Secondary school
Our secondary program engages Grades 6–12 students with a rigorous curriculum that inspires within them a love of lifelong learning.
A warm welcome from our Principal
Welcome to LifePlus Online Academy! I am honored to introduce you to our inspiring team of teachers, engaging course selections and aspiring scholars representing cultures from all over the world.
At LifePlus Online Academy, we recognize that learning extends far past the four walls of a traditional classroom. We celebrate all forms of learning styles and opportunities, aiming to inspire students to truly take ownership of their learning through online course options that fuel their passions, ignite their ambitions and light their future paths. Our courses serve as an extension to our students’ current K–12 programs and are taught by highly qualified educators who equip our students to embrace and strive after commitments to learn, love and lead within their spheres of influence.
We invite secondary students to join our virtual learning community to broaden their academic options, explore their passions and grow as 21st century learners.
Warmly
Randy Attaway
Secondary Principal
Bringing the curriculum to life
The online classroom
All our courses are structured around two academic semesters each year. Students work at their own pace, taking part in up to three hour-long, live sessions with teachers every week to complement their offline studies. Our teachers help students to stay on track by providing them with regular feedback through our learning plaform, Canvas; by email; and via our parent-teacher conferences.
Bright minds, big hearts
Wherever they are in the world, our students have access to high-quality, subject-matter experts. Teachers make themselves available outside of class for both students and their parents to ask questions and get extra help. We don’t pick our teachers purely for their academic excellence, but also for their commitment to student wellbeing. LifePlus Online Academy teachers ensure our students are heard, cared for, and prepared.
Breaking out of boundaries
As part of our holistic approach to education, we offer students the opportunity to study a wide range of electives including fine arts, technical arts, technical sciences, Chinese language and culture, and even physical education. These extra classes provide students with unique, new experiences and help them express themselves outside of their core subject areas.
Sharing in success
Our Cognia-accredited curriculum is designed to give secondary students rich, engaging, and challenging studies that improve their skills and fulfil their potential. We help every student to grow in the responsibility they take for their own college and career readiness.
Building character
Students truly flourish when they grow in both competence and character. Complementing the excellence of our academic teaching, we invite students to attend daily ‘Homerooms’ with other students from the same grade and time zone. Time spent with others this way gives all our students the chance to develop relational skills, reflect on real-life situations, and be invigorated on their path to learning, loving and leading.
Part of a worldwide family
Our students won’t truly excel by staying in the classroom. That’s why we also give them unique opportunities to learn with (and from) other LifePlus students, teachers and alumni across Asia and the Middle East; working together on different projects, and sharing and celebrating with each other at online gatherings.
Our Secondary teaching team
Kim McElroy
English Language Art Teacher
Kim McElroy
English Language Art Teacher
After years of working as a global project manager implementing computer systems around the world, I became a stay-at-home mom for five years. During that time, I was also a foster mom for 12 children, living with them and my family in a group home setting.
Like you, I have been the one to work hard late into the night to help prepare my kids for school the next day. What a change in direction I found myself in. That was when I made the determination that a career change to education was the correct move for me.
I got busy certifying and preparing to become a teacher at a local school the following year. I would ultimately work primarily as an English teacher, among other subjects in Humanities, in Florida and Tennessee in the USA, Tianjin and Changshu in China, and teach and tutor children virtually from kindergarten to college age in various countries around the world. Though working as a global consultant and in China were life changing experiences, it is teaching children and trying to understand their specific, individual needs that has been my most rewarding work whether in person or virtually, especially when students find success.
Currently, I live in Tennessee with my husband, mother, and new goldendoodle puppy, Macaroni, and near our daughter and other family members. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, researching interesting topics online, playing with my nieces and nephews, chatting with friends, and enjoying my family being close after years of separation. I appreciate the time I spend with the children attending the Academy.
Location
Tennessee, USA
Education
BA English and Political Science
Louisiana State University, USA
Work experience
AP Literature and Composition and Philosophy Teacher
Tianjin International School
9th Grade English Teacher
Silverdale Academy, Chattanooga, USA
IB Diploma English Literature A Teacher
United World College, Changshu, China
Online Personal Humanities Tutor
Private instruction
HS Principal
Tianjin International School
HS English and AP Literature and Composition Teacher
Tianjin International School
MS and HS English Teacher
First Academy, Leesburg, USA
Matias Celi
Computer Science Teacher
Matias Celi
Computer Science Teacher
I am a 37 year old Argentinian teacher who loves learning new things and helping people to discover and develop their talents. I am passionate about my family, traveling, and anything tech-related that can help the world be a better place. In my free time I enjoy playing sports (paddle is my favorite one lately!). I currently live in Cordoba, Argentina, together with my wife and two kids. In the past we have lived in Cambodia and in Tianjin, China! Asia is in our hearts and in our kids—our oldest boy is a Tianjin-rén :)
Location
Cordoba, Argentina
Education
B.Ed Instructional Technology
National Technological University
Physical Education Teacher
Provincial Institute of Physical Education
Dana Chisholm
Social Studies Teacher
Dana Chisholm
Social Studies Teacher
Born and raised in California, I spent over 20 years as an advocate for women, children and families and an author and single mom of two boys. In 2010, we moved to Wuxi, China where I taught social studies for junior high and high school and my son attended high school. While living in China we found a puppy on the streets and brought her home with us when we returned.
Back home in Southern California I just achieved my second doctorate degree in the Education Department at the University of Southern California (USC) and I teach as an Adjunct Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Sociology at Vanguard University of Southern California. My boys are now grown and I am a grandma of two granddaughters, and I still have our little China dog.
I’m a Disney fan and I live close enough to Disneyland to hear the fireworks each night. My love of Walt Disney and his ability to overcome adversity led me to design a college course I now get to teach each year, ‘Disney and American Society.’ I truly enjoy exploring and sharing cultures and how we can apply learning about each other to better learn, love, and lead.
Education
PhD (abd) Intercultural Education
Biola University, USA
MA Organizational Leadership
Biola University, USA
California Teaching Credentials Single Subject English and Social Sciences with Authorization to Teach English Language Learners
California State San Marcos, USA
BA Communication Studies
University of California, USA
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
Capstone and Psychology Teacher
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
Capstone and Psychology Teacher
Ciao! Bonjour! Hóla! Hello!
From Europe to the South Pacific to North America, I have lived on several continents and taught multiple languages, from high school classes to college courses on site and online. Most importantly, my husband and I have raised five wonderful adults who have given us seven precious grandchildren. We currently live on the East Coast of the United States, close to Boston, where we enjoy the numerous historical sites of early America. I love to read detective novels and poetry; if I could, however, I’d live on the Italian alpine ski slopes during the winter and on Dana Point Beach in California during the summer! But in the end, I am happiest close to my kids and grandkids.
Location
Boston, USA
Education
Ed.D Organizational Leadership in Higher Education
Abilene Christian University, USA
MA Philosophy and Literature
California State University, USA
BA Journalism
BA French Literature + Philosophy
University of Southern California, USA
Work experience
Director of Student Services
LifePlus Online Academy
Research Fellow, Center for Vocational Formation
Abilene Christian University, USA
Adjunct Professor
Northwest University (onsite + online), USA
Adjunct Professor
Biola University, USA
Curriculum Consultant/Teacher
Glen Walenda
Science Teacher
Glen Walenda
Science Teacher
Glen Walenda is teaching Physics with the Academy this year. He was born in Louisiana in the United States but moved to Missouri at the age of 6 months. After getting his BSE Degree in Physics from Central Missouri State University, he moved to the Los Angeles area of California. He taught in California for a few years before moving to Chengdu China teaching science and theatre at Chengdu International School for ten years. He really enjoyed watching students win various awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair for many years in a row. He moved back to Missouri in the United States to be closer to family. Glen is excited to return to teaching students living overseas, this time online.
Debbie Sue Blanks
Science Teacher
Debbie Sue Blanks
Science Teacher
I am a South African who has worked for Life Plus schools for more than 20 years, 15 of them in China. I began as a science teacher at ISQ and then became the high school principal. I continued in school leadership taking on the role of Chengdu International School head principal. I returned to South Africa to be with family but remained with Life Plus in various roles as a consultant, interim principal for ISW and Yantai International school, as well as teaching for LifePlus Academy. I currently work for ACSI as the assistant director for the South Africa office. I have a BSc in Chemistry and a masters in educational leadership.
Location
Johannesburg
Education
MA of Education Leadership, Columbia International University
Randy Attaway
English Program Director, AP Co-ordinator
Randy Attaway
English Program Director, AP Co-ordinator
When I was in elementary school, I had three dreams: have a family, become a teacher, and travel the world. I know that I am blessed because my childhood dreams are an everyday reality.
My wife, son, and I currently live in South Carolina, USA, which is where my teaching career began at a public high school. Between 2015 and 2020, I had the privilege of serving as teacher, academic service support, and a principal at International School of Qingdao in China, which gave us the opportunity to travel through many countries in Asia as well as a few in Europe.
Since returning to the States in 2020, I have been honored with the opportunity to continue working with curious students and inspiring families throughout the world through online education. I absolutely love the process of learning and believe that everybody is created to be learners. Thankfully, the internet allows us to learn together now more than ever!
Location
South Carolina, USA
Education
MA Educational Leadership
University of Texas, Permian Basin
BA Secondary English Education
Southern Wesleyan University
Wendy Poling
Statistics Teacher
Wendy Poling
Statistics Teacher
Wendy Poling lives in Kansas City, USA with her husband and her two daughters. Wendy was a big fan of distance learning before it was cool! Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2001 with her M.S. in Mathematics, she has taught for several high schools and colleges over the years and is thrilled to be joining LifePlus. Wendy also serves in her commmunity in preschool work and works with her daughters' theater company.
Recognized for excellence
LifePlus Online Academy is accredited by Cognia, the largest education improvement organization in the world—demonstrating our commitment to learners, teachers, leaders and communities.
Grow academically and beyond
Ready to receive the highest quality education in a warm, caring and encouraging community?