Why Emma Chose Online Learning Over Boarding Schools in New Zealand

For Emma, the search for a more challenging and fulfilling education led her on a journey that ultimately brought her to Crimson Global Academy (CGA). Frustrated with the limitations of her traditional school, Emma and her family began exploring boarding schools in New Zealand but discovered the unique benefits of flexible online learning through CGA.

Unchallenged and Considering Boarding Schools in NZ

In Emma's own words: "I wasn't getting the education that I wanted. So my family and I started to look for alternative options. And my journey with CGA started from there as we discovered that this was an option without having to go to boarding school where I could get a better education."

Emma's parents echoed this sentiment, sharing: "Emma was really wanting an education where she was challenged. She's got this thirst for knowledge. So we were looking for somewhere that would challenge her, that would make her feel like she was learning every day and not wasting time."

Discovering Flexible Online Learning

What drew Emma to CGA was the opportunity to engage with a more rigorous A-Level international curriculum and the added flexibility that online learning offered. As she explains:

"The two things that I enjoy the most about being a CGA student are the harder curriculum we get to study... and the additional flexibility that we get around the times that our classes are."

Emma appreciated how CGA allowed her to pursue her ambitions, such as accelerating her studies to prepare for medical school in New Zealand or abroad.

Mark Philips, Principal of CGA, highlighted the engaging and collaborative nature of the school’s online classes, explaining how CGA creates dynamic learning spaces that encourage active participation.

"Our classes for starters, are highly engaging spaces. Our teachers work hard at encouraging all our students to participate fully. So they're really positive spaces where a lot of learning, a lot of connections are made."

The Benefits Of An Online Global Community

Beyond academics, Emma found CGA’s community to be welcoming and diverse. She shared: "The CGA community is awesome because we're all so different. You get exposed to lots of different cultures, so you get to work with people from all over the world. And that's such a cool thing most schools don't have."

This sentiment aligns with the experiences of other CGA students, such as student Khun from Thailand, who emphasised the value of an international education and the opportunities it brings.

Emma’s Parents’ Review of CGA

Emma's parents have been impressed with the level of communication and feedback from CGA.

They explained: "Through some traditional schools, the reporting hasn't been up to standard. But with CGA, we're continually getting reports. Emma's always being assessed, so we know how she's progressing."

The consistent updates and assessments provided by CGA , through the innovative platform CGA Home in particular, reflect its dedication to transparent and effective parent communication.

Advice for Families Considering Online Education as an Alternative to Boarding Schools in NZ

For Emma, the decision to enrol in CGA was transformative. She advises others considering CGA:

"Don't necessarily go all in straight away. Try it part-time first, which is what I did. Trying it part-time first gave me the opportunity to learn how it operated before going all in as a full-time student—something I've never regretted."

Emma’s journey highlights the importance of finding the right educational fit. CGA’s flexible, rigorous, and globally connected learning environment enables students to excel academically while building confidence.

Hear Emma and Her Parents' Review of CGA