Success stories of CCA learners

As Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Teen Queen 2026, CCA Senior Jaylene shines brightly in her community, advocating for mental health awareness—but it wasn’t always like this.  

Prior to attending CCA, Jaylene experienced severe bullying and a lack of support at brick-and-mortar schools that negatively impacted her grades, self-esteem, and her family. “She was bullied, assaulted, failing most of her classes, resisting to get out of bed to go to school, and facing potential truancy filing for the missed days due to her mental health struggles,” her mom Kristin shared. Jaylene endured racial slurs, bullying on the bus and in the classroom, and cyber bullying on social media. Compounded with her learning disabilities, Jaylene was not receiving the resources or environment she needed to succeed. Kristin recalls, “I was seeing my beautiful daughter’s self-esteem and her drive for life crash before my eyes!”

After trying a brick-and-mortar charter school and Vo-Tech school unsuccessfully, the family believed they had run out of options for Jaylene to receive a safe and effective education. Kristin was on the brink of having Jaylene drop out of school altogether and pursue her GED later in life. “As a mom, I felt helpless!” she expressed, “That has to be the worst feeling in the world!” 

Then, a friend recommended CCA to Kristin and Jaylene, sharing that her son experienced extreme success and support there. Jaylene did not enjoy her local public school’s online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic, so she was hesitant to try a cyber school. “I researched [CCA], spoke with Jaylene about it, and she said she would try it,” Kristin explained. “She was enrolled [and] out of harm’s way within five days.”  

For the past three years, Jaylene has thrived at CCA, with her mom sharing, “Switching to CCA has saved my daughter’s life and mine!” Working one-on-one alongside supportive teachers, Jaylene conquered courses at her own pace and had autonomy to decide what learning styles worked best for her. “I could go on forever about how CCA’s curriculum, flexibility, student-centered learning, learning supports, multiple graduation pathways…, field trips to learn social skills, et cetera have changed our lives!” Kristin expressed.

In addition to academics, Jaylene has enjoyed many field trips and social opportunities through CCA, including family nights and school dances. Kristin said, “Jaylene was treated with such kindness by every kid who attended the events. For the first time, she had real friends!” 

In June, Jaylene walked across the stage at one of CCA’s graduation ceremonies to receive her high school diploma—an incredible milestone that previously felt out of reach.

Jaylene’s perseverance through mental health struggles inspired her to pursue the Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Teen Queen 2026 title. The Pennsylvania Miss Amazing program creates opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to explore their passions and strengths, build self-esteem, and engage their communities.  

As part of her community outreach, Jaylene makes cards, hosts food drives, and attends events. Through her platform, she brings awareness to the mental health struggles young people face and uses her story to uplift others. “Miss Amazing is helping me overcome some of my social anxiety. I like that there is no judgement from the volunteers and other participants,” she explained, “Everyone is so nice and supportive.” Jaylene will participate in the Miss Amazing National Event in Chicago at the end of July and continue sharing her message, “No one is alone!” 

Jaylene’s journey through school was not an easy one, but through self-advocacy, resilience, and hard work, she was able to accomplish her goals. Kristin credits CCA as being the reason her daughter received a high school diploma. “I can’t thank the teachers and staff at CCA enough!” She shares. “If you are enrolled at CCA, you are in the right place!”