In Your Words
Incline Village’s I∙School is the future. Its mix of high tech and high-touch opportunity is the model for all of Nevada and beyond.
- Dr. James W. Guthrie
Former Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction
Today’s public education system is obsolete. Students need to be treated as individual learners, parents need to be engaged and graduation requirements need a complete overhaul. I∙School is an example of a 21st Century school.
- Donald P. Nielsen
Author, "Every School"
I∙School inspired me to finally take hold of my education and seek success rather than let success find me.
- W.F., Student
My son who is a gifted 8th-grader has had an amazing experience at I∙School. Advanced-level courses were tailored to fit his learning needs. The teachers were amazing and caring. He made wonderful friends and blossomed in this setting. I cannot thank Ms. Kathryn Kelly enough for creating such a wonderful learning experience. He is a confident and happy learner thanks to this school.
- T. Lamberg, Parent
My son participated in a study abroad program in Europe for his junior year of high school. A downside to an otherwise exceptional experience were some difficulties blending his academic experiences to fit the district school system of grading and achievement. Kathryn was instrumental in guiding my son through a course of I∙School classes while he was in Spain and has been hugely helpful in matters of reconciling his senior transcript. She has helped navigate unknowns and has been a wonderful advocate for my son.
- C.A., Parent
My son is a competitive freeride skier and we found his competition schedule and desired full-time winter training schedule impossible in a traditional school setting. We started exploring other options and after a conversation with Kathryn Kelly, I knew we had found an ideal fit! I∙School has been nothing short of life-changing for my son! He went in to the program as a child who had never had any significant academic interests. Kathryn took the time to get to know him, discover his interests, and formulated a curriculum. He was able to pursue his interests in videography, start studying German, study Environmental Science ... all subjects that weren't available at his prior school. He actually started enjoying Math thanks to Ms. Housken and her dog. Just the right combination of one-on-one time and independence has allowed him to thrive!! The flexibility with the schedule has allowed him to take classes during the summer, keep the ski season very light academically, and in fact will graduate an entire semester early!! With Kathryn's guidance SAT testing and college applications went well, and he was accepted into his top choice for college where he plans to study film production. I can't thank Kathryn and the I∙School enough!
- M.H., MD, Parent
I have been a student at the I∙School for 5 years now. The past year I went to study abroad. Kathryn Kelly and the I∙School have help me so much in getting on track to graduate high school after having missed a year. It's made my senior less of a stressful year.
- A.A., Student
Our son, William, has been an I∙School student for the past year. Due to the highly focused education, he will be able to earn his high school diploma a year early and has completed about 1/3 of the courses needed for his Associate's Degree from TMCC. We appreciate I∙School's ability to allow him to study on a flexible schedule that he could work around employment opportunities, family travel, etc. This was a MUCH better fit for Will than the traditional high school environment. Thank you, Kathryn Kelly and I∙School, for helping Will reach important milestones with less drama, stress, and ahead of schedule!
- L.S., Parent
My 16-year-old grandson moved in with us a few months ago with his GED and a full time job. He wanted to start college, but there were no funds available, and we didn't know where to start. I∙School determined his strengths and goals and found a college program that was ideal for him. They enrolled him in very economical classes that would provide both high school and college credits and are arranging for scholarships for him. They have spent a tremendous amount of time helping him and overseeing his classes to make sure he is on track and have teachers available to provide tutoring for any areas he may need help. I am very impressed with this program and appreciate all the services they have provided us.
- D.A., Grandparent
Overall we have had a great experience with I∙school and we have completely changed our expectations about education. Our family had the opportunity to live abroad for 4 months in the spring of 2018. I had a high-schooler and an 8th grader. We enrolled the high schooler in I∙School and the 8th grader in the state public online school. What a difference. My high-schooler was able to raise his GPA and scored a 5 on the AP Human Geography exam this spring with I∙School. He was also able to start taking community college courses to begin to work on the basic classes he will need in college. My 8th grader had a terrible experience with [the public online school]. My high-schooler loved I∙School. I think it was a success because my high-schooler could sleep late and get enough sleep, and work late at night when his teenage mind was most active. I∙School gave the ability to continue my son's education while giving him an abroad experience.
- C.W., Parent
As of last year I had the hardest time preparing for the ACT's, although this year due to I∙School's ACT/SAT weekend study program, I've never felt more prepared. This facility has helped me a lot to sharpen my skills and I am really thankful for that.
- Marcos, Student
Our kids are competitive ski racers. I∙School's modern approach to education has given our kids the flexibility to pursue athletics at a very high level while maintaining rigorous academics. It is this type of collaboration that has helped and allowed our kids to be successful on the hill and in the classroom. In addition, I∙School has been able to provide access to classes, like the Czech language, which we would not be able to access elsewhere. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of the individual students and support them to be successful.
- M.H., Parent
My sixth-grade daughter has hated school for as long as I can remember. She began attending I∙School two months ago and told me immediately that she liked it - what?!? Her whys: It's quiet, she gets one-on-one attention from the teacher as needed and was given the independence and latitude to create her own elective course. She's moved from 'hating' math to finding it 'not that bad' - and has moved up two grade levels in math in this short amount of time. Her teacher understands her strengths, builds on her weaknesses and gives her the added confidence she needs to *want* to learn.
- I.F., Parent
I∙School has encouraged my daughter to take a hold of her education and focus on her studies. I love I∙School's flexible scheduling and how they allow you to study your interests to really engage in the learning experience. I∙School is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made!
- F.W., Parent
I∙Schools has been an amazing, helpful resource for me. I had many different difficulties throughout my high school career getting the correct classes to graduate and trouble with my transcript after a year of foreign study. I∙Schools aided me immensely in my pursuits and has bettered my education greatly. It is an amazing organization with awesome staff.
- C.S., Student
I have never been happier with the homeschooling support that I get with the staff at I∙School! My daughters love the one-on-one interaction from teachers but drive on the independence that they are allowed to have at the same time. Thank you, Katherine, for having such an open mind on education.
- D.O., Parent
This past year we learned about the opportunities and benefits of blended learning at I∙School. We are fortunate to live in a town with an excellent public high school, which has outstanding administrators and educators. My student is a motivated and passionate learner who is involved in high school sport and extracurricular activities. By incorporating an I∙School math curriculum into her high school schedule, my daughter has been able to enhance and expand her high-school learning experience by taking advantage of individualized, mastery based programs, including personalized tutorials as needed. She is able to better manage her time, work to her own pace, and continue with her math studies year round. This is not only beneficial for learning retention and ACT/SAT exam preparation, but it has also opened up her schedule and allowed her to take other classes and explore additional subjects at her high school. We will continue to blend classes at I∙School with the leading educational opportunities provided through our public high school and customize her college preparatory journey.
- D.M., Parent
My son, Alex, started the autumn term (Year 9, 2019) quite late at I∙School in Incline Village. (He is in transition from a traditional prep boarding school in the UK to a day and boarding school in Australia, where he will begin Year 9 in 2020). He was behind in subject content and in understanding how to use the technology associated with online learning. However, despite this setback, he worked hard to catch up with the support of the caring and talented Director of I∙School, Kathryn Kelly.
Kathryn spent many hours supporting and guiding Alex with his studies at I∙School. She assisted with learning the technology in online learning, has helped Alex with difficult French exercises, and discussed the strengths and weaknesses in the Mindprint Assessment - a great tool for identifying a student's strengths and weaknesses in their approach to learning. Email contact and Zoom meetings with Alex have kept him on track and greatly supported him in his studies.
Mrs. Housken, the Maths teacher at I-School, has been invaluable to Alex's progress in Maths. One-to-one sessions are provided every week as well as Skype meetings to go over Maths problems not well understood. Mrs. Housken has a very easy way of making an apparent problem become very clear and easily understood. She is patient and caring and really revolutionises the teaching of Maths.
The I∙School Cafe, itself, provides a calm and welcoming environment for students to sit quietly and do their work or an assessment. Computers, desks, headphones, a TV, a library, a lab, are all available for the student to use at any time. Sofas allow the student to lounge and read and a kitchen is available for the storage and preparation of food and drinks.
I∙School provides an excellent standard of educational online learning and the consistent support of students is outstanding.
- J.M., Parent
As a former I schools student, I'm very pleased at the outcome of the coursework and program. I∙School allowed me to lead a rigorous, but flexible class schedule which was built around my goals and timeline. I was exposed to college coursework as a high school student which reinforced my skills and will to achieve. Thank you, I∙School, for providing me an awesome educational experience when the public high school didn't work for me. I am now in college, ahead of schedule.
- Colby Green, Student
We recently engaged with I∙School while seeking an online math class for our middle-schooler. She transferred schools this year, and the math curriculum at her new school didn't match her level from last year. Kathryn at I∙School was very helpful in helping us navigate our options for on-line learning with tutoring support, and figuring out how to work out the required credits at the public school. So far we have been very pleased with the curriculum and tutoring, and feel fortunate to have such a valuable resource in our small town!
- Diane Eadington R., Parent
Kathryn Kelly and the I∙School program have been amazing to work with. I have had both my children take classes through their program. They have been flexible and work with us to design a program that is unique for each child's needs. Kathryn is so knowledgeable about school requirements and is a strong advocate for her students. My son is a Junior in High School and is currently taking classes through his public high school, I∙School, and community college. One of the benefits of his taking a community college class through I∙School is that I∙School supports and guides him so that he can be successful. By the time he is taking college classes on his own, he will be well prepared and understand how to be successful. All high schools should be promoting this type of individualized curriculum. I highly recommend the I∙School program for any child who is looking for alternative or individualized education. It is affordable, supportive and inspires learning.
- J.S., Parent
My son has learning difficulties. The local private school couldn't help us; the public middle school's individual education plan program was terrible; and homeschooling was better but put a strain on myself and my wife. I∙School changed everything. Not only did Kathryn Kelly convince us that my son didn't need an IEP or special needs classes, but my son actually may graduate high school 6 months early, and with a few college credits to boot! The key was one-on-one assistance when needed, a wider variety of courses than offered by the public school, and lots of encouragement.
- D.B., Parent
As a member of the North Lake Tahoe community, I am more than grateful for the outstanding educational services provided by I∙School and its incredibly dedicated director, Dr. Kathryn Kelly. This "local jewel" has provided educational enrichment services to our students, remedial accredited courses allowing credit-deficient public school students to graduate on time, and a choice of structured enrichment courses for students which are not available in local public or private schools.
- James Clark, Former Board Member
My daughter started with I∙School in order to be able to focus on her skiing in the winter months (she has been taking classes all summer and fall to finish her entire sophomore year by December). The great news is that she has easily learned more through I∙School than through her previous traditional school. Kathryn and the staff at I∙School tailor the curriculum to each student, and the hands-on sessions are great for her to ask questions about topics she needs help with. The combination of on-line classes coupled with personalized instruction at the school is an extremely effective way to learn. Another benefit is that my daughter is getting more sleep and has considerably more energy than she used to (when required to get up early for traditional school hours).
I would recommend I∙School to anyone that wants their child to get better grades, be happier, and more alert!
- D.A., Parent
Our son has learning differences and the I∙School has created an individualized curriculum that has moved him up several grade levels in math and English in just 6 months. The staff is caring and the environment is ideal for a student who needs focused instruction and support. We are thrilled to have this wonderful school in our community!
- K.M., Parent
Kathryn and the staff at I∙School are absolutely amazing! They have been such a blessing to my family. My daughter had struggled in school for 6 years. Even with an IEP she continued to fall further behind. In May, I made the decision to pull her out of public school and enroll her at I∙School full time. I could not be happier with her progress in the few months she's been going! She is excited to learn again. She comes home everyday beaming and proud of herself for what she has accomplished. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her at I∙School.
- K.P., Parent
I am a 8th Grade student here in Incline Village and I was struggling in Math. I went to I∙School and told them my issues. The tutors and staff were great and helped me achieve a really good grade for the second quarter at my school. I will continue to utilize their service through my school years.
- Z.P., Student
We struggled for years to find the best school environment for our son with learning differences. Finding I∙school was a true blessing to our family. My son loves the school's flexibility and the fact that he can help guide his daily curriculum. We love that the staff truly cares about our son and goes out of their way to ensure his success.
- D.B., Parent
We scoured the country looking for a customized, targeted curriculum for our son with learning differences and we were led to Kathryn Kelly. In just 3 months he has jumped up 3 grades in math. The I∙school is giving our son hope for a bright successful future!
- Parent
Our family has tried every combination of education available throughout Nevada and northern California. Imagine our delight to find the perfect solution right here in Reno.
- Suzanne Buckley, Grandparent
eLearning Cafe truly fills a gap in the educational field, for non-traditional students, those who are outside of the system due to full time musical or sporting activities or who are interested in specialized subjects, or who are advanced beyond their grade level. We homeschool our six children in Northern NV and eLearning cafe provided tremendous support last school year, 2013-14, for my two oldest.
My children rehearse and perform with a musical group at least twice a week so we needed flexibility and accountability with their schoolwork. On a nearly daily basis, Brigit & Tim went in to work at the eLearning Cafe in Reno on their Math courses, ALEKS and APEX, which were two programs recommended by eLearning Cafe. We would not have known about these particular curriculum otherwise and we're delighted with the results. The 13 year old was able to move from remedial to advanced by completing 3 levels (6th,7th, & 8th) in ALEKS math in one year. It suited her personality because the day-to-day work is independently directed by her interest in the topics and it offers multiple explanations for every concept. The 15-year-old took Honors Geometry, and still remarks that the Trigonometry introduced last year is his favorite subject. He did extremely well with his homework and tests. Again, it was independent progress based on his schedule and motivated by his own desire to learn more about the topic because it was well structured and presented.
Both eLearning locations we spent time in during 2013-14 were lovely study atmospheres. They were accommodating and well-designed - holding good hours, having plenty of computers & printers available, and hiring knowledgeable staff to supervise and answer questions. I also noticed how respectful and attentive the eLearning staff was towards the students, which goes a long ways with teenagers, who require sincerity and authentic conversation with adults. elearning staff answered our texts, calls, and emails promptly - anytime of the week, sometimes late at night, on holidays, or on weekends. From both the parent and the student perspective, our participation with eLearning Cafe was entirely positive. I wish eLearning Cafe the best of success and hope they expand to help the growing population of students who seek an education outside or beyond the normal system. I will certainly use them again if we have the need.
- Eve McNeil, Parent
Umpqua Bank is proud to be a sponsor of the eLearning Cafe and I am proud to serve on its board of directors. The Cafe is making a difference in the community and I am constantly hearing positive things about what Kathryn and her staff are doing to integrate technology and lifelong learning into peoples lives of all ages.
- Cory Swank, Former Board Member
I am very proud to be serve on eLearning Cafe’s Board of Directors. Not only do I serve, my two daughters, Alexis and Tiffany, have been taking the ALEX math course through eLearning Cafe (in addition to their math class in school). It is wonderful to see them enjoy math as much as they do! The eLearning Cafe is not only making a difference with my children but many in our community. Thank you, Kathryn, for eLearning Cafe! If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit eLearning Cafe, you must come by and see for yourself the magic that happens with students of ALL ages.
- Gail L. Krolick, Former Board Member
eLearning Cafe is nothing less than the future of education in Nevada. Serving on the Board of eLearning Cafe has shown me how much we can benefit our community, inspire our children, and work with our schools. Stop by and see how you can get involved.
- Dave Schmenk, Former Board Member
As a home schooler, the eLearning Cafe has provided a place away from home to do my school, drink something warm, and be with my friends. It has given me a place where I can learn something new every day. Serving as the Student Representative on this board has shown me how much the eLearning Cafe can provide a win-win educational solution to students of all ages in this community.
- Carly Lippert, Former Student and Board Member
The eLearning Cafe has been very helpful to me during my freshman year. When I had leg surgery I missed a lot of school. The eLearning Cafe helped me find and take some blended classes and now I have A’s in these classes. I thank the eLearning Cafe for their help.
- Tommy Dolan, Student
Last summer my children needed immediate help with a travel project and the eLearning provided valuable educational discs that we could check out and return. When in need eLearning also provided valuable options not available at the high school. A placement entrance exam was given and evaluated for the optimal placement of my child. The schedule for both classes we chose was flexible and worked in tandem with the high school. While discussing these choices with the high school administration the respect that the school and Washoe County has for the eLearning Café became obvious and was encouraging for me. Clearly they had previously worked well with Dr. Kelly and approved of the well-monitored, safe, and nurturing eLearning Café environment.
Thank you, Dr. Kelly, for the brilliance of this endeavor and all you have done for my family.
- Stephen Dolan, Parent
The eLearning Café deserves a five-star rating for offering our community an alternative for education. My daughter enjoys the blend of learning at the high school and supplementing her classes at eLearning. She has been able to take AP courses and prepare for her ACT testing. The one-on-one tutoring is beneficial when she has a question about the material and this enables her to get the information she needs to move forward. This is a great place to gain knowledge in a comfortable setting.
- Donna Hartley, Parent
The eLearning Café has helped me tremendously to get the credits I needed to graduate and it was very fun do my work with some of the students, not to mention the other great programs and other very fun educational activities that are just waiting for those types of students right there at the eLearning Café.
- Andrei Krusell, Student
This Spring semester my school counselor told me I would not be able to receive my honors diploma because I received an F in Botany. There was no way to retake the class before graduation. eLearning Café is my hero, they found a challenging botany class, and got it approved. I took it in one month and received a B. I know of more students who are in the same boat that I was in. Botany was a very important credit towards my honors diploma and now I will receive it.
Thanks, eLearning Café.
- Stephanie Martinez, Student
I want to thank you and your staff for the service you offer at eLearning. The environment and support you provided made the difference in my daughter succeeding in her science classes. She began enjoying learning again, and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the care your team has taken. We look forward to having eLearning as a key part of our daughter's high-school career.
Thanks again,
- Mitch Harbaugh, Parent
I was able to successfully complete a semester in Chemistry and actually had fun doing it.
- Jasper Coverdale, Student
The eLearning Café helped me out a lot on passing the class I took with them. I took Algebra II first semester and it went well. The eLearning Café instructor who helped me out, Mrs. Housken, was actually pretty good explaining things to me and helping me step by step. I needed this class to graduate and the eLearning Café made it possible for me. Without the help that they afford I wouldn’t be able to go through with it.
Thank you so much for the support and making this possible for me. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. You guys were a great support, and even though the class wasn’t easy, I managed to pull through with your help. Thank you so much.
- Marcela Estrada, Student
Thanks for a great education this semester that allowed me to be academically challenged while pursuing my passion for ski racing! I definitely learned a lot and I know that I will use the skills I have learned here throughout the rest of my education! This is truly an innovative, yet effective, way of learning that has enhanced my education greatly!
Thank you again!
- Amanda Pretti, Student
The eLearning Café is truly a life saver! Without the American Government class I wouldn’t be graduating this year!
Best place to do a blended class! Thank you, Kathryn.
- Sarai Garcia, Student
My experience with the eCafe was a unique educational involvement. It left me with a satisfaction of having completed something so demanding on my own time. The opportunity to learn via internet in a blended learning environment outside of a classroom was an interesting opportunity indeed.
- Sierra Cistone-Mehl, Student
Taking Computer Literacy was very informational and helpful with the understanding of computers. Using this lesson makes computers not confusing.
- Conor Donovan, Student
My experience at eLearning was very beneficial. Through their unique program I was able to rapidly finish a geometry class I needed to complete my junior year. Also, the eLearning Café environment was a great place to be able to focus on my work for extended periods of time. Thanks, eLearning!
- Sophia Mourelatos, Student
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making it possible for my son Jacob to succeed in obtaining his high school education. At times I thought that this would not become a reality for him. Now, he not only has passed all of the tests, but he is an “A” student once again and on well his way to achieve his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. There are not words enough to tell you how proud I am of him. Hopefully he can pass on this “gift” you have given him to other struggling students.
Thank you so much,
- Viki Boyes, Parent
The eLearning Cafe has had a remarkable impact in the two years it’s been serving the children of Incline Village. As of the end of the June 2013 school year, over 300 students have taken more than 400 semesters of mastery-based, accredited courses. 32 % of last year’s graduating class from Incline Village High School -- 21 of 65 seniors -- took one or more challenging classes at the Cafe. Six of those students would not have graduated on time had it not been for the eLearning Cafe’s course offerings. Challenging courses that give the children of Incline greater opportunities, every day–there is no greater gift from any organization.
-Joe Sweeney, Parent and Board Member
Over the last three years my family, with two children in high school (one now at the University of Oregon), has turned to the eLearning café to enhance their learning experience, and receive educational opportunities that the high school approved of, but was not able to provide for my “A” student children. When my son was injured and could not attend classes for over a month, eLearning stepped in with quality instruction and classes that are college-approved, which kept him on top of his academic game. Not only has eLearning been able to provide an upper level educational experience, it has also offered a venue for my son to mentor other students in a healthy, nurturing, student friendly environment.
Thank you, eLearning Café.
- Steve Dolan, Parent
The eLearning Cafe is far and away the best educational option of our 17-year-old daughter. Dr. Kelly and her team provide Lexie with focused, consistent, and creative instruction. Over the last two years, not only have her academic acheivements excelled, her confidence and contentment have also materially improved. I hear the same stories from so many families in our community. The eLearning cafe staff, management and leadership is excellent.
- Gordon Zuckerman, Parent
Our daughter found that the eLearning Café was a welcome alternative to high school classes she had to take but didn’t fit into her sports training schedule. There are some very gifted athletes in our school district, and the scheduling freedom created by online study with teachers at hand to help was a win-win situation for her and us.
- J. Dermody, Parent
High school can be very challenging, especially when you have after-school activities that prevent you from the normal daily afternoon, evening, and weekend study periods. I am in several team sports that also include team travel, and it is hard to keep up. The Cafe and Dr. Kelly gave me an opportunity to do the schoolwork I needed to do — and let me pursue what is really important to me personally.
- Anna O'Neil, Student
Athletes, listen up! Here is your solution for keeping up with school while chasing your next medal. We know of several students who are national champions and have serious chances for the Olympics, and one secret they share is the Cafe! Train when you must, attend school when you can, and handle the rest of your classes with a program designed by Dr. Kelly and her team. We have seen this work first hand!
- Anonymous, Student
The eLearning Cate is awesome. I can go at my own pace then have a game of chess afterwards. And they offer courses that my school doesn’t have. Plus when football practice or wrestling messes up my other homework I just talk to Jacob and he shows me how to keep on track and stay on schedule. I’m glad I tried this in middle school so I know about it next year for high school.
- Anonymous, Student
Thank you, Kathryn for the genuine care, concern and attention to our daughter’s educational needs. There have been several times when you’ve helped us get information about how the Washoe County school system requirements work (or don’t work) and got answers for us to questions that we were struggling to get on our own through the school district. Even though it wasn’t your responsibility to know, you made it a point to find out what the requirements were and got our online course accepted by the high school- something that we hadn’t been able to do ourselves. That was just one example of how you have always been willing to “go the extra mile” for a student to help ensure their success. I wish all educators exemplified this type of passion and accountability. We will continue to look the the eLearning Cafe for our children’s special needs and recommend you to everyone we can. Keep up great work!
The note listed above was sent last year when our daughter was finishing her high school studies. She was struggling mightily with the social aspects of high school and just being “different” is enough to be disregarded by her peers if not outright bullied. She’s now a freshman at UNR, studying Chemistry and excited to take her first steps in the adult world. She’s a bright girl with great potential but, as we all know, potential is not enough to succeed. It often “takes a village” to raise a child and I continue to regard Kathryn and the eLearning Cafe as one of the most valuable resources available to help the youth of our community take flight and soar. The level of support, caring, creativity and tenacity on behalf of the eLearning students always comes through loud and clear. We owe Kathryn and the eLearning staff a huge debt of gratitude for their tireless efforts on behalf of our kids.
- Luke, Parent
The eLearning Cafe has been a great experience for our daughter. She is a ski racer and can not be in a traditional high school due to her travel and training schedule. The eLearning Cafe gives her the chance to keep up with her schooling and participate in her athletics at the same time. Having the Cafe right in our home town makes it very convenient as well. We are pleased with the caliber of classes and the guidance, supervision, and tutoring she receives.
- Debbie Hansen, Parent
As a senior citizen who still considers myself a student in progress I enjoy learning and playing bridge.
I have also taken the eLearning Center’s Microsoft Word class. Learning how to play bridge is a life learning experience.
I enjoyed interacting with the students and staff while I was in the eLearning facility.
Thank you, Kathryn, for your unending dedication to the center(s).
- Anonymous, Student