Online charter school helps student achieve rodeo dreams
Sydney Frey was practically born for the saddle — her dad a former National Finals Rodeo bareback rider and her mom a barrel racer.
Now a high school senior at EPIC Charter Schools, it is her time to shine. Her sport takes time and practice but she makes time for school. The Marlow resident spends countless hours on the road and in the arena — often traveling thousands of miles each month to compete in rodeo events across Oklahoma and the United States.
“EPIC allows me to do my school work from home or on the road traveling to my rodeos,” she said.
EPIC is an online-based program that allows her to take her school work wherever she is going. It also allows her the opportunity to shape her own school schedule around practices and caring for the horses.
“It gives me the freedom to practice and travel on my own schedule,” Sydney said. “Academically, I have gained a lot of confidence in myself. My grades have been excellent, and I have scored high on my state tests. It has also taught me to plan and be responsible for meeting school deadlines.”
The high school senior at EPIC Charter School has been with EPIC, an online-based learning model, since eighth grade.
“As a student, EPIC has allowed me to study at my own pace. If I need help I have access to oneon-one help from my teacher, and tutors are also available,” Sydney said.
EPIC is a free pre-K-12 public school sponsored by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board for parents and students seeking a nontraditional educational setting. It utilizes internet-based, individualized masterybased instruction accessible from any location.
Her teacher Lynda Huntley said Sydney is a tenacious and excellent honor student — and she has thrived.
“She always puts forth her best work. She is a role model for her community,” Huntley said. “She works very hard to get all her work done in about four days a week because she is on the road competing or training in the rodeo. She has become one of the best in the state.”
The program allows Sydney to do her school work anywhere — thanks to technology and oneon-one teacher support.
EPIC offers its students access to a mobile hot spot and a laptop to complete their coursework. The school also offers 24/7 Homework Help, allowing students to connect with subject matter experts whenever they need support.
The access to technology and flexibility have been key ingredients in Sydney’s success.
“EPIC affords her the freedom to pursue her dreams, all while attending a public school. Although her coursework is rigorous, Sydney can simultaneously work on her achievements in rodeo,” Huntley said.
The program is very popular with families living in rural areas. Yet, independent learning doesn’t mean going it alone.
“For students in rural areas, I meet with students at their home or at the library for teaching standards or benchmark testing in person,” Huntley said. “Many of these students came to EPIC because the brick and mortar schools did not meet their needs. Technology is vital for schools of the future. Many careers demand it; so it is our responsibility to prepare students for the future especially in rural areas.”
EPIC officials said the school provides students and families with a learning environment that can meet an individual student’s unique needs.
The model has worked for the Freys.
Sydney’s mom, Gaye Frey, said she initially chose the program because EPIC is accredited by the Oklahoma Department of Education as a public charter school.
“I wanted her to have an opportunity to excel academically and still pursue her interest in rodeo,” Frey said.
“Sydney has been able to practice and achieve many of her goals because of the flexibility of this program. She does not get behind in her school her work when traveling because she can work anywhere.”
This school year Sydney will go through her senior year while serving as the president of the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association and competing in the sport she loves.
“EPIC has been a blessing in my life,” Sydney said.
“I have a great relationship with my teacher. She is knowledgeable and very helpful. I have been able to achieve my goal of qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Finals. EPIC has provided me with the opportunity to have a great education while pursuing my goals in rodeo,” she added.
Enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year is now underway. For information, visit www. epiccharterschools.org.
This article sponsored by EPIC Charter Schools.