Back to School Spotlight: How iQLA Brings Students and Families Together Beyond the Screen 

For many students, the school year begins with the excitement of meeting classmates, reconnecting with teachers, and feeling part of a community. At iQ Academy of California, Los Angeles (iQLA), where learning happens online, that sense of connection is equally important. Each year, iQLA hosts its Back-to-School event in Glendale, offering students and families the chance to gather in person, build friendships, and celebrate the start of a new academic year. 

Building Connection Through Shared Experiences 

The event is designed to give students more than a welcome back. It creates opportunities to meet face-to-face with peers and teachers they usually see on a screen. Families connect with staff, learn about school resources, and join in activities that strengthen the bonds within the iQLA community. These gatherings bring the school to life in a different way. Students leave feeling prepared for the year and excited about being part of something bigger. 

Honoring September 11 Through Reflection and Gratitude 

This year’s event carried added meaning as it took place on September 11. Attendees observed a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives. Members of the Glendale Police Department joined the ceremony, standing alongside families and staff in a moment of silence. Students also created thank you cards for Engine 10 in New York City, the firehouse that suffered the greatest loss of firefighters during the attacks. For many students who were born after 2001, the activity was both educational and personal, connecting them to history through gratitude and service. 

Creating Community Beyond the Classroom 

iQLA students thrive in an online environment, but the school also values in-person connection. Events like this help families feel supported, students build lasting