How This US Student Found Confidence in an Online Classroom

It’s always inspiring to learn more about the students in our classrooms. When we look beyond their studies, we get to see what drives them, what they’re passionate about, and where they hope to go in the future. It’s through these stories that we truly see the individuality of each student.

Take Konoka, for example, a full-time student at Crimson Global Academy (CGA) from Massachusetts, USA.

Her experience at CGA shows how online learning can support students in finding their confidence, through improvements in mental wellness, and a balance of learning with extracurricular pursuits.

Finding the Right Fit: Why CGA?

Konoka’s decision to join CGA followed a period of online schooling she began for health reasons. But CGA offered something her previous online school didn’t, which was a mix of strong academics and a sense of community. The blend of a flexible schedule with structured Advanced Placement (AP) courses really appealed to her.

“I transferred to CGA because of its academic rigour, supportive faculty, and social opportunities—something that’s not easy to offer through virtual learning,” says Konoka.

CGA was the perfect combination for Konoka, giving her the chance to dive into challenging coursework while still keeping her days organized.

"My child is intelligent and was always eager for a more rigorous curriculum. She is also making a lot of commitment to her pursuit of performing arts, and the flexibility of CGA’s schedule has allowed her to engage in both," says Machiko, Konoka's Mum.

At CGA, Konoka has taken on a full course load, studying CGA's US Diploma Program with AP subjects including:

• AP Creative Writing
• AP Anatomy & Physiology
• AP Environmental Science
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP Statistics
• AP Human Geography.

Though she initially worried about the intensity of AP English, she soon found it to be a rewarding experience.

“I’m actually surprised that I’m enjoying AP English Language, since I was worried about the intense workload and my lack of confidence in reading/writing,” she says.

Her teacher’s support, along with the engaging class discussions, helped her gain confidence within this subject area. “My teacher is wonderful, and I appreciate how my classmates engage very actively during our classes!”

Small class sizes at CGA have been key to this progress. With fewer students, Konoka feels like she’s getting the personalized attention needed to excel, which has given her room to enjoy subjects she once found intimidating.

A Focus on Mental Health

CGA’s flexibility is more than just a scheduling convenience—it has become key to maintaining a balance between her academic workload and her personal wellbeing. 

“I appreciate the flexibility of our schedule, because it allows me to learn the same curriculum I would get at an advanced traditional school while also prioritizing my sleep, mental health, and extracurricular passions, especially the violin and my volunteering activities."

This flexibility has given Konoka the freedom to manage her time in a way that feels right for her, balancing her studies with her hobbies and taking care of her mental health. CGA’s approach ensures that students like her can challenge themselves academically without feeling overwhelmed.

“My teachers have been very understanding of my mental health and have offered additional support when necessary."

With CGA’s low student-to-teacher ratio, every student’s needs are carefully considered, creating a nurturing environment for students to feel safe and supported.

Konoka’s mother, Machiko, has seen the difference this balance has made in her daughter’s life.

“It is not an easy time for young people in general globally. Having good friends from different residential areas but with similar values helped her grow, and be more problem-solving and positive despite difficulties felt worldwide,” she shares.

Study sessions with friends are also a significant part of Konoka’s daily routine, helping her stay motivated and connected.

“I do study sessions basically every day with my school friends, which helps us stay motivated and makes work more fun to do!”

The international community at CGA has offered Konoka the chance to make meaningful connections that have supported her growth in and outside the classroom, as well as her overall happiness.

Leading Beyond the Classroom

Konoka’s time at CGA hasn’t been limited to her studies. She’s also deeply involved in the school’s extracurricular activities.

As the founder and president of the Classical Music Appreciation Club, she’s created a space where her love for music thrives.

“It’s been great to see so many peers join since classical music as a genre has been becoming less popular in the past few years,” she shares.

The club’s ensemble project is just one example of how CGA students can take initiative and build communities around shared interests.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Konoka is the founder and president of Through Art and Heart, a social media initiative aimed at raising awareness about child abuse through student-created content.

You can find her initiative at @throughartandheart on Instagram.

With CGA’s support, she has been able to connect with fellow students and promote her project within the school.

“Some of my team members are students at CGA, thanks to being able to promote my project on Slack/Teams, our yearbook, and homerooms/assemblies."

CGA: Building Confident Learners

When asked about her goals for the future, Konoka credits CGA for helping her clarify her academic and career goals.

With the support of her university admissions counsellor at CGA, she has clear plans to major in psychology and minor in music performance in college.

Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in research focused on preventing transgenerational trauma and addressing child abuse.

"I think that having been academically challenged by the curriculum and receiving guidance on time management and efficiency will help me in my future studies."

Konoka’s mother, Machiko, is incredibly grateful for the opportunities CGA has provided, and the changes she's been able to see in her daughter.

"The teachers and friends she has encountered through CGA have been amazing, and greatly supported her maintaining aspirations and thinking about goals, more positively than doing so without them."

Through small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a flexible schedule, CGA prepares its students to become confident learners ready to make a difference in the world.

For more information on how CGA can support your child’s education, get in touch with one of our Academic Advisors today for personalized support.