Offshore Fishing, Other Sports Lure Elementary Student to TTU K-12

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

For fifth-grader Kaylee Chiddix, schooling and free time are all family pursuits. She is in her first semester in Texas Tech University Elementary School, and she is enjoying both her self-paced schooling and the free time it gives her to do things with her parents.

"My parents and I moved from Colorado to Texas in 2018 to live the 'coastal life,'" said the 10-year-old, who resides in the Corpus Christi area.

Kaylee says she has not done remote learning before, but she is enjoying it because it's self-paced.

"The program is giving me more free time to play and spend time with my parents and our two English bulldogs, Dottie and Ralph. I am able to do school from anywhere at any time. When I was attending public school, I wasn't able to go offshore fishing with my dad on the weekdays; now when the weather permits, I am ON BOARD!"

Parents Kellen and Shane started looking for a remote learning program due to the pandemic and their neighbors told them about TTU K-12.

"The only good side to being self-employed parents is the freedom to do your own schedule," Kellen said. "And now we have this self-paced program that makes life easier for us!"

With the thorough, state-approved curriculum offered by TTU K-12, Kaylee is taking on all the typical fifth grade subjects.

"In social studies I am learning about the American Revolution, science is about the nitrogen and carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle. English is about how to make words plural and in math I am learning algebra," she said. "My dad is really good in math, and he has been helping me when I need it."

Kaylee has been painstakingly working on her final social studies and science projects.

"I love to do the projects at the end of the unit," she added. "And my mom really enjoys helping me with social studies and science."

And just because she does her work on her own schedule, doesn't mean she isn't completely supported by TTU K-12 people and resources. Kaylee explained that the curriculum guides students with daily on-line information on all subjects, and twice a week she can talk with her teacher as well.

For a fifth-grader, future plans will certainly evolve, but for now Kaylee says she would like to be a marine biologist or an interior designer.

"I love to do water sports like surf and jet ski, I also love to go swimming and fishing. Living in a waterfront house I am so lucky that I can do all of them anytime."

Kaylee also likes to skateboard and ride her bike.

"My friend and I started a bike club in my community, getting together to ride our bikes, that most communities don't get to do, which is also very cool," she added.

For other families or students considering TTU K-12 or a program like it, Kaylee and her mom both have encouraging words.

"I am 100% sure you will like the program because it's self-paced and you have all the information online and in the books," Kaylee said.

"Not having a background in teaching, we felt a little bit intimidated in the beginning," Kellen explained. "However, the tools the program offers are amazing, and we believe every parent can do it! We highly recommend TTU K-12."