A CAVA/K¹² Student's Insight

Throughout this website, we’ve talked about how schools that work with K¹² can offer an individualized education, which helps each student realize his or her full potential.  But nothing makes this point as vividly as a recent letter from graduating senior Jonathon Purcell to Jim Konantz, Vice President, Western Region, and Katrina Abston, Head of School, for the California Virtual Academies (CAVA).

Hello Jim and Katrina,

So last night, when my family and I were reflecting on the day, I had this insight that I wanted to share with you.

The insight is this: if I had gone through any other educational program other than CAVA, I would not have been accepted into UC Berkeley. I'm smart and get good grades, but I'm no genius. My SAT scores were strong but they weren’t amazing. Those things were important, of course, but just having good grades and strong SAT scores doesn’t make me any different from the other smart students who applied to Berkeley.

When I look at what made me stand out from the crowd it was CAVA, and the opportunities it provided me with. I know I've said this before, especially in our meetings with the UC administrators, but I don’t think I've said it quite like this. We all know that CAVA provides tremendous opportunities, but now I know that not going to CAVA takes away tremendous opportunities.

Your school, your program, your personal attention to my needs has given me something that no other school could have. How can I thank you for that? I know you both asked me to do a write up to dispel the rumors that CAVA student’s can’t get into UC schools. I am honored and more than happy to do this and more. It's time for me to give back to the school that has given so much to me. I want to help in any way I can and in any capacity, whether it's simply writing something or more. Tell me the best way I can help. Thank you again, to both of you, for making this student’s dream a reality. CAVA has an incredibly bright future!
     
No matter where I go, always your student,
     
Jonathon Purcell
California Virtual Academy@San Diego
High School Senior

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Dear Dr. Wilbur

  • A CAVA/K¹² student’s dream comes true.

    When Jonathon Purcell was admitted to UC/Berkeley, it was the fulfillment of his educational quest.

Read Letter to Berkeley’s Dr. Wilbur

K12 Grads: Off to College!

  • Congrats to our Class of ’09 as they head for higher learning.

    They were accepted at over 150 post-secondary schools—from Cornell to Middlebury to UC/Berkeley.

    We’re proud of each and every K¹² graduate as they pursue their dreams.

    See the full college list.