Student Spotlight: Redondo Beach Graduate Pursues Career in Aviation 

Derek, a recent graduate from iQ Academy of California – Los Angeles (iQLA), is already soaring toward his future. After completing high school through iQLA’s online public school program, Derek is preparing to continue his training to become a commercial airline pilot, having already logged 40 hours in the air. 

A Lifelong Dream Takes Flight 

Derek’s passion for flying runs deep. Inspired by his great-grandfather, a member of the U.S. Air Force, he’s been fascinated by aviation since childhood. From an early age, planes and airfields captured his attention, and it wasn’t long before he set his sights on turning that fascination into a career. 

“I’ve been around aviation my whole life,” Derek said. “I think it’s just super cool to be around, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.” 

Finding a Better Fit Through Online Learning 

Derek first joined iQLA in eighth grade during the pandemic, when his family opted for online school avoid the health risks and disruptions of in-person learning. What started as a temporary solution quickly became the ideal learning environment. He tried in-person school again after his family moved to Canada, but Derek ultimately returned to iQLA, citing the platform’s structure and support as the best fit for him when the family moved back to Southern California. 

“In-person school is stressful, but online school really helped me realize I didn’t need to be so overwhelmed,” he said. “It gave me time to breathe and get things done without all the social pressure. That made a huge difference.” 

Through iQLA, Derek was able to take classes on a balanced schedule, giving him time to pursue flight training while staying on track academically. He described the experience as a “cheat code” that helped him stay focused and succeed. 

Support When It Matters Most 

For Derek, one of the most valuable aspects of iQLA was the support from teachers. When struggling with a difficult assignment, he was surprised at the level of support he received, something that he didn’t feel was enough in a brick-and-mortar school. 

He also found comfort in the overall structure of the school day. With a mix of live classes and independent work time, Derek had the freedom to complete assignments at his own pace. 

Looking Ahead 

Derek has logged 40 hours of flight time so far and is eager to continue his aviation training with the goal of flying for a major airline like Delta, American Airlines, or United. Now that he’s graduated, he’s looking forward to getting back in the air and building on the foundation he started. 

“To anyone struggling in in-person school, I’d say this is a massive weight off your back,” he said. “The teachers are there for you, and you have so much more time to focus on what matters.” 

For Derek, what matters is clear: keep learning, keep flying, and never stop moving forward.