Aryaan Geisler had just finished sixth grade, and he was ready for a challenge. Specifically, he wanted to start middle school strong by enrolling in his school’s advanced math class. Could he uplevel his math skills over the summer and achieve his goal?

To come up with a game plan, Aryaan and his parents met with the middle school principal. The principal recommended online learning as a great way for Aryaan to advance his skills before the start of the school year. He offered two options: Brigham Young University (BYU) Independent Study or another provider. Ultimately, Aryaan and his parents settled on BYU Independent Study because the courses seemed “engaging and hands-on.”  

Algebra 1 was a success! Aryaan completed the Independent Study course and enrolled in his school’s advanced math class that fall. He liked the Independent Study courses so much that he decided to continue taking them to supplement his public-school education. Now age 13 and ready to enter eighth grade, Aryaan reports that he loves how BYU’s online courses help him feel challenged at school while still allowing time for the things a middle schooler should be able to do, like “riding bikes and playing video games with friends.” 

Aryaan says that when he took English 8 through Independent Study, it “completely changed my experience” with studying English. The assignments were “engaging and different every time” and included hands-on projects such as making posters and maps. He also discovered a knack for writing poetry: “I would have never thought that it could be fun, but I felt like the next Edgar Allen Poe when I tried it out.” 

Among Aryaan’s favorite features of Independent Study courses is the flexibility they offer. For example, he takes online courses during summer break so that he has extra room in his school schedule for his favorite electives, like woodworking and orchestra. Getting ahead in his studies has also given him time to participate in 4-H, a program that teaches youth through fun activities and community involvement. In 4-H, Aryaan discovered his love of shooting sports, and he has fun attending club activities. 

Aryaan seems to have found the best of both worlds by working diligently at his coursework, both online and at his middle school, and experiencing the many activities and friendships that come with being a teenager. He says that he “would definitely recommend” Independent Study courses to other students.  

It’s never too late to level up your or your child’s education. In 2023, BYU Continuing Education served 175 students in Wyoming. With any of BYU Continuing Education’s amazing programs you too can discover that, as Aryaan says, “It’s fun to learn!”