Student Spotlight: Cassian, DVS First Grader 

Seven‑year‑old Cassian calls the small town of Efland, North Carolina home, but his classroom extends far beyond his desk. As a rising first grader at Dogwood Virtual School (DVS), Cassian starts his mornings online with classmates and ends his afternoons chasing big adventures – whether that’s perfecting a Samurai move at martial‑arts class, hunting for the mythical Jersey Devil on a family camping trip or writing his own “Wild Robot” sequel, Cassian is always learning – inside and outside the classroom. 

Why the Virtual Classroom Works for the Family 

Cassian’s mom, Cheryl, a paramedic who works irregular shifts, wanted an option that blended the structure of a classroom with the freedom of homeschooling. 

“DVS seemed like a good combination of both being able to homeschool but also having that direction from a public school and a little bit more organization. So, we looked into it, tried it out and Cass loves it. And it’s a great fit,” says Cheryl. 

The online school model allows more time to pursue fun interests, like martial arts four afternoons a week and spur‑of‑the‑moment field trips – when mom’s schedule allows. 

School Mornings, Samurai Afternoons 

Summer has just started, but Cassian has already: 

• earned a new belt in martial arts (“I’m learning to be a Samurai!”) 

• learned to swim and open his eyes underwater – no goggles required 

• explored New Jersey’s Pine Barrens in full Jersey Devil costume to “end the legend” himself 

Thankfully, Cassian’s love of learning goes wherever he does, including while camping, canoeing and touring North America’s largest Hindu temple in Robbinsville, N.J. 

Navigating Health Challenges with Flexibility 

Cassian lives with adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic condition that requires steroid medication and MRI scans every six months. When his most recent scan happened to fall on kindergarten‑graduation day, DVS’s virtual ceremony streamed right to the hospital lobby. 

“He was the only kindergartner with a team of nurses clapping for him!” Cheryl recalls. “We didn’t have to reschedule the MRI or miss graduation. Having that kind of option is priceless.” 

Making Friends Online 

Cassian’s live classes include daily “brain breaks” and drawing time that keep his energy up and his focus sharp. He even got to meet some of his virtual classmates in person at the North Carolina State Fair. 

“We went on rides and ate snacks at the fair with my school friends. It was really fun!” said Cassian. 

Advice for Future Students 

When asked what he’d tell another child thinking about DVS, Cassian doesn’t hesitate: 

“There’s math, dancing, drawing, brain breaks, and you get to make lots of friends. 
You should try it!” 

Whether he’s comparing yen to dollars in math class or proudly showing off his newly perfected whistle, Cassian is proof that virtual education can fit a family’s lifestyle – and fuel a child’s curiosity. 

Is Online Learning Right for Your Family? 

Explore Dogwood Virtual School and discover how our online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

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