From the Classroom to the World Stage: How Colorado Preparatory Academy Helped One Figure Skater Chase Her Dreams 

For many high school students, balancing homework with extracurricular activities can be a challenge. For recent Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) graduate Jane Calhoun, balancing school meant fitting coursework around hours of daily training, national competitions, and international travel as an elite figure skater. 

Thanks to the flexibility of online public school, Jane didn’t have to choose between pursuing academic success and chasing her athletic dreams. She was able to excel at both. 

A Schedule Built Around Excellence 

Competitive figure skating is far more than an after-school activity. Jane spends most of her day training on the ice, leaving little room for the rigid schedule of a traditional school. 

At Colorado Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free online public school powered by K12, Jane found an educational model that worked with her schedule instead of against it. The flexibility allowed her to complete coursework when it made sense around practices, competitions, and travel while staying on track academically. 

“My experience with CPA has been amazing,” said Calhoun. “The flexibility I had with my schedule was incredibly beneficial. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve all of this if it weren’t for the flexibility CPA offers.”

Success on the Ice 

Jane’s dedication paid off in remarkable ways during her senior year. 

Within just seven months of skating with a new partner, the duo earned third place at the U.S. National Championships in ice dance and qualified to compete at the Junior World Championships, an impressive accomplishment that reflects countless hours of practice, perseverance, and teamwork. 

As she continues representing the United States in international competition, Jane is proving that students don’t have to put their passions on hold to earn a quality education. 

Graduating Ready for What’s Next 

This spring, Jane celebrated another major milestone: graduating from Colorado Preparatory Academy. 

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in literature while continuing her competitive skating career. Her journey demonstrates that education can adapt to students’ goals, helping them prepare for college, careers, and opportunities they may never have imagined. 

Flexibility That Supports Every Student’s Journey 

Jane’s story is just one example of how online learning can empower students with unique schedules and ambitious goals. 

Whether students are pursuing elite athletics, performing arts, career training, or other passions, Colorado Preparatory Academy provides the flexibility to create a personalized learning experience without sacrificing academic quality. 

At CPA, students receive support from certified teachers, engage in a rigorous curriculum, and have opportunities to connect with classmates through school events, field trips, clubs, and activities throughout the year. 

Every student’s path is different. For Jane, that path led from online classrooms to the international ice skating stage. And she’s just getting started. 

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