What Our Students Are Saying
At Beyond Academics, our students are at the heart of everything we do. Their feedback shapes our community and inspires us to continually grow and improve. We deeply value their voices and the diverse perspectives they bring, which enrich our learning environment. Hear directly from our students about their journeys and the impact our programs have had on their lives.
Nidhi N.
6th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd grade)
“During my time at Beyond Academics, I’ve grown both as a writer and as a person by learning that my voice is not just an option, but a powerful tool for expression. I used to struggle with organizing my thoughts, but through consistent writing practice and feedback, I’ve learned to craft essays that are both clear and meaningful.
Although writing once felt overwhelming, like trying to find a path in the dark, the support I received at Beyond helped alleviate that stress and gave me strategies to approach each piece with confidence. I’ve learned to “show” rather than tell—describing the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot or the nervous energy in my fingertips before a speech—to make my writing more vivid and engaging.
Beyond has not only improved my writing skills through structured lessons and peer reviews, but it has also helped me build confidence in myself; now, I speak up more in class and take pride in what I create. Because of these experiences, I feel more prepared for school assignments, especially when I need to express my thoughts clearly and creatively.”
Ariv N.
6th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd)
"Taking classes at Beyond [Academics] for three years now has been like sharpening a pencil everyday; it has made my writing stronger and more precise."
Aveen M.
8th grade, Ms. Allison
"Beyond Academics taught me to dissect complex texts with precision–a technique that has proven invaluable. For instance, annotating stories has sharpened my analytical skills, which I now apply across subjects."
Tejas S.
7th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd)
"Beyond [Academics] fostered a safe and nurturing environment, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone and discover hidden facets of my personality, much like an explorer charting unknown territory. I’ve always been the shy, angsty kid in the corner, unlike my friends, who are extremely extroverted. 3rd grade—it was then that I forged friendships on Zoom through Beyond Academics that remain strong and supportive to this day."
Harshita M.
7th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd)
"Beyond [Academics] has... prepared me for school by improving my time management and writing techniques, enabling me to break down complex essays more easily and write more efficiently."
Aparna M.
7th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd)
"I've been at Beyond Academics since third grade, and when I think about everything it’s given me, it’s hard to put it all into words. When I first started, I...had a lot to say but didn’t always know how to say it. Writing felt like something I had to do, not something I could love. I struggled with organizing my thoughts, finding the right words, and believing in what I had to offer.... But Beyond Academics changed that. Slowly, with every class, every piece I wrote, and each word of encouragement, I started to grow. I learned how to express what I was feeling in ways that I never thought of before. Poetry especially helped me unlock a side of myself I hadn’t seen before– one that’s thoughtful, creative, and unafraid to feel deeply."
Adarshini M.
6th grade, Ms. Allison (since 3rd)
"My experience at Beyond Academics has significantly improved my writing and critical thinking skills. I have learned to construct more complex arguments and express my ideas with greater clarity and confidence."
Manya G.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"Beyond [Academics] has augmented my writing in many ways. It has enhanced my vocabulary, and taught me many grammar skills."
Pranav K.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"Like baby falcons stretching their wings and getting ready for the sky, I have grown and stretched my knowledge in the vast world of writing....Now at school, if we are asked to write a story as part of a project, I am confident and strive to make it as descriptive and professional as possible."
Shivaank N.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"Empowered by the support at Beyond [Academics], I now approach schoolwork with a clearer and stronger voice, stronger grammar, and a deeper understanding of how to express my ideas effectively."
Dheeshithan
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"Before joining Beyond [Academics], writing felt like trying to run with untied shoelaces because I kept tripping over my own ideas. Now I have learned how to organize my thoughts and add strong details that make my stories come alive....What I have learned here has helped me write better at school, especially when I need to explain my thinking clearly."
Yibin S.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"In my two years at Beyond Academics, my English grades have gone over the top at school...I’ve become more confident and astute as a writer and speaker during my time at Beyond Academics."
Ishaan S.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"...Learning to plan and revise my writing, I’ve become more confident in school because I know
how to organize my thoughts and support my ideas. Beyond has helped me build proficiency in writing."
Valerie C.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
"Being part of Beyond Academics has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. Over the past four years, it has helped me grow not just as a student, but as a communicator, a thinker, and a writer with a clearer, more confident voice. Like a gardener tending to a small, fragile seedling, Beyond has helped me nurture my skills until they’ve bloomed into something vibrant and strong.
From the very beginning, I was introduced to the powerful tools of writing—different sentence structures, rich vocabulary, and effective techniques that bring stories and essays to life. I now understand how to craft compound and complex sentences that flow smoothly and give my writing more rhythm and variety. These skills have made a huge difference in my schoolwork, where my writing now feels more mature, thoughtful, and polished.
One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was the importance of 'show, not tell.' Instead of simply stating my emotions or ideas, I’ve learned to use vivid imagery and sensory details to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Rather than writing, 'I was nervous,' I might now write, 'My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, and my hands trembled as if they were caught in a cold breeze.' This kind of description pulls the reader in and allows them to experience the moment with me.
Beyond Academics didn’t just help me on paper—it helped me find my voice in real life. I’ve become more comfortable participating in class discussions, raising my hand without hesitation, and sharing my thoughts without fear. I used to second-guess myself, but now I speak with confidence, knowing that my ideas are valuable.
Each lesson at Beyond felt like another brick being laid in the foundation of my future. Whether I was writing persuasive essays, personal narratives, or analytical paragraphs, I was always encouraged to think deeper and push myself further. I learned how to revise my work with purpose, to dig into my ideas more critically, and to take pride in every word I wrote.
Thanks to the support and guidance I received here, I feel fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Beyond Academics has been more than just a writing program—it’s been a place where I discovered my strengths, sharpened my voice, and began to truly believe in my abilities. I’m proud of the writer and person I’ve become, and I know that everything I’ve learned here will stay with me for years to come.”
Anvita Y.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
“After going to Beyond Academics for 5 years, I now have a copious amount of knowledge stored in my brain. One thing I like about Beyond Academics is how they make their learning curriculum fun, so I can enjoy learning.”
Aarya S.
6th grade, Ms. Wynene
“​​Not only has Beyond Academics made me grow as a writer, but it has also sparked my imaginative and creative skills. I’ve grown to learn various writing techniques and formulas that benefit me in school everyday…”
Riahan
5th grade, Ms. Wynene
“There are wings of writing
And towers of learning
The mind is active
As the gears are turning
There is so much to learn
And so much to see
Not as small as a fern
But as big as a tree”
Rishaan B.
5th grade, Ms. Wynene
“During my time at Beyond Academics, I’ve grown as a writer by learning how to use vivid details and structure my ideas with clarity and purpose. Writing no longer feels intimidating, it feels like painting with words, where I can show emotions and moments instead of just telling. I’ve become more confident and expressive, which has helped me speak up in class and share my thoughts clearly. Beyond has prepared me for school by teaching me how to analyze texts deeply and write with efficacy. Thank you to Beyond Academics for not only making me more creative, but also a better writer.”