Hear directly from the students who experience Primer every day as they share what they love about learning, their educators, their friendships, and the moments that make school a place they're excited to be.

Every school can describe its educational model, but the most meaningful perspective comes from the students themselves.

When students talk about their experience at Primer, they don't begin by talking about grades or test scores. They talk about feeling supported, having teachers who believe in them, learning at their own pace, building friendships, discovering new interests, and enjoying coming to school each day.

Their stories reveal what learning looks like when students feel known, encouraged, and empowered to grow.

Learning at Their Own Pace

One of the themes students mention most often is the ability to learn at a pace that works for them. Rather than feeling rushed through lessons or overwhelmed by homework, students describe having the time and support they need to truly understand what they're learning.

"I like how there's time when you finish with something you can make time in your own schedule to pace your goals. In other schools they just pile on the work and sometimes it gets to be too much. Less homework or no homework is just so good."
— Mila Iglesias

Laureate Wright has experienced that growth firsthand.

"I like that we get to do iReady reading because I read every night and every day and the iReady shows me it helps because I can answer more questions easily. And about math... I just went on to a new lesson of 10's and 1's and now I realized I'm not struggling as much because I moved to the new lesson."
— Laureate Wright

MarQuis Gambaro also enjoys having ownership over his learning.

"I like to do my work early when I come to school so I can get my goals out the way... the academics, how we get to be on the computer and work at our pace and level—it's pretty cool."
— MarQuis Gambaro

Educators Who Care

Students consistently describe educators who are patient, encouraging, and invested in their success. Rather than simply teaching lessons, they build relationships that help students gain confidence.

For Laureate, that support comes from his classroom educators.

"I love Mr. Ken and Mr. Davis because they don't make the work too hard because they are always helping me."
— Laureate Wright

MarQuis appreciates both the encouragement and accountability he receives.

"Ms. Taylor is nice and she's also very direct... she is always on top of me and helps me with my work and gives me notes and tips on how to work harder and get better at what I'm struggling with... She's also great with high school readiness."
— MarQuis Gambaro

Kryst noticed an immediate difference compared to previous schools.

"The teachers here don't yell... Ms. Taylor is kind. My old teacher was really mean... Ms. Taylor is the opposite of her. She is just the best."
— Kryst Georges

Mila values how genuinely cared for she feels.

"Ms. Taylor is kind, she's not pushy, she really cares about us. She treats us like we're one of her own."
— Mila Iglesias

Rocco describes the joy his classroom teacher brings to each day.

"Ms. Sams is fun and we all like being around you because you're so silly and authentic. You do fun stuff with us and you also help us learn why it's important to do right and be truthful, but you also make this less boring no matter what it is."
— Rocco Boucher

Growing in Confidence

Students also recognize how much they've grown—not just academically, but personally.

Rocco reflects on becoming more focused and confident.

"I felt proud when last year when I learned to get more focused on how to do the right thing and so I got more focused on my work this year. I can achieve my goals."
— Rocco Boucher

MarQuis appreciates having a calm learning environment where he can stay focused.

"I enjoy being on the computer. It's just quiet and a chill vibe."
— MarQuis Gambaro

Time to Explore Interests

Learning extends beyond core academics. Through Pursuits, creative projects, and student choice, students have opportunities to explore interests they may never have discovered elsewhere.

For Mila, the variety makes a difference.

"I love that the pursuits switch. Normally you just cycle through the same three things like music and art, but here you have so many options to do and it really helps you with preparing for your future."
— Mila Iglesias

Kryst enjoys trying something completely new.

"I like the pursuits because they let me do something that I've never done. It's just extremely fun and challenging to do."
— Kryst Georges

Sasha loves the creative freedom.

"I like getting to draw in pursuits."
— Sasha Degtiar

Serenity enjoys expressing her creativity every day.

"I like to draw things that inspire my mind and Mr. Davis and Mr. Ken like when we are inspired, so it's so fun."
— Serenity Flavius

A School Community Students Enjoy

Students don't just talk about academics—they talk about feeling happy, safe, and excited to come to school.

MarQuis values both the friendships and the environment.

"I like to get to talk to all of my friends... I like this school and in my opinion it's way better. In other schools there are so many problems with kids being mean and pushing and fighting... I also like being in one homeroom and not having to constantly change rooms and move around and keep track of my stuff."
— MarQuis Gambaro

Breaks throughout the day help students stay energized.

"I like it here because we have breaks and time to relax... It's way more relaxing and less stressful."
— Kryst Georges

Mila appreciates the little moments that help students stay focused.

"I like that there's a snack break. Sometimes you just really need that extra snack rather than focusing more on your stomach feeling empty for hours."
— Mila Iglesias

Outdoor play remains a favorite part of many students' days.

"I love having recess and being outside getting fresh air and playing soccer."
— MarQuis Gambaro

"I think the best part is recess because we get to have fun and play."
— Sasha Degtiar

Students also enjoy celebrating their accomplishments together.

"If we meet our goals then we get to have free choice on Fun Friday and it's so nice."
— Serenity Flavius

"I like when Mr. Davis and Mr. Ken let us earn free choice for Fun Friday at the end of the day."
— Laureate Wright

Learning That Feels Different

While every student's story is unique, a common thread runs through each experience. Students describe a school where they feel supported by caring educators, challenged at the right pace, encouraged to pursue their interests, and excited to spend time with their classmates.

For these students, school isn't simply a place to complete assignments. It's a place where they build confidence, discover new passions, form meaningful friendships, and experience the joy of learning every day.

Their words tell the story best.

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