Finding a Safe Learning Environment at INDLS

All students deserve to learn in an environment where they feel supported and free to be themselves. That’s why Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS) prioritizes supporting students’ emotional well-being as well as their academic growth. 

Maddison, an 8th grader on the autism spectrum, chose INDLS because she did not feel safe in a traditional classroom environment. Starting in kindergarten, she experienced bullying, which intensified in the following years, even with teacher intervention. 

As a result, Maddison struggled with severe depression and anxiety attacks, and her grades began to suffer. Her family did everything they could to support her, but it wasn’t until a threat of violence to her school that they decided to explore other learning models.  

Since joining INDLS two years ago, Maddison’s reading has improved from a kindergarten level to a fifth-grade level. She went from failing her classes to getting all As and Bs thanks to the flexibility of a virtual learning environment and her individualized learning pathway. She can use stimming to support concentration or take breaks when needed in the comfort of her own home, and her teachers prioritize ensuring she has the right accommodations. 

“The teachers at INDLS do everything in their power to help her face fears and make sure she has what she needs,” Maddison’s mom, Anglia, shared. “They encourage her instead of babying her, which is important because the only way you learn is if you push beyond your limits.” 

Maddison shared the following reflections about her experience transitioning to INDLS: 

When I was at my old school, I felt like an outcast, and it was hard for me to make friends and communicate. It felt like I was alone, and that made me heartbroken and miserable. When you’ve been bullied your whole life, it tends to hurt your heart. 

My mom and sister-in-law helped me switch to online school. They have been by my side through everything, and their support is what has helped me the most. I wasn’t sure about online school at first, but they encouraged me to be brave and give it a chance. Since then, INDLS has helped me in so many ways. I’ve had a great experience and improved all my grades so that I’m no longer failing classes. 

After losing my dad, I sometimes experience emotional breakdowns without warning because of grief, and the students at my old school didn’t understand. If that happens now, I can step away from class and come back to the recording later. 

All of the teachers have been kind to me and helped me realize that I am not alone. They know my limits, but they also know that I try my best. Even if I don’t know how to do something, I’ll try. It just takes me time because, sometimes, my mind is like a sloth, so I learn in a different way than some of the other students. 

My mom has always taught me that being different is what makes us unique. Everyone has stories to tell, and I believe we all deserve to be heard. That’s why I love INDLS — it’s a place where I can be myself. 

If you are looking for a safe and supportive learning environment for your student to be their authentic self, discover more about our enrollment options.