Family of the Month

The Smith Family

Our family has been part of GCA since 2018 when the boys began kindergarten. They are now big first graders and we could not be more pleased with the caliber of teachers, rigor of instruction, and amazing support system GCA has in place! Evan and Nash absolutely adore their teacher Mrs. Hart. Not only does she make class time fun, she also sends the boys special treats in the mail. From a learning coach's standpoint, I have to give praise to our FSL for always being there for our entire family. Even though I taught for many years, I heavily rely on the expertise and guidance of Mrs. Angela Dyal. She is not only our FSL, she is our friend.

As a family, we enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and pulling for the Georgia Bulldogs.  In addition to spending time in the outdoors, the boys take part in learning the art of Parkour. We also have two sweet little Chihuahuas named Sadi and Sofi (who also happen to be twins:) 

Thanks for all you do GCA!  You are very appreciated by the Smith Family! ~ Smith Family, April 2020 GCA Family of the Month

The Hernandez Family

Hi everyone, we are, "The Hernandez Family". We consist of the usual character's dad, mom, boy, girl, dog, birds and the occasional brown bear in our backyard. We always had a vision too homeschool but had mixed emotions and the uncertainties off if we could. We finally took a leap of faith 3years ago after we sat down as a family and decided for homeschooling to be successful for us, we will all need to do our part to the best of our abilities.

Our decision to homeschool has undoubtedly changed all our lives. When we started on this journey with GCA we quickly realized that a daily routine and structure was going to be the fundamental principles we would have to implement to be successful. Though our daily routine may change from time to time, homeschooling still allows my kids to work in advance and still have the added benefits GCA provides. As an LC to my kids there are days, I don't always get it but having an assigned FSL has been my saving grace and teachers who I can always count on to reply to my emails. Homeschooling can be overwhelming, but I have found taking advantage of as many resources available to my family has allowed us to absolutely fall in love with it.

GCA has allowed my kids to step up and use their strengths, they have gained a newfound independence and confidence too which gave them the ability to keep pushing when they feel like giving up or asking for help to achieve their goals. They have 2 learned more than ever to do their very best even when no one is looking because their success depends on it.

Homeschooling has made us closer, stronger, and has allowed us to pursue other opportunities and interests such as teaching my kids to cook, having a home garden, visiting different museums, hiking, assigning daily and weekly chores, spending more time with grandparents ect. These simply pleasures of family life would not have been possible otherwise. A special thanks to all the staff at GCA for working daily with my family to achieve this milestone!

The Eberhardt Family

Our family started with GCA in 2018 because of an incident at the local school Marie (2nd grade) attended. My husband suggested Georgia Cyber Academy as an option. First I didn’t think it would work; I thought, "Oh it’s too much but let’s give it a shot." So, we continued the whole year and returned the following year with our daughter Zoë (1st grade)who loves it.

We decided that GCA was the place for us especially when we found out our daughter Marie has systemic Lupus, an autoimmune disease. The Lupus Marie has affects all of her major organs (heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain). We knew something was going on but the pediatricians where we lived kept putting it off. Marie had so much going on it was scary. Her legs and knees would swell so we had to get a second opinion from Children Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). The Gastroenterologist at CHOA called informing us about Marie's full panel test. He informed us that Marie had Lupus. I was in awe and couldn’t believe it! We admitted her to the hosptial to run more tests. My husband and I packed for a few nights not knowing our life was about to change tremendously. We spent many nights, weeks and months at Egalston Children’s Hospital. Driving every week from where we live in Dublin, Ga to Egalston Hospital in Atlanta, Ga to her chemo appointment has been rough, but we keep our heads up and keep pushing.

I would like to say to anyone who has gone through or is going through what we’ve been through this past couple of months, there are brighter days! We love our GCA family and friends and we’re honored that you all choose our family to be the Family of the Month! Thank you to the teachers and staff (Mrs. Rachel Robertson and Becky Brown, our Counselors and Family Success Liaison). We really appreciate the support!!! - The Eberhardt Family, February GCA Family of the Month

The Waters Family

My name is Amy W., my son Sam, 15, is an 8th-grade student here at Georgia Cyber Academy. He is the youngest of three boys and is the only one still at home. I not only take care of Sam and help with his education, but I also take care of my dad, I am a full-time student and work part-time. Sam loves computer games, Legos, and books. He also loves the beach, swimming, and target practice. His favorite foods are spaghetti and meatballs, crab legs, guacamole, and Chinese food. Sam was diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 4, so his likes are very few to his dislikes.

I became a single mother when Sam was 3, so it has been a long and rough road in finding what has helped him not only in terms of learning to vocalize his needs/wants and manage his anger/fears but to find the right school setting for him. In our previous school, we have had many great teachers that have worked hard and have been very patient with him but have had many more that were horrible to him and his needs.

Finding Georgia Cyber Academy has been an answered prayer. For the first time since fourth grade, Sam made honor roll this first semester. All his teachers here at GCA have been AWESOME! They are so helpful, understanding, patient, and sincere. He will be having spinal surgery and they have all been so accommodating. We feel so much more connected to his teachers now than we ever did when he attended a brick and mortar school.

We honored for this nomination and kind words and look forward to the rest of a great school year." - The Waters Family, January GCA Family of the Month

The McElhannon Family

"Being nominated as the first Georgia Cyber Academy Family is both a surprise and an honor. Over the years we have been inspired by other GCA families learning many things along the way.

About us… My name is Donna and I am the mother/Learning Coach of Laniya, or Niya as she prefers. We are a family of three which includes my 24 year old daughter, Niya’s big sis, Amauni. Niya is the only original Georgia Peach, I’m originally from Ohio and Amauni was born in Germany during a military tour. We currently reside in Gwinnett County. We’re a GOD fearing and loving family with a strong bond. We are passionate about education and beyond thankful to have GCA as a school choice." ~ Ms. McElhannon, December GCA Family of the Month