Summer is here, but not without its share of blood, sweat and tears. As parents, we’re used to trudging through it all — unstoppable forces until we come up against that immovable object. This year, just 72 hours after the first day of summer, I came face to face with my immovable object: a hip gone bad.

By the time you read this, I’ll have undergone surgery and will be (I hope) recovering well at home. While none of us ever wants to go under the knife, the timing was perfect. Since learning last year that I needed surgery, my main refrain was: “Just please let it be after my son’s prom, graduation and college admissions stuff.” In other words, like many moms, I had no time to take care of me. Thankfully, one by one, each of Sol’s senior-year milestones was reached:

He received his college acceptances, then made his final choice.

He attended prom — and on a yacht in Marina del Rey. But on the afternoon of prom, I got my first call ever from a school nurse: Our son had cut his finger on a robotics project and needed stitches! Luckily, my husband got him in and out of a packed urgent care by playing the prom card, and I found the perfect last-minute brooch for his tux by texting him photos from the shop and awaiting his yay or nay responses.

He turned 18!

He graduated — and we parents screamed our heads off as our robe-clad progeny pretended not to hear us.

We threw a backyard garden party to celebrate the graduate’s rite of passage with our extended community.

He got the nose piercing he’s been begging for. “At 18, you don’t need your parents for most stuff,” he told me. Yet, tuition still has to be paid and he still expects my hearty breakfast “sammiches” every morning.

As we cleaned up the party leftovers, I could sense a shift in my parenting journey: In a way, my husband and I were graduates, too.

In June, our digital editor, Nina Harada, attended her eldest’s kindergarten promotion. She emailed the L.A. Parent team after the ceremony: “I barely held it together. I am going to be a MESS for all graduations to follow. Cassandra, how did you survive Sol’s?!”

So far, I’ve held it together, but I have a feeling that come August (campus move-in time), I’ll have had a few breakdowns. And yet, these good cries are like a soft drizzle compared to the storms so many of our fellow families are facing (ICE raids, still trying to find their way after the L.A. fires and more).

I hope you and your family have a safe summer — and that you find ways to play, explore and unplug — even in the midst of chaos. This edition is a beautiful guide to help you do just that.

The post Editor’s Note: Rites of Passage appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Young L.A. County filmmakers are on an award-winning streak. C-SPAN visited Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach on May 19 to celebrate and honor students for their prize-winning documentary filmy entries in C-SPAN’s annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam.

C-SPAN and Spectrum representatives recognized the winning students and their teacher, Jeff Montooth, who served as their StudentCam adviser, at an assembly of classmates, teachers, family members and elected officials.

For this year’s competition, C-SPAN, in cooperation with its cable and satellite television partners, asked middle and high school students to address a theme — “Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?” In response, nearly 3,500 students from 42 states and Washington, D.C. sent more than 1,700 entries to C-SPAN.

Award-winning documentaries

Several freshmen from Poly High received top honors and cash prizes for their documentaries:

Second-Place Prize ($1,500):

Nolan Sheets, Rene Ortega and Roman Leonor, freshmen, won second prize and $1,500 for the video “Crime: Perception vs. Reality.”

Third-Place Prize ($750):

Sara Kong, a freshman, for the video “Ocean Acidification: Small Changes, Big Problems.”

Honorable Mentions ($250)

Isabella Sim and Owen Gurga, freshmen, for the video “Editing the Future: Bridging Science, Society, and Policy in Gene Editing.”

Juliet Haesly and Megan Lee, freshmen, for the video “No Means No.”

Eliza Floto and Brianna Goldstein, freshmen, for the video “The Divided States of America: Is the United States Really United?”

Natalie Hebdon, a freshman, for the video “A Safer Tomorrow: America’s Need for Enhanced Disaster Protection.”

“Congratulations to all of the incredibly talented young students who won awards in this year’s competition,” C-SPAN’s Director of Education Relations Craig McAndrew said. “Through in-depth research and interviews with an array of topical and technical experts, [they] have crafted impactful short stories that capture issues of wide public interest and importance. [Their] documentaries set a very high bar for future StudentCam filmmakers.”

C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies as a commercial-free public service. In Long Beach, C-SPAN is available through Spectrum, the local partner in StudentCam. 

“As a long-time supporter of StudentCam, we are continually inspired by the curiosity and creativity students bring to C-SPAN’s annual competition,” Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Spectrum Adam Falk said. “The program provides a unique opportunity for young people to showcase the critical thinking, problem solving and civic engagement skills essential for informed and active communities. We celebrate this year’s winners and look forward to watching them continue to follow their passion for storytelling through this medium.”

Popular Topics Explored

Now in its 21st year, this project-based learning experience asked students to explore and analyze matters of personal, local or national importance.The most popular topics addressed were: 

• Climate, environment and land use (11%)
• K-12 education policies and the cost of college (10%)
• Health care and mental health (10%)
• Gun violence, school safety and firearm policies (9%)
• Inflation, taxes, government spending and the economy (9%)

In addition to the grand prize and first-prize winners, C-SPAN awarded 16 second prizes, 32 third prizes and 97 honorable mention prizes. The StudentCam competition has awarded more than $1.6 million in prizes since 2004. You can watch all 150 winning videos from this year’s competition at StudentCam.org.

The post C-SPAN Honors Long Beach StudentCam Winners appeared first on L.A. Parent.

We’re almost halfway through the year, and what a century 2025 has already been. As summer approaches, my wish is that you find a way to slow down and savor even the smallest sweet moments before they melt into memories.

In my own home, we are preparing to celebrate an exciting milestone: Our son, Sol, is graduating from high school this June. You’re tired of hearing this, but the years really do fly. So even if you’ve had a rough day with a colicky baby or a sulking tween, take heart. Nothing marks time like watching a child grow from a warm, squirmy bundle to a crawling-then-toddling tiny human to a teen who has suddenly taken over your steering wheel and is driving you to dinner.

Which is what Sol (who just got his driver’s license yesterday) will be doing tonight. To celebrate my birthday, he’s driving the family to one of L.A.’s hottest new restaurants, Sampa Los Angeles, where chef Josh Espinosa and his team have created a Filipino-American fusion that is surprising, delicious and fun. Both elastic and full of depth, the culinary creations are inspired by Espinosa’s family memories and his knowledge of global cuisine. As my son closes one chapter and prepares to begin another — college in the fall — I hope he, likewise, will discover a passion that pulls from his roots while also reaching for new terrain.

No matter how grim the world sometimes feels — or how hard the days can grind watching our children reach for their individual milestones (with extra emphasis on “individual”) — raising children gives us a daily dose of vitamin H, aka hope. 

Nevertheless, this work of caregiving, teaching and loving is draining, so we focused this issue on travel and wellness. In “Grappling with Parental Guilt,” Melissa Monroe takes our breath away with a devastating personal story, then resuscitates us by narrating how she learned to let go of guilt and embrace healing — and how we can, too.

In poet Shonda Buchanan’s essay, “Mothers: Parent Yourself,” heed her advice now, before the kids grow up.

This Teacher Appreciation Month, consider former classroom teacher Jamie Mayes’ words as she makes a strong case for how teacher wellness is our collective responsibility.

Live vicariously through Digital Editor Nina Harada and Creative Director Elena Epstein as they guide us through parts of New England and Canada. And if you’ve never traveled with more than your clan but think multifamily getaways sound like a fun idea, check out Amelia Lopez’s tips on how to pull them off successfully.

Like life, not all of those trips will be wholly successful, but when you look back years from now, you’ll remember the fleeting moments that were sweet or hilarious. And you’ll be glad you have the photos that captured them.

The post Editor’s Note: Marking Milestones appeared first on L.A. Parent.

In an exciting development for Los Angeles families, The Reading Foundation (TRF), a renowned leader in literacy education, has opened its new U.S. headquarters in Westwood. Now booking assessments, TRF brings its proven, one-to-one, evidence-based reading programs to learners of all ages.

Addressing Literacy Challenges in Los Angeles
In the 2023-24 school year, only 43.1% of Los Angeles Unified School District students met state proficiency targets in reading, according to LA School Report. Contributing factors such as increased screen time, lack of reading enjoyment and lingering post-COVID learning gaps continue to hinder students’ literacy skills.

The Reading Foundation’s personalized programs offer a solution. Whether a student has dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or simply needs more effective reading instruction, TRF provides individualized, one-to-one support designed to meet each learner’s unique challenges and goals.

Founded by Dr. Steve Truch, a distinguished learning specialist with extensive experience as a schoolteacher and psychologist, TRF employs research-backed, results-driven programs to systematically develop reading, comprehension and language skills.

The Reading Foundation’s signature program, Discover Reading, has been recognized for its exceptional outcomes in Dr. David Kilpatrick’s book, Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties.

Programs Offered at the Los Angeles Clinic
The Reading Foundation offers a suite of programs tailored to strengthen key literacy and learning skills:

• Discover Reading©: Systematically teaches reading and spelling with tailored levels for beginners (Kindergarten), basic learners (1st–6th grade) and advanced students (7th grade through adults).
• Discover Meaning©: Enhances reading and listening comprehension using a dual-coding approach, integrating verbal and nonverbal processing.
• Discover Language©: Develops oral language skills, including vocabulary, grammar and figurative language.
• Discover Math©: Builds a strong foundation in math through hands-on learning and visualization techniques.
• Discover Writing©: Guides students in crafting clear and structured sentences, paragraphs and essays using dual-coding strategies.

The Importance of Reading Assessments
Early and accurate reading assessments are vital for identifying literacy levels and tailoring effective support. These assessments help:

• Identify students who need additional support.
• Inform personalized instructional planning.
• Monitor individual progress.

To help your child reach their full learning potential, schedule an assessment with The Reading Foundation’sLos Angeles clinic. With both in-person and virtual options available, TRF offers flexibility to accommodate your family’s needs.

Contact Information:

•  Address: 10940 Wilshire Blvd, 23rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024
•  Phone: 1-800-605-9272
•  Email: la@readingfoundation.com
•  Website: www.ReadingFoundation.com

Transforming Lives: Testimonials from FamiliesThe impact of TRF’s programs is evident in the stories of satisfied families:

Dr. Sarah Hall & Dr. Chris Hall (Parents and Physicians):
“As parents and physicians, we highly recommend The Reading Foundation for any child needing extra support in school. TRF helped our child meet classroom expectations and built a solid foundation in literacy and comprehension that has been invaluable!”

Silvi & Kirby Dechant (Parents of Rocco):
“After completing TRF programs — primarily Discover Reading — Rocco made incredible progress. He now reads fluently, with improved spelling and math skills. His confidence has soared, and he achieved the equivalent of four years’ progress in reading in just two!”

These testimonials highlight the transformative impact of TRF’s personalized programs on students’ academic performance and self-confidence.

Invest in Your Child’s Future. By addressing Los Angeles’ literacy challenges, The Reading Foundation is empowering students and fostering a community of confident, capable readers.Book your assessment today! Visit: www.ReadingFoundation.com or call 1-800-605-9272.

The post Struggling with Reading? The Reading Foundation Offers Personalized Support in LA appeared first on L.A. Parent.

As parents, nurturing a child’s passion and preparing them for future success are top priorities. For those with creatively inclined teenagers, the Summer of Art pre-college program at Otis College of Art and Design offers an unparalleled opportunity to cultivate their budding talent, gain critical college experience and earn transferable credits — all within a supportive and inspiring environment.

An Immersive Pre-College Experience

Summer of Art is a four-week intensive program designed for high school students and young creatives aged 14.5 to 19. This year’s program, which runs from July 7 to August 1, offers an immersive experience that provides participants with a taste of college-level art and design coursework while helping them build compelling portfolios for college applications. Whether your teen is an experienced artist aiming to refine their skills or a budding creative exploring new mediums, Otis College’s Summer of Art program offers tailored instruction to meet their needs.

Diverse Course Offerings

The Summer of Art program features a wide array of courses that are categorized into Specializations and Drawing Studios. Specializations delve deep into specific art and design fields and meet five days a week for either morning or afternoon sessions. Options include Animation, Character Development and Design, Concept Art, Fashion Design, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography and Film, Toy Design, Sculpture and Ceramics, Storytelling and Animatics, among others. 

Complementing these are Drawing Studios, which focus on foundational skills that are essential across all art and design disciplines. Courses such as Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Life Drawing and Drawing from the Costumed Model are available and also meet five days a week. For a comprehensive experience, students are encouraged to enroll in both a Specialization and a Drawing Studio, creating a full-day schedule that mirrors the rigor of a college level art and design program.

Earn College Credit

A significant advantage of the Summer of Art program is the opportunity for students to earn up to three transferable college credits. Upon successful completion, participants receive two credits for their Specialization course and one credit for their Drawing Studio course. These credits can be applied at Otis College or other institutions that accept college credits, providing students with an important head start as they pursue higher education. 

Learn from Industry Professionals

Summer of Art courses are taught by award-winning, practicing artists and designers who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Many also teach for Otis College’s undergraduate degree programs. This mentorship allows students to gain insights into the professional art and design world, understand current industry practices and receive guidance on their creative journeys. 

Experience Campus Life

For students seeking a fully immersive pre-college experience, on-campus housing is available in the Otis College Residence Hall. Living on campus helps students foster a creative community, offering opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie among their peers. Residential students participate in supervised activities, have access to campus facilities and experience a taste of independent college life within a structured environment. 

Culminating Exhibition

The Summer of Art program concludes with a final exhibition, providing students the experience of being part of a gallery show. This event allows participants to showcase their work to family, friends and the Otis community and celebrates their achievements and artistic growth over the four-week program. 

Preparing for College Admissions

Summer of Art at Otis College is the ultimate pre-college program. Beyond skill development, students strengthen their future art and design college applications and gain insight into what admissions counselors are seeking through critiques and portfolio development sessions. The experience also builds confidence and familiarity with the demands of college-level coursework. 

Important Dates and Registration

• April 21, 2025: Scholarship application deadline.
  
• April 25, 2025: Early enrollment discount deadline; tuition deposit due.
  
• May 14, 2025: International student registration deadline.
  
• May 23, 2025: Full tuition balance due.
  
• June 23, 2025: Final registration deadline.

To register, visit otis.edu/soa and select the desired courses. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot, take advantage of discounts and secure housing. 

Join an Information Session

Otis College will offer an in-person information session in April for prospective students and parents to learn more about the Summer of Art pre-college program. The session will provide insights into course offerings, campus life and opportunities to ask questions. 

April Session:
Saturday, April 19, 11:00 a.m.–noon PDT (On-campus at Otis College)
Register Now

Invest in Your Teen’s Creative Future

Enrolling your teenager in Summer of Art at Otis College is more than a summer activity — it’s an investment in their creative and academic future. The program offers a unique blend of intensive instruction, college preparation, and personal growth opportunities that can set the foundation for a successful career in the arts. By participating, students not only enhance their portfolios and skills but also gain invaluable experience that will serve them well in any future endeavor.For more information and to begin the registration process, visit otis.edu/soa today. Empower your teen to explore their artistic potential and take the next step toward their creative aspirations.

The post Unlock Your Teen’s Creative Potential at Otis College’s Summer of Art Program appeared first on L.A. Parent.

It may be widely known for being a place that houses books for anyone interested in reading, but visitors and members of the L.A. County Library and Los Angeles Public Library systems know that L.A.’s libraries are about far more than books.

From job readiness to story time with pups, library activities encapsulate fun, community, mental health, family assistance and, of course, library services. And you can access these opportunities in person and online. A great place to learn more about the L.A. County Library is through its YouTube channel. We love keeping tabs on the L.A. Public Library through its exciting and quirky Instagram account.

For more information about what’s happening within the county system, visit the events section of its website. Below are some of the programs offered at the L.A. County libraries below. Check the L.A. Public Library’s events page and services and programs section for services, events and programs that are just as robust.

Work Ready is a series of workshops for those looking either to enter into the workforce, are looking to make a change in their careers or simply want to remain current on changing workforce needs. There are different courses, including a chance to update your resume, be exposed to new ways of working or learn what employers are looking for when hiring. The length of the sessions range between 75 to 90 minutes. Most of these classes are virtual and happen weekly.

Meditation – Few would argue that we are living in stressful times. Accordingly, there is an area within the library system dedicated to meditation. Here, you can learn various techniques that can help you to reduce your stress levels. These meditation sessions are an hour long and are broken and into two sections. The meetings, led by instructor Doug Frankel, are not recorded.

Get to Know Libby  – If you know that you’d like to spend more time using the library, knowing how to use it is crucial. That’s why this program operates virtually monthly. Get schooled on how to check out an audiobook or ebook.

Smarty Pants Storytime  – Want to help your young ones love to learn and get ready for school? Well, check your local branch to sign up for Smarty Pants Storytime, where kids ages 2-5 can start building strong learning habits. Young kids become familiar with routine and are exposed to books, singing songs, movement and rhyme, readying them for school. It is all done only with the help of a parent, guardian or caregiver. Classes are held in person on Friday mornings. The time may vary depending on the branch, but sessions run for 30 minutes. Register online.

Baby-Toddler Storytime – Similar to the above-mentioned program, this one operates with a similar agenda of helping the little ones acclimate to a bigger world. The library designed the program for babies to toddlers ages 0-2 to help them build up their cognitive and motor skills through pre-literacy programs and singing songs, rhymes and movement. And just like Smarty Pants Storytime, these babies and toddlers can only participate if they’re accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver. The time is also a 30-minute course held on Friday mornings. Please check your branch for the exact time as they may vary from branch to branch. Register online.

New Parents Engagement –  If you’re new to the system and want to learn more about it, you can have your questions answered through this program, including how to do research on a particular topic for a class assignment for the young scholar in your life, how to get a library card or how to use the various services the library provides. These sessions last 30 minutes and are held virtually.

Heart and Hand – This is a lecture series that covers various topics. Some are focused on children; others may be something fun, such as discussing a book or author geared toward adults only. Topic themes are often associated with the national month themes, such as Women’s History Month. The talks run for an hour and happen virtually once a month.

Author Talk –  If you love reading and want to hear from your favorite author, this series may be the right one for you. Held on Tuesdays for one hour, the time varies just like the author in conversation. These virtual conversations are available after registration. Check ahead of time to find out who the next author is and when the talk will take place.

Trailblazers in Conversation – If you need honest advice or want to learn from someone you admire, check out this series of people who have broken down the roads you’ve only begun to travel. The conversations happen once every few months and last an hour. The next one is in March.

There are several other programs for kids, including a book club, reading with the dogs for children and art classes… just to name a few. These events are in person, with an estimated run of an hour for most events. Please check the site and the event calendar for more information and don’t forget to register beforehand.

For anyone who may need assistance pursuing education on any level, the library also offers help in that area. Find out more here.  

On the library’s YouTube, you can find videos that cover everything from events to other essential information that only the library can provide.

The post L.A. Libraries: Much More to Offer Besides Books appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Next summer may feel far away, but it’s never too early for Los Angeles high school students to start thinking about internships and work experience. The 2025 application for Bank of America’s Student Leaders‘ paid internship program is now open through Jan. 15.

Selected students will participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization to learn firsthand about the needs of our community and the critical role nonprofits play. They will also attend an all-expenses paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C. to learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs.

Last summer, four Los Angeles Student Leaders worked at L.A. nonprofits Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services (AYE), Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC) and The Salvation Army Southern California Division, learning about local community needs while developing leadership and workplace skills and earning competitive wages.

Read about the 2024 student leaders. To learn more and apply, visit Bank of America.

The post Internships for Teens: Bank of America Student Leaders Applications Open appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Anxiety about college starts early. For many, their first thought is, “What if I don’t get in?” What isn’t talked about as much is the genuine anxiety around “What if I do get in?” As a high school senior going through the application process, I’d like to offer both kids and their families some thoughts and best practices for navigating the natural anxious feelings that surround the prospect of this life change.  

College is a scary concept: a new community, a new social scene, a new academic environment, and most importantly, new responsibilities. Getting accepted means there is a new wave of pressure. It’s not just writing essays and maintaining grades; you’re deciding your future. What major do I choose? What career path can I take? Is a loan worth it, or will I be bogged down in debt for many years to come? Which college will look the best on my resume, and does that even mean anything anymore? These questions swirl around high school seniors’ heads, and it is nearly impossible to find an answer. 

Juggling these questions while managing the very real and ongoing pressures of the college application process itself can feel overwhelming. The college conversation starts so early – it’s been in my mind since 7th grade. Whether you’re at school or at home, there’s always that constant conversation that plants a seed in your mind about how important college is and how hard it is to get in, especially in Los Angeles. There is a culture in schools here where success is measured by academic triumph. Getting all A’s, the title of valedictorian, and 1600 on the SAT are amazing goals but very difficult to achieve. The societal expectation of having to receive all of the titles is stressful, and students should not be constantly told that this is their only chance at getting into college. I think of this stress split into three categories:

Societal pressure. Parental pressure. Competitive pressure.  

I have learned that the best solution to manage anxiety is to have a plan. There is always more than one right answer, but I am sharing my plan in the hopes that it helps you and encourages you to create one for yourself.  

5 tips to manage college application stress

1. Make preliminary deadlines.

The college application process is made up of so many deadlines, which can be overwhelming. As an avid procrastinator, this can be challenging for me! I set personal deadlines before the actual deadlines. It prevents rushing towards the end, which can cause even more anxiety. Allowing myself more time also produces even better work. 

2. Work and talk with peers.

Competition around the college application and selection process can feel isolating, as if you cannot or should not talk about it to the people around you. But that’s not the reality of the situation. Nearly everyone in your grade is in the same boat and shares the same questions. Find a time to work with your friends on applications: go to the Los Angeles Public Library, meet in a classroom, grab a coffee and hone your applications together. Having people to talk to who are going through the same thing can provide relief from this stress.

3. Find or create breaks.

With the never-ending workload of senior year and the process of filling out the Common Application, it can be hard to find time for yourself. It feels as if you are spending all of your free time polishing a draft or listening to a college podcast. Big tip: anxiety thrives in imbalance. To counter this, pick an activity you enjoy, preferably outside, and carve out time to do it (I love to take a walk on the beach). No excuses!

4. Don’t think too far ahead.

The college you get into is not the end all, be all. It is a land of possibility. You can switch roommates, majors, or even transfer to another college. Anxiety cannot survive if you are living in the present, and college anxiety is no exception to that. Try meditation exercises on YouTube or even box-breathing for two minutes. Do not let anxiety prevent you from enjoying your last year of high school.

5. Find a support system at the schools you are interested in.

Do some research! Most schools nowadays have counseling systems, support clubs or even workshops. This can help to alleviate the fears of being alone in college, as well as provide a place to ask questions. 

Keep in mind, true beauty lies in the journey, not just the destination. We’ve got this!

Quincy Kadin is a high school senior, mental health advocate and author of Frankie’s Fishy Feelings.

The post Unseen Pressures: Navigating College Application Anxiety appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Lately, I’ve been watching (and reading) the “Bridgerton” series on repeat. Since romance isn’t my usual genre choice, I’ve assumed that my obsession with the Regency-era drama is related to some need to escape the realities that flood our screens: a presidential election year, wars and debates about wars, inflation, a divided nation. 

But as the 2024-25 school year cartwheeled into our summer, slicing it in half, I realized that my compulsive indulging is also linked to another anxiety lurking just beneath the surface. 

My son Sol, the first and only child to whom I’ve given birth, is preparing to fly the nest. My son, that bright-eyed baby who was born on a Saturday night in 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown L.A., is now a high school senior. 

As I dropped Sol off at school the morning of Aug. 12, I asked him if I could take a photograph of him in front of his school. He rolled his eyes to the top of his head. 

“Come on,” I whined. “Put yourself in your parents’ shoes. This is historical.”

“Alright,” Sol said. “But just snap it real fast as I’m walking in.”

“Will you turn around and give a smile or a thumbs-up?” I asked, knowing the answer.

“Nope,” he promised.

And so, from the driver’s seat of my car, I aimed my cell at his retreating back and clicked. Within seconds, his tall and lanky frame folded into the crowd — and then was gone. 

I drove to a side street, parked the car and texted my husband the photo of our son’s back. “He’s off!” I wrote. Because I had taken the day off, I drove to Venice Beach to let the ocean’s waves mirror my emotional ones. As I journaled and fawned over photos from Sol’s baby, toddler, preschool, elementary, middle and high school years, I fondly recalled his milestones and accomplishments. 

But I also remembered our parental worries: What is the best preschool we can afford? Should we put him in speech therapy at 2, or is that too young? If private school is out of reach, the neighborhood school is struggling and charter schools are embroiled in an ongoing battle with public schools, what is the right option for our child? These philosophical and practical quandaries mingled with smaller (but no less pressing) concerns about bullying, school lunches, afterschool programs and more.

The language of parenting deserves to be rooted in our collective consciousness. We should never feel alone while navigating the nuances of caretaking and educating our children. Whether your children were just born (I started calling preschools when Sol was still in utero!), have just entered preschool or are heading for college, we put together our September/October education and enrichment magazine with you in mind. 

Stories in this issue explore preschool teaching philosophies, parent-teacher communication strategies, career and support options for neurodiverse students, college admissions essay writing tips and more, including an exciting calendar of fall events. Don’t forget to have fun this school year. 

It really will be over before you know it.

The post Parenting Milestones appeared first on L.A. Parent.

By Deanna Vallerga, Director of Middle School

Education is rapidly evolving, driven by the realization that traditional classrooms may not meet the diverse needs of all students. As families seek alternatives better aligned with their children’s unique learning or lifestyle needs, virtual learning has emerged as a compelling option. Now is the time to explore why virtual learning might be the right choice for your child. There’s still time to enroll for this school year.

The Shift Toward Personalized Education
Personalized learning has gained significant traction, and for good reason. Traditional education models are sometimes challenged to meet the needs of students with unique abilities, lifestyles and schedules. Virtual learning meets students where they are, allows them to engage in learning in a more flexible way and offers a tailored experience that adapts to their individual circumstances.

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) exemplifies this by providing online education that is more customized. In a virtual classroom, students can progress at a varied pace, spending extra time on challenging subjects or moving ahead quickly when they grasp concepts. This more individualized pacing supports academic success and boosts confidence by allowing students to achieve mastery without the pressure of keeping up with classmates or the boredom that comes with slowing down for their peers.

This shift toward personalization represents a fundamental change in what families are looking for and how education is delivered. Virtual schools like CAVA create adaptive learning experiences that adjust in real-time to a student’s progress, ensuring each child receives the support they need to succeed. It’s a model that prioritizes the individual, making education a more inclusive and effective experience for all students. 

Education for Modern Families
The phrase learning happens everywhere has never been more relevant. Parents and children juggle multiple responsibilities, making the ability to be mobile invaluable. Virtual learning allows students to learn from anywhere — at home or on the road — that suits their family.

The ability to adjust some of a child’s schedule is particularly beneficial for busy families, such as demanding extracurricular activities, ongoing medical appointments or needs, travel or non-traditional work. Whether your child is an athlete, musician or someone who benefits from a different environment, virtual learning through CAVA offers the freedom to balance education with life.

Children who struggle with the social pressures or sensory overload in a traditional classroom are more comfortable with virtual learning and its more controlled setting. Learning from home or another preferred location often helps these students focus better, leading to a more positive educational experience and outcomes.

The Rise of the School Choice Movement
More and more parents are taking control of their children’s education, seeking learning environments they believe are more aligned with their values and goals. Virtual learning has become a viable alternative to traditional models.

The appeal of virtual learning lies in its ability to cater to diverse needs while maintaining high academic standards. It’s an approach that not only meets students where they are but prepares them for the future by offering essential digital skills and fostering independence.

As parents demand more options, schools respond by finding innovative ways to engage students and incorporate new technologies into the learning process. This shift represents a broader trend toward more inclusive, adaptable and effective educational environments — where virtual learning plays a leading role.

Preparing for the Future with Virtual Learning
Education is changing in exciting ways. Schools are increasingly incorporating elements like game-based learning and artificial intelligence to make instructions more interactive and engaging. These advancements prepare students for a world where digital literacy and technological proficiency are crucial.

Virtual learning platforms like CAVA are at the forefront of this revolution. By providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and resources, virtual learning helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. These platforms offer a dynamic and immersive experience that goes beyond what traditional classrooms can provide.

Virtual learning also offers a level of parental involvement that can be missing in conventional schooling. Parents can easily monitor their child’s progress through their role as a learning coach, regular updates and direct communication with teachers, ensuring a supportive network that helps students thrive. 

The Future is Waiting
Education is at a pivotal moment. The rise of virtual learning represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive, flexible and personalized educational environments. Students aren’t just learning — they’re part of a dynamic community. With clubs, social events and collaborative projects, students build meaningful connections and develop essential social skills. Choosing virtual learning opens the door to a world of possibilities that can help students reach their greatest potential.

There’s time to act — and now is that time. Explore the options available and consider which offers the brighter educational future for your child. Look at CAVA. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our team is standing by to help you and your child succeed. Their future was always in your hands, and now virtual learning puts your students’ education there as well. 

Deanna Vallerga started her career in education in 1992. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a clear administrative credential. She joined the CAVA staff in 2005 as a K–8 teacher and has served as the lead of language arts, and regional program coordinator for the northern CAVA schools for six years. Currently, she is the Director of Middle School for all nine California Virtual Academies.

The post The Future of Education: Why Virtual Learning Might Be the Right Choice for Your Child appeared first on L.A. Parent.