iLEAD Online TK-12 Meetup at the Gibbon Conservation Center: October 8
iLEAD Online families, come on out for an unforgettable tour with the Gibbon Conservation Center!
Learn about the behaviors and songs of these fascinating animals from experts. Just be prepared—the gibbons get very loud! The TK-12 meetup is on Wednesday, October 8, at 10:00 AM , at the Gibbon Conservation Center located at 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita.
A suggested donation of $20 per person is appreciated. Be sure to reserve your spot and sign up by October 1!
Empowering Learners to Lead with Empathy: Staff Spotlight on Jason Reisenfeld
iLEAD Online facilitator Jason Reisenfeld has been an educator for over two decades, but his passion for guiding students goes back even further. At iLEAD Online, he focuses on developing the whole learner through personalized education that balances academic excellence with social-emotional growth. Join us to get to know Jason’s background, role, and what he believes makes a great leader.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.
I have been an educator for over 20 years, teaching a variety of subjects in both traditional and online settings. My background includes creating engaging, student-centered lessons that support learners with different needs and learning styles. I was drawn to iLEAD Online because of its innovative approach to education and its focus on developing the whole learner. Joining iLEAD has allowed me to continue growing professionally while supporting students in achieving success in a flexible, personalized environment.
What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?
What I love about iLEAD Online is its commitment to truly personalized learning. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, with the flexibility to learn at their own pace while still being supported by caring facilitators.
What sets iLEAD apart from other schools is its focus on the whole learner—combining academics with social-emotional growth, creativity, and real-world application. It creates an environment where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
A great leader is someone who leads with empathy, taking the time to truly understand the needs and perspectives of others. They are active listeners who create space for every voice to be heard, and they use that understanding to build trust and collaboration. Most importantly, a great leader empowers learners—providing guidance and support while also encouraging independence, creativity, and growth so that each individual can reach their full potential.
There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?
One example that stands out to me is when a group of learners worked through a collaborative project and intentionally used strategies from their social-emotional learning activities. They began by checking in with each other, setting group norms, and practicing active listening. When conflicts or different opinions came up, instead of shutting down, they used the tools they had learned—like taking a pause, expressing their feelings respectfully, and finding common ground. It was powerful to see them not only complete the project successfully but also grow in their ability to communicate and support one another. It showed me how iLEAD’s SEL opportunities truly prepare learners with skills they’ll carry beyond the classroom.
What does a day in your school life look like?
A typical day for me begins in a brick-and-mortar classroom, where I teach physical education and focus on building relationships, promoting wellness, and encouraging teamwork. After the school day ends, I transition into my role at iLEAD Online. In this part-time position, I connect with learners virtually—answering questions, giving feedback on assignments, and participating in live sessions. I really enjoy how my day balances the energy of in-person teaching with the flexibility and personalized support of online learning, allowing me to reach and empower learners in different, meaningful ways.
Please name four fun facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.
- I’m a twin.
- As a kid, I won a raffle to attend Magic Johnson’s basketball camp—an experience that left a lasting positive impact on my life.
- I grew up at the Boys & Girls Club in Santa Monica, which helped shape my values and love for community.
- I’ve always been connected to team sports and played college volleyball.
At iLEAD Online, facilitators like Jason Reisenfeld are not just teachers; they’re mentors who help learners take ownership of their educational journey. By focusing on flexible, personalized learning and incorporating real-world skills, he’s able to empower learners in a way that goes far beyond traditional classroom settings. His work exemplifies iLEAD’s mission to not only prepare learners for academic success but also equip them with the essential life skills they’ll carry with them for life.
About iLEAD Online:
iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.
iLEAD Online 7th-12th Graders, Take Flight with Soaring Aeronautics Project
Soar to new heights this fall with iLEAD’s Soaring Aeronautics Project! This unique program offers iLEAD Online 7th-12th graders an incredible opportunity to explore the science of flight.
To learn more, please join us for an informational session on Thursday, September 4, from 6:00 to 6:30 PM. We’ll cover the course schedule, content overview, how this project can count toward science credit, and details about in-person events.
On Thursday, October 30, participants will host a Presentation of Learning. Mark your calendar and get ready to learn so much about aeronautics from our learners that day!
Finally, the program culminates with the chance to fly in a glider on November 1!
The course is led by iLEAD Online Science & CTE Facilitator Dr. Harley Young, EdD, and iLEAD California Director of STEAM Initiatives Kathleen Fredette, in partnership with Skylark North Glider Flight School.
Ready for takeoff? Register now to secure your spot.
Special thanks to iLEAD Student Aerospace Projects for their guidance with this exciting project!
About iLEAD Online:
iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.
AP Precalculus: New Course Recommended for Grades 11-12
iLEAD Online is excited to offer AP Precalculus this school year! This course is recommended for grades 11-12 and for learners who have completed both geometry and Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3.
Why Choose AP Precalculus?
- Prepare for college-level math
- Earn college credit
- Build a strong foundation for future courses
AP Precalculus has a unique mission: to make the benefits of AP coursework broadly accessible, particularly for learners who’ve never taken an AP course.
Learn more about this course from College Board: AP Precalculus Brochure.
AP African American History: New Course Recommended for Grades 10-12
iLEAD Online high schoolers are invited to enroll in our new AP African American History course. Recommended for grades 10-12.
Why Choose AP African American History?
- Prepare for college-level learning.
- Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the rich, complex, and diverse experiences of African Americans and the broader African diaspora.
- Earn college credit.
- Foster critical thinking and empathy by examining the historical roots of systemic inequality and their relevance today.
- Understand the significant contributions of African Americans to the cultural, economic, political, and intellectual development of the United States.
This course is free of charge to learners who enroll full time with iLEAD Online. Simply select “full-time iLEAD learner” at final checkout.
Join Us for a Virtual Info Session at iLEAD Online!
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming virtual info sessions, where you can learn about iLEAD Online, a tuition-free public school serving grades TK-12 in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties. Experience what iLEAD Online has to offer your family, including the following:
- Flexible, personalized education
- Project-based learning
- Social-emotional learning
- Innovative, independent critical thinking
- Entrepreneurship and collaboration
- Focus on technology
- Arts integration
- College and career counseling
- And more!
Please see our list of upcoming events, and RSVP for the event(s) of your choice.
RSVP HERE
We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!
Do you know someone who would love iLEAD Online? Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends!
El Dorado SELPA Webinar: “Autism: Homework Strategies for Parents”: September 16
You’re invited to El Dorado SELPA’s informational presentation designed to help parents/caregivers of learners with autism navigate the challenges of homework completion. This one-hour webinar will provide you with practical tools and strategies to help your child succeed.
- Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Stay Connected to iLEAD Online with ParentSquare
iLEAD Online uses ParentSquare for school-to-home communications. Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:
- Receive messages from the school via email, text, or app notification. (Download the iOS App or Android App.)
- Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 PM.
- Communicate in your preferred language.
- Direct message facilitators and staff.
- Sign forms and permission slips, sign up for events or to volunteer, and more all from your desktop or mobile device.
If you haven’t yet done so, please see below for instructions to activate your account.
iLEAD Online Family Guidebook
We’re happy to share our annual Family Guidebook and notifications with you. This resource is designed to help you understand your rights as part of the iLEAD Online community and outlines our expectations, policies, and procedures for the school year.
You can view the guidebook online at https://ileadonline.org/family-guidebook/. Please reach out to the school office if you would like a printed copy or have any questions.
We look forward to a great school year!
