Haidynn Finds Success and Community at ITCA

When Haidynn joined Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) as a 9th grader, she embarked on a transformative journey. After struggling in a traditional school setting, where bullying and academic challenges left her feeling defeated, Haidynn, now a thriving 10th grader, has found a supportive community and academic success at ITCA.

This is the story of a resilient student who turned adversity into achievement with the help of a dedicated online public school designed to prepare students for both career opportunities and higher education

From Struggles to a Fresh Start

A 16-year-old from Shelley, Idaho, Haidynn faced significant hurdles in early education. At her brick-and-mortar public school, she battled anxiety, depression, OCD, and a language impairment. Feeling unsupported and ostracized, her grades suffered, and she struggled to find a place.

Frustrated and yearning for a better option, Haidynn and her mother discovered ITCA, a full-time online public high school that promised a more personalized and inclusive educational experience. The transition was seamless.

“All the school stuff — my computer, printer, all my supplies — came in the mail,” she said. “So I didn’t have to go get anything.”

Now focused on business management, marketing, and accounting, her future goal is to work in childcare.

Thriving Academically, Socially

Since joining ITCA, Haidynn has made remarkable progress, both academically and personally. A student who once struggled with school earning C’s, D’s and F’s, Haidynn has flipped the script, achieving straight A’s as a result of her hard work and a supportive academic environment. She meets weekly with special education teacher Tim Benedick, who provides tailored guidance and encouragement.

“She’s such a hard worker,” Benedick said. “I love getting a chance to meet with her. And she comes in with a big smile every time we get together.”

Haidynn and Benedick focus on her goals in reading, writing, and math, as well as career aspirations in childcare.

“I just try to be an extra level of support,” Benedick said. “She’s getting great support from classroom teachers and learning coaches at home. And so I get to come alongside and see how she’s doing and try to be an extra source of encouragement to help in any way she might need.”

Her involvement in extracurricular activities has also blossomed. She serves as vice president of both the ITCA Student Council and the school’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter, where she is preparing to attend state and national conferences.

“I’ve just been having a lot more opportunities to do things I’ve never gotten to do,” she said.

A Community of Support

ITCA’s resources and dedicated faculty have played a pivotal role in Haidynn’s success. From occupational and speech therapy to individualized academic support, the school has provided tools to help her overcome challenges.

“We are growing as a school, but just the fact that we’re a little bit more of an intimate, smaller school has allowed us the opportunity to form stronger relationships with our students and families,” Benedick said. “And so I do think there’s a big benefit to that.”

“In addition, just the fact that [ITCA] is an established school that’s been around for [more than a decade] now, a number of our staff members, including our leadership, have been here since day one of the school. So the school leadership is really good about listening to concerns and trying to focus on what works so that we can help students to the best of our abilities.”

Her growth is especially inspiring given her challenges with social language and communication. Her success as a student leader underscores resilience and ITCA’s ability to foster confidence in its students.

Looking Ahead

As Haidynn continues her journey at ITCA, her future looks bright. She plans to further explore interests in business and childcare, using the skills she’s developing to make a meaningful impact. She’s also focused on inspiring others to consider ITCA.

“You can be in student council. You can be in BPA. You can make really good friends there; the teachers are amazing,” she said. “You’ll get opportunities that you might never have gotten. It’s just better — I think, in my opinion — better than homeschooling or going to an in-person school.”

This story is a powerful reminder of the potential for growth when students find the right environment to thrive.

Join the ITCA Community Today

Are you ready to explore a supportive, flexible, and achievement-driven educational path? Visit the How It Works page to discover how ITCA can help your student unlock their potential.

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