Remote School Student Describes Her Journey to Graduation

Sammi Smith is about to cross the finish line as a graduate of the West40 Remote School and a recipient of a highly coveted student award. She persevered through challenging times, including the loss of a parent, changing schools and taking time off to adjust to life as a young mother.

Sammi was originally set to graduate from her home school with her peers in 2023. But while the academics were rigorous, Sammi said she felt like she didn’t really fit in there.

“I didn't talk to a lot of people. I kind of felt a little bit out of place. It wasn't the easiest for me to get there and come to school because I didn't really feel like that was the school for me,” Sammi said.

That’s when Sammi and her mother learned about the West40 Remote School. Sammi enrolled at West40 in 2022. 

“It seemed like a really good, supportive, genuine, just really success-focused kind of program, but with the emotional support of everything else that I had going on,” she explained.

But soon after starting at her new school, Sammi’s father passed away. Then her education journey was put on pause when she became ill and pregnant.

She gave birth to her daughter and spent time focusing on her health and motherhood before returning to the West40 Remote School in August 2024. Now, Sammi is back, thriving, and recently honored as a School Citizen of the Year (SCOTY), an award that left her in tears.

“It was so unexpected, like just such a feeling like I was recognized for putting in effort,” Sammi said. “Even if you feel like maybe you’re not doing your best, people see that you are trying.”

Sammi said the Remote School provides her the flexibility that she needs as the parent of a toddler and she points to the student advocates and teachers providing support as a meaningful part of her West40 experience.

Sammi Smith and Mackenzie Carter

“I would say that they work with you to meet your needs. Regardless of the situation you're in, they'll help you and work with you to figure out a schedule that fits your needs,” Sammi said.

Sammi’s student advocate, Mackenzie Carter, told us she meets with Sammi several times a day.

“I think it's just such a unique experience. I would just say with West40 we still have that curriculum. We still are able to give the students the work that they need, but also give them that emotional support as well,” Carter said. “As an advocate, it is that balance of helping them with their academics more into that personal level as well. I think it gives students more of a one-on-one experience with their education.”

Sammi told us she is interested in attending a physical therapy program at a nearby community college. West40 has also helped her connect with professionals in the field.

“It gave me a really good idea of what the work would be like, what the schooling is like. And just if that's something that I would want to pursue, and it is."

For more information about the West40 Remote School, visit their website: https://www.west40remoteschool.com