A Conversation With Keith

When did you embark on your journey into Partnership Education? (Said another way, when did you start on your path as a self-directed learner?)

I hated public school and my mom had always offered me the opportunity to homeschool. One day in 7th grade I just decided I was done. 

What were the main benefits of a hybrid education for you? 

I was given the opportunity to learn what I wanted to learn.  [With hybrid education] I was given the [tools to learn] what I “should” be learning to score well on the SAT and get into college, but I was also able to explore things in my own way.

How did Mike and/or Lucy support you during your high school years? 

Mike and Lucy always wanted to have fun but also have me put [forward] my best work.  We weren’t focused on grades. Lucy inspired me with theater and helped me tap into my creative mind. I loved it when we did creative writing and Shakespeare. I am now taking acting lessons and exploring photography. The way Lucy shares Shakespeare is perfect, she makes it so fun! Mike gave me the opportunity to be able to facilitate younger youth and this has carried over into my college life.  

What advice would you give a family who’s considering Partnership Education, but unsure of whether to take the plunge?

My advice [for parents] would be to listen to your child and make sure you know what they really want. If they don’t know yet, take your time.  And remember, you can always go back to school if it [isn’t the best fit].  I was always involved in golf through Great Valley [school district] and I had friends there, and I knew I could go back [if I wanted to].

How does being part of a community like CA help families who are transitioning from traditional public or private schools?

Being part of CA gives you a frame of reference, the support to get your questions answered, and a community of a [diverse group] of people. There are people who have been homeschooled their whole lives and people who just came from public or private school.  I think it would have been incredibly difficult for me to leave public school and just homeschool (school at home) on my own without the community support.

What has your path been since graduating? 

I graduated a year “early”, so I was really supposed to be in my senior year when the pandemic hit. That next year I spent a lot of time figuring out what was best for me because I had so many ides of [what] I wanted to do.  I love telling stories, I’m really good at photography, and I knew I didn't want to go into a traditional four-year college without a plan.  I’m now at community college majoring in photography. I want to work in the film industry so I may decide to take a step to film school next.

What skills did you develop as a SDL that have served you well during your transition to college/adult life?

I definitely developed more independence and the ability to understand the consequences of not following through. By not having grades, and by being friends with my facilitators, I think there was even more of a sense that I wanted to live up to their expectations. Instead of simply wanting a good grade on my report card, I wanted to be a good person who kept his word and was a contributing part of the community. 

Can you share a specific memory or story about an activity or experience you had with another self-directed peer or facilitator that has had a lasting positive impact on you?

[What] still sticks out most [to me] are the times we went on trips together, the theater [productions], and the group fund-raisers. The collaborative group [activities] stick out most to me. 

If you could have known that there was no need to stress about this one thing during your teens years, what would it have been, and why? 

Don’t stress about the rest of your life, even though there is pressure to know what you want to do after high school. Be present in the moment and focus on what you are learning now and the people you are friends with.