From 1st Grade to Graduation: Bella-Lucia Baker’s Journey at TLC San Diego
Senior Bella-Lucia Baker exemplifies everything The Learning Choice Academy fosters at our small tuition-free charter schools—independence, academic rigor, real-world experience, and meaningful community connection. As Student Council President at our San Diego campus, Bella has not only excelled academically but has also demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to her peers. We sat down with Bella to learn more about her journey at TLC and her plans for the future.
Why did you choose TLC?
As my parents wanted a homeschool program with extracurricular options, TLC being local to us at the previous Scripps Ranch site was the best option for us starting out.
What do you love about TLC?
The two things I love about TLC is the hybrid schedule and the dual enrollment. Having a hybrid schedule with two days homeschooled, I am able to not only build responsibility and independence, but also maintain a balance between school life and home life. Using this schedule, volunteering had been a breeze, easily allowing me to complete 543 hours and counting of community service. The flexibility this offers gives me the opportunity to have four hours shifts both interning and volunteering at local hospitals and to go to my in person college class.
On that note, the dual enrollment program is something that I have greatly benefited from over the years. I started my first college class as soon as I was promoted from 8th grade---quite literally, actually, since I almost had to leave my promotion early due to my first class being that day. Since then, there hasn't been a semester I haven't also had a college class along with my high school classes. This program is absolutely wonderful not only for building my transcript since a single semester, 8 week, or even 3 week class can count for a year's worth of high school units, but it also helps me collect college credit on my currently expanding college transcript. Thanks to this program, I have nearly completed my General Education credits for college and half of my future Art Minor credits.
What benefits have you experienced from attending TLC that you might not have had at a different school?
The hybrid schedule is definitely unique to TLC and, whenever I tell others about it, they too find it fascinating. This kind of schedule also is a great way to prepare you for after high school, whether it's college where one will be having classes sporadically through the week or the workforce where one can say that they already have the experience from being able to do part time and they just also have the diploma.
What do you aspire to do after graduation? How is TLC preparing you for life after high school?
I aspire to pursue nursing after graduation, and the college classes I've been taking have been helping me fulfill pre major prerequisites. By the end of this semester, I will have completed 18 college classes.
Who would you like to give a "shout out" to at TLC?
One teacher I want to talk about is someone who has been at TLC for longer than me: Mrs. Roxanna. She always taught her classes in funny and engaging ways, especially with the gel electrophoresis we would do. She taught everything: Spanish, Nutrition, all of the sciences, and more, and all on top of being an E.P. at our site. Mr. Rohlin and Mrs. Barry have shown great respect for us students, both putting their all in to teach us and listening to our voices when a lesson doesn't quite go the way they thought it would. They're both incredibly flexible and caring, connecting with students on a personal level and constantly gaining our respect. Thank you TLC staff!
What's a favorite memory from your time at TLC?
Despite how much I try, I am unable to pick a single memory to name my favorite. Whether it was Ms. Eunice teaching my math classes in middle school, or The Outsiders projects and movie nights we would have after completing a book in Mrs. Ruiz's class, my experience with TLC has surely been extensive and seems to continue growing by the day.
Share about your experience on the student council. What are you most proud of?
I've been on the San Diego Student Council for three years now, first as Secretary and the last two as President. I'm most proud of my student council being open and accepting of all people that want to be a part of it to help the student body.
Thank you, Bella! We are incredibly proud of you and grateful for your contributions to our TLC San Diego community - from leadership to your positive attitude and everything in between - we see your star rising and can’t wait to watch you soar!
Interested in the kind of personalized, flexible education that helped Bella thrive? Learn more about our Hybrid Homeschool Program and dual enrollment opportunities by visiting our website or scheduling a tour at one of our three campuses in Chula Vista, La Mesa, or San Diego.
About The Learning Choice Academy
The Learning Choice Academy (TLC) is a tuition-free TK-12 public charter school serving families for over 20 years in Chula Vista, La Mesa, and San Diego. TLC offers two educational options: a Hybrid Homeschool Program combining on-campus classes with at-home learning and a Homeschool Program that supports families to design their child’s education. With a focus on strong academics and character, TLC creates a nurturing community where confident, knowledgeable, and self-directed learners thrive. Get to know TLC at www.learningchoice.org and on Facebook & Instagram.