Life of a Homeschooler: 12th Grader Grace Zlomke

Feather River student Grace Zlomke is celebrating her final year of high school as a senior, reflecting on an educational journey that has looked different from the beginning. After attending kindergarten, Grace quickly realized the traditional school routine wasn’t the right fit. Early mornings, structured days, and time away from family were challenging, and her family ultimately made the decision to homeschool. From that point forward, her education followed a different path.

Feather River student Grace Zlomke is celebrating her final year of high school as a senior, reflecting on an educational journey that has looked different from the beginning. After attending kindergarten, Grace quickly realized the traditional school routine wasn’t the right fit. Early mornings, structured days, and time away from family were challenging, and her family ultimately made the decision to homeschool. From that point forward, her education followed a different path.

Now, as a graduating senior in 2026, that path feels intentional rather than uncertain.

Grace typically begins her day around 8 a.m. and settles into schoolwork by 9. She checks assignments and decides what to prioritize first, often starting with economics or computer-based coursework such as our American Sign Language (ASL). After completing focused academic blocks, she builds in time to step away. Grace most often will go on a walk or spend time outside before returning to her studies. Over time, she has developed a routine that reflects independence and an understanding of how she learns best.

That understanding of how she learns best, however, developed gradually.

With both of her older brothers attending traditional brick-and-mortar schools, Grace was always aware of an alternative educational options. By 5th grade, that awareness became more personal. Many of her friends from dance attended traditional schools, and she began to feel increasingly isolated.

Joining the VA Student Leadership class gave me a lot of opportunities because I probably wouldn’t have attended the dances or things like that. Knowing what’s going on at these events and having people I know there, I feel confident that I can go be social and try new experiences. 

Rather than immediately changing her path, her mother encouraged her to think about what she wanted her day-to-day learning experience to look like. After considering that question, Grace chose to continue homeschooling.

In 8th grade, she experienced a period of low motivation and difficulty staying engaged with coursework. Schoolwork felt disconnected, and maintaining focus became increasingly challenging. With support from her mother, she began adjusting her approach, experimenting with block scheduling and restructuring how she managed assignments. One shift in the way she thought about her school work made a significant difference: instead of seeing her assignments as a never ending pile, she switched her mindset to breaking her school work into smaller tasks, knowing that once they were completed, she would never have to revisit them again.

During this time, she also began seeking something she had not yet fully found – community.

She started attending SGCA events more regularly, but a major turning point came when Sara Greco, a Family Liaison encouraged her to join VA Leadership. Grace was hesitant at first.

"That first year in leadership was really scary," Grace said, "I am was really nervous and introverted about participating in an online class."

Despite her hesitation, she continued, and over time, her experience shifted.

Through the Leadership program, Grace began taking on responsibilities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. She supported event planning, collaborated with peers, and gradually grew more comfortable communicating and presenting ideas. She also discovered an interest in digital design, using tools such as Canva to create graphics, flyers, and promotional materials for events.

To this day, Grace has helped with the Harvest Festival, Health-a-Palooza, middle and high school dances, the virtual science fair, and Senior Sunrise.

“It gave me a lot of opportunities because I probably wouldn’t have attended the dances or things like that,” she said. “Knowing what’s going on at these events and having people I know there, I feel confident that I can go be social and try new experiences.”

Early on, Grace often felt disconnected from peers due to differences in schooling environments. Over time, involvement in SGCA events and leadership classes helped normalize that experience and build familiarity with other homeschool students.

Through continued participation, her confidence grew.

Now preparing for graduation, Grace reflects on the development of skills she once found intimidating. Presenting event ideas and speaking in front of others – both virtually and in person – became more manageable through repeated practice and support.

Homeschooling also allowed her space to explore interests in meaningful ways. When she expressed interest in graphic design, she was given opportunities to apply those skills in real contexts through event support and creative projects.

Just try it. Put your full effort into it. It’s okay if something ends up not being what you want. Having experience and learning how to try things is important. This school has so many resources for you to explore your interests. Be open to new ideas and ask for help.

She credits both dance and leadership for shaping her perspective:

“Through dance, I learned that I compare myself to people a lot and it’s not helpful if I want to grow,” she said. “Through the Leadership program, I learned I can accomplish more than I think I can, and there are always people there to help you.”

For other students navigating their own path, her advice is direct:

“Just try it. Put your full effort into it. It’s okay if something ends up not being what you want. Having experience and learning how to try things is important. This school has so many resources for you to explore your interests. Be open to new ideas and ask for help.”
When asked to describe her educational journey in one word, she chose: “experimental.”

Grace’s story reflects a central idea within Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance’s  homeschooling. Success is not defined by a single structure, but by the ability to adjust, explore, and grow over time.

For Grace, that process has shaped not only her education, but also her ability to continue growing with intention.
 

Feather River student Grace (12th) poses in front of Folsom Lake at Senior Sunset Event

 Feather River Student Grace (12th) poses (left) along with fellow students at Senior Sunset Event. 

Feather River student Grace (12th) poses for Senior Portraits at a Night on Mount Olympus Prom 2026.

Feather River Student Grace (12th) works at the booth during the 2024 Health-a-Palooza event as part of the VA Leadership team.