Luke Woodmender, a resident of Somerton, has come a long way from his struggles with reading and writing in kindergarten.
After facing challenges that persisted into the early years of elementary school, Luke emerged as a high school graduate, ready to embark on his next educational journey at Drexel University.
Luke and his mother, Jenn, attribute much of his success to his time at Agora Cyber Charter School, a virtual learning platform that fostered his love for school and reading.
“It was impactful for my learning,” Luke shared, reflecting on his transformative experience at Agora.
“I went from not being able to read a page to being able to read full books.”
Prior to joining Agora, Luke attended public school and had teachers who did their best to provide assistance.
However, he struggled with being separated from his peers in a special education class, leading him to seek a different learning environment.
“I was ready to move on from that school,” Luke explained.
In the first week of his fifth-grade year, he enrolled at Agora, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Shawn, who had completed four years at the school.
Luke thrived during his eight years at Agora, culminating in his graduation on June 10.
“It opened a whole new world of learning,” Jenn said, emphasizing the positive impact of Agora on her son’s educational journey.
“It made him want to learn.”
Agora’s unique approach provided Luke with accessibility and support from teachers who were readily available for help via email and private chats during class.
Luke also highlighted the contributions of family coach Ashley Von Grossen and guidance counselor Ryan Learn, who played significant roles in enhancing his confidence and growth throughout his time at Agora.
“The teachers and staff at Agora were phenomenal,” Jenn remarked, affirming their dedication to student success.
Luke praised Von Grossen, noting that she often responded to his queries within minutes, even outside of regular hours.
“It was a lot of help,” he said, acknowledging her efforts in supporting his educational journey.
Agora’s format allowed Luke to revisit class recordings as needed, and he appreciated the clarity of online textbooks that made reviewing concepts much easier.
He also enjoyed the school’s social activities, particularly the annual trip to Shady Brook Farm, which contributed to his overall experience.
“My grades were a lot higher than in public school,” Luke stated, expressing gratitude for the motivation and support he received.
During high school, he delved into a variety of subjects, including two computer programming courses and classes in computer literacy and cooking, aligning perfectly with his passions for video game design and culinary arts.
Although initially accepted into the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Luke eventually chose Drexel University due to its resonance with him during a campus visit.
He is considering majoring in game design while possibly minoring in culinary arts, and is particularly excited about opportunities for a co-op in computer programming in Singapore.
Jenn recognizes the invaluable support Agora provides to parents, describing Von Grossen as a “big cheerleader” for Luke.
As state lawmakers propose budget cuts for cyber charter schools, Jenn hopes those proposals do not succeed, as she believes schools like Agora are critical for student development.
Looking ahead, Luke plans to engage in online computer programming and cooking classes throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming college experience.
He is open to exploring various career paths and eager to see where his time at Drexel will take him, stating, “I need that steppingstone before deciding what I want to do.”
image source from：northeasttimes
