs.
Flexibility That Fits Ella’s Natural Rhythm
The flexibility of Bridgeway’s schedule became the turning point for Ella’s education. At home, she can begin her day at a time that works for her, learn at her own pace, and spend more time on subjects she wants to master, while also moving ahead through topics she enjoys.
That flexibility is Ella’s favorite part of homeschooling. Learning no longer feels rushed or overwhelming. Instead it’s part of a balanced day filled with creativity, family activities, and personal growth.
As she has gotten older, Ella has noticed how her day looks very different from that of her friends. When Ella wraps up her studies early and moves on to the things she enjoys, her public school friends are still in the classroom or working on homework: “I feel like I am always waiting,” Ella says.
Continue reading: What Does a Day in the Life of a Bridgeway Student Look Like?
Personalized Learning That Builds Confidence
For Ella, leaving the public school classroom for homeschool wasn’t just about catching up, but about discovering her potential. Bridgeway’s flexible curriculum options adapted to Ella’s strengths and allowed her to take ownership of her education, even at a young age.
“Having more control over her learning environment and giving her the ability to make her own decisions for herself made her much happier than she was before,” says Andrew Smith, Ella’s father. “She was also much more productive academically than she was in the public school system.”
Today, Ella is confident, happy, and motivated, a remarkable change where she was not long ago.
A Stronger Family Connection
“Homeschooling with Bridgeway is nice because me and my family get to have more family time,” says Ella.
While Bridgeway offers individualized programs and curriculum for each child, education has become a family affair for the Smiths. Ella’s parents better understand Ella’s learning style, her educational path, and her coursework, empowering them to take an active role in her education rather than looking in from the outside.
One example of this family-first approach to homeschooling is Field Trip Fridays. This weekly Smith family tradition sends the whole family on an adventure. The destinations are often decided by Ella or her sisters, allowing them to explore their interests in a unique way.
“These years are precious, and they go by fast,” says RaeAnne. “I’m glad that I’m not missing valuable time with my kids anymore.”
The Results – Confidence, Creativity, and Growth
“For the years that my family has been using Bridgeway, it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made,” says Andrew.
For Ella, homeschooling was about much more than academics. Studying at home, she’s happier, thriving academically, exploring her creativity, and more confident in her abilities. She is living proof that the right homeschool environment can unlock a child’s potential.
And while Ella’s transformation is inspiring, she’s far from alone. Thousands of families have found similar success through Bridgeway.
RaeAnne only has one regret: “I just wish we would’ve done it sooner.”
A Message to Parents Considering the Switch to Homeschool
Every parent knows when their child’s school just isn’t working anymore. You see the stress, the frustration, the fading spark. A child that once loved learning now resists it, and every morning is a battle.
More often than not, the question isn’t whether a change is needed, but whether homeschooling is the right decision for your child: What if it’s not the right time, or it’s too hard? Is it too late to make the switch? What if they fall behind?
Families like yours are asking these questions every single day, and stories like Ella’s show what’s possible when you have an educational partner that offers the right structure, support, and curriculum. Bridgeway not only makes the transition to homeschool manageable, but meaningful, giving your child and your family the fresh start you need to thrive.
Just like Ella’s family made the brave choice to bring her education home, you can too.
Ready to Begin Your Family’s Homeschooling Success Story?
If you’re looking for an educational option that offers more confidence, balance, and joy in learning, it may be time to consider homeschooling with Bridgeway Academy.
Bridgeway has been supporting homeschool families for more than 35 years, offering:
- One-on-one academic advising
- A 96% success rate in matching students to the right curriculum and learning plan, and
- Robust virtual and in-person communities
- All the support you need to get started and thrive at home
Contact our team to learn about Bridgeway’s quick-start enrollment process. You can also watch a pre-recorded open house where our team answers questions from parents just like you and then speak with an academic advisor at Bridgeway Academy.
Helpful Links
- Accredited Homeschool Programs
- Online Homeschool Classes
- Pre K Homeschool Programs
- Online Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum
- Elementary Homeschool Programs
- Online Middle School Programs
- High School Home School Programs
