From top to bottom: Lauren Smith (Eliana’s ELA teacher) Erika Sneath (Academic Dean), and Eliana take a screenshot together after completing Eliana’s interview.
Get to Know Eliana
Dean of Students Erika Sneath recently interviewed 4th grader Eliana.
Eliana is enrolled in what we call “single courses.” These are specifically crafted classes based on family goals and student needs, carefully designed around student interests. In the interview below, Eliana shares what it’s like to be a PacPrep student, offering her perspective on both (traditional) school and
what it’s like to be a PacPrep student.
what comes to mind when you think of PacPrep?
I look forward to fun classes - it gets really exciting! Very different than going to school in person, and at some points it's better.
so tell me more about that. what specifically?
You are interacting with your teacher and you're in your house —so cool!
what’s class like? it there a set program?
Most of the time I can do things online instead of handwriting. I really liked when we did some of these cooking projects with our writing. Normally someone would be like, “Nope, not doing that!”
What sorts of supplies do you have?
I like that you have a book every week, online materials like Canva, pictures, and tools. Lots of stuff!
Eliana attends traditional school and is also enrolled in two PacPrep single courses. She has creative writing on Mondays and Literary Analysis on Wednesdays.
when you first heard yo'u’d be taking a class at pacprep, what was it like? Do you remember what you felt?
Yeah, at first I thought, “Do I need help? Is it tutoring?” But then my mom described it as a way to learn more and be creative. Mom told me how it was different from my school.
I was really nervous for my first class. My mom was standing there in my room just in case. But then I met Lauren and it was so easy!
what piece of advice do you have for students like you—they have traditional school but also are getting started with PacPrep?
Well, you get the hang of it! First, all of the teachers are super nice. At first I was nervous to have two different teachers because Lauren is so cool. But DJ is just as happy and positive and nice! WOW this is better than I thought. I’d tell them to definitely give it a try!
When you think about learning, how do you think you've grown?
At the beginning, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to read (in between PacPrep classes). I have a very busy schedule, wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but it totally does. I didn’t really talk about books before. Now I understand the story we read, it’s nice to just chat about it, not that intensely. Now I can understand that it's great to read books!
In creative writing, Eliana wrote a persuasive piece about why PacPrep should offer cooking classes (we do, by the way!). Then, she invited leadership team members to join her class and she presented to them.
how Does writing feel lately?
It's not much writing, it's more like typing down your thoughts. It feels easier to do, following the prompts and being creative with it.
What do you tell people about your class sessions?
I have a friend - she's like super smart, and we always have conversations about random things. We were talking about this class after school, and I told her it’s like a tutor, but it’s for fun! It’s creative writing and reading. I don’t think she really got it. It’s hard for people to understand.
what is is your least favorite part about classes?
The part where you have to like really write stuff down. DJ and I are going more into this paragraph thing… I wouldn't say I'm hating it, but I'm not looking forward to it. It is nice though that it’s always real world things that I’m writing about.
Eliana smiles as she holds up her watercolor piece, accompanying her written work.
Speaking of being confusing, we often get asked about materials and supplies. Can you describe this a bit?
I love going shopping! Instead of you all sending us a black/white journal, ordinary pens, things like that...we go shopping online and pick out things I like during class. It's definitely more exciting to choose what you want. Colorful pens, bookmarks, notebooks. You can choose ones with cars, sunflowers, trains, flowers, anything. And then it all comes in the mail!
Last question: what are your top 3 favorite things about PacPrep?
1) It’s very easy to go to class since it’s in your room! 2) It’s not a three hour class, classes are very short and fun. 3) It’s not one of those things where you print out and do math equations by yourself - there is lots of help. 4) And one more! Really nice and fun teachers.
Bonus! Top Taylor swift songs?
Folklore is always on in the background. I really like 1989!
