Ollie's journey from New South Wales to Debating at Yale University

CGA student Ollie Lewis and his mum Suzie Lewis were recently interviewed by ABC TV about their experience making the switch from traditional schooling to online homeschooling with Crimson Global Academy. Their story reflects how an increasing number of Australian families are choosing alternative learning options because they’re dissatisfied with local schools. The results for Ollie have been transformative.

Unchallenged and uninspired at local school

Mum Suzie describes her son Ollie as having a love for learning. Mature for his age, she says he always enjoyed conversations with people older than him, sometimes preferring to chat with his friend’s parents.

At his local school, Ollie’s intelligence and curiosity were neglected. He joined extension classes but even these were not challenging enough.

Suzie began searching online for homeschooling in New South Wales options where Ollie would be supported to fulfil his true academic potential: that’s how she found CGA.

Making the switch to online education

Changing schools, especially from a physical to an online school, was a big decision. But Suzie explains that her first interactions with CGA quickly sealed the deal:

'I had a fabulous meeting with Karen Nguyen who looks after the enrolments for Australia and New Zealand, before I introduced Ollie to the idea of CGA'.

Next, Suzie and Ollie attended an online trial class together, which she describes as 'great fun' and 'an awesome way of getting to know how the school works'.

Convinced the online learning environment would be a great fit for their family, Suzie decided to take a chance and enrol with CGA for a year.

Academic acceleration and interactive classes

Ollie was able to skip Year 8 and join Year 9 at CGA straight away. CGA’s tailored approach, where individual students are placed in classes based on their ability, not age, was a massive draw for Suzie.

In addition, the online live group classes led by world-class teachers, surpassed their expectations. Suzie explains:

'..the teachers are great, the full-hour lessons [come without] the distractions of recess, or the admin/roll call which you usually find in high school'.

Small online group classes which average 10 - 12 students create a focused learning environment where teachers are able to give students more individual attention, in comparison to physical classrooms.

The unique learning environment combined with the ‘ability not age’ approach ensures that motivated students like Ollie are always engaged, stimulated, and supported to accelerate their studies.

Making connections online and offline

Initially, the Lewis family were concerned about social opportunities at an online school, but have been delighted by the various activities and extracurriculars organised for students: in-person social events, student and faculty-led clubs, trips, and more.

Ollie recently joined his peers at a Science Practical day in Melbourne and meet-ups in Sydney, including: a pottery class, escape room, and visit to Taronga Zoo.

Suzie says Ollie has formed a great group of friends from around the world, including those in Sydney who he catches up with regularly. He's also taking an active part in the vibrant school community by mentoring a new student.

Although Ollie was daunted by the idea of navigating social life at an online school, he says the collaborative nature of classes, which involve group projects and break-out rooms, made it very easy to connect with his classmates, and initiate friendships outside of the classroom.

Harvard Model United Nations in Sydney

One of his most rewarding school experiences so far, Ollie represented CGA alongside his classmates at the Harvard Model United Nations event in Sydney this year, where he received an Honourable Mention for his participation.

The event sees students from across the country come together to debate real-world issues using the policies and perspectives of different countries, under the guidance of Harvard college students.

Ollie reflected on the event:

‘The experience is not only something that looks great on my university application…personally for me it was a great opportunity for me to meet new people, learn new things, and meet some of my amazing classmates face-to-face’.

Suzie was so proud of her son for participating, and grateful to CGA for opening doors for Ollie to unique opportunities like this which she otherwise wouldn't have been aware of.

Yale And An Extraordinary Future

Now Ollie is confidently progressing at CGA with his education, he has his sights set on the future.

In January 2025 he’s travelling with some of his classmates and teachers to the US for the Yale Model United Nations. While there, he’ll tour around US college campuses to get a sense of what it might be like studying abroad at a prestigious university.

Ollie is currently considering his subject selections, and excited by the international curriculum pathways on offer at the school. In comparison to standard Australian education, CGA’s internationally-recognised curricula open up a world of possibilities for him in the US, the UK, and beyond.

After trying out CGA for a year, Suzie decided to re-enrol Ollie, seeing just how positive the school has been for him:

'Ollie has both mentally and intellectually grown so much.  He has a great group of global mates, thankfully also with some great kids in Sydney who he gets to catch up with regularly…I’m so very grateful that we found CGA. There’s no looking back for my family!’

Suzie’s advice for academic students not feeling supported or challenged enough at their local school? Speak to an advisor at CGA to explore if the school could be a good fit for your child.