TTU K-12 Self-Paced Curriculum Helps Dancer Pursue Her Passion

By Leslie Cranford, Media Relations Coordinator

October 5, 2018

Rachel Koerner has a passion for dance, a strong faith and a love for learning. This TTU K-12 junior studies with the Houston Ballet Academy and is in her second year there and at TTU K-12.

“I train at HBA Monday to Saturday every week within their Professional Program,” Rachel said. “I have been taking dance since I was two years old.”

According to Rachel, of the many benefits getting her education through TTU K-12, she is most fond of the self-paced curriculum. “For someone with a unique schedule like me, due dates can be difficult. The self-paced track has allowed me to do school without stressing about having to submit things in the middle of the day or during a performance.

“I'm so thankful for the unique opportunities that TTU K-12 allows for its students,” she said. “The programs, classes, and teachers are all welcoming and of the highest quality. They really want you to learn, grow and enjoy doing so.”

Rachel spends her time training and preparing for upcoming performances with Houston Ballet Academy and getting started in the new school year through TTU K-12.

Steve Koerner, Rachel's dad, has been happy with their decision to use TTU K-12 for Rachel's education.

“When Rachel received an invitation to join the Houston Ballet Academy, my wife and I knew we would need to find a quality online high school program,” he said. “After much research, we settled on TTU K-12. The staff answered all our questions and made the transition from her traditional ‘brick & mortar' school very easy. Since then, we have been pleased with the teachers and the curriculum.”

Rachel says the real-life applications that the TTU K-12 courses emphasize have been influential in her everyday life. “As a dancer, it has been so interesting to me to learn about the characteristics of the human body and all of the arts in their many forms. These applications have helped me appreciate the world and other people more than ever.”

Along with school and dance, her faith is very important to her. “I enjoy going to church. I also enjoy learning with my church's youth group. My faith is a big part of how I spend my time.”

Her goals for the future are both to continue learning and to continue training, with the aspiration to be in a professional dance company at some point in the future. “I would also love to go to college,” Rachel said. “Aside from dance, I'm also interested in design, both graphic and architectural, along with any form of teaching. I am so thankful for the set-up that TTU K-12 provides for these goals to be accomplished. I can't wait to see what the future holds.”

For other families who have non-traditional educational challenges, Rachel and her dad unequivocally recommend TTU K-12.

“With my daughter's unique situation requiring a flexible schedule, we are glad to be utilizing Texas Tech,” Steve said.

“It has the format to help you reach your goals,” said Rachel, summing it all up. “The flexible hours, many courses, helpful teachers and high-quality education will set you up for whatever you want to accomplish, and I hope other students and families will consider investing in their wonderful resources.”