From Silence to Speaking: How LSOA Helped Richard Find His Voice

When Richard’s mom first made the switch to Lone Star Online Academy (LSOA), she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was scared and nervous,” she recalls. “Everything was virtual. It was something totally new for us.” 

Richard, now a thriving student at LSOA, started the program in first grade. At the time, he was still largely non-verbal, having been diagnosed with autism at the age of two. “He couldn’t talk,” his mom explains. “We communicated through sign language, and he was in speech therapy, but nothing seemed to be helping.” 

Before enrolling in LSOA, Richard spent two years in a brick-and-mortar school setting, but his mother said it wasn’t working. “They would call every day. Something was always going on,” she remembers. “I knew I needed something different for my son. I wanted to be part of his education—I wanted to see what he was learning and help him.” 

So, she turned to Google. That’s how she discovered K12-powered schools and ultimately landed at LSOA. 

Like many parents trying online learning for the first time, the first year brought challenges. “I was excited and nervous. I got school supplies in the mail and set up his study desk, but it was a struggle at times,” she shares. “Especially with my daughter in third grade, I was juggling a lot. I wanted to quit so many times.” 

But something kept her going—and soon, she saw the impact. “One day, his teacher asked him to read a passage out loud. And he did. By himself. I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “I cheered. His teacher cheered. It was such a proud moment.” 

Richard’s academic performance steadily improved—earning A’s and a single B on his report card—and most importantly, he began to find his voice. “Now he talks. He tells us how he feels. He tells us what he wants to do on the weekend,” his mom says. “He loves Minecraft, Legos, dinosaurs, and dancing to Danny Go!” 

For his mom, the journey has been transformational—not just for Richard, but for their whole family. “Every day, I remember that moment I wanted to give up,” she says. “I’m so glad I didn’t. It takes time. It takes patience. But it’s worth it. I’m proud of him. And I’m proud of this choice.” 

Today, Richard starts each morning with a cheerful “Good morning!” to his teacher and classmates—something that once seemed impossible. For this family, LSOA has been more than just a school—it’s been a place where Richard could grow, thrive, and finally be heard.

Discover how Lone Star Online Academy can help your child thrive—just like Richard—by giving them the support, flexibility, and voice they deserve – learn how to enroll today!