Brooklynn Pitts is not only a stellar student, she’s also an extremely talented performer. As a student at highly regarded Blue Ridge Academy in California, she’s using Lincoln Empowered curriculum to study while doing what she loves: singing in her pop group, XOMG POP!

Brooklynn Pitts headshot_smallBrooklynn started dancing at the age of 4 and, according to her father, George Pitts, she’s never looked back. After landing a top spot in an eight-week singing and dancing reality show, Brooklynn won the opportunity to be part of XOMG POP!, created by JoJo and Jessalynn Siwa of “Dance Moms.”

“I’m excited that she’s getting a lot of these opportunities,” her dad said. “Now that she’s 13 and singing and dancing, she’s doing what she loves, and it makes me happy.”

Brooklynn enrolled in Blue Ridge Academy as a fifth grader who needed more flexibility in her schedule. It was the perfect fit. With its focus on personalized learning and customizable academics, Blue Ridge paved the way for her to thrive. Now in seventh grade, Brooklynn loves that the Lincoln Learning courses they offer give her the opportunity to express her creativity.

“In Music 7, we had to make videos, compose and write our own songs, and film our musical. I love how [my teacher] makes projects where we have to create things ourselves and make them authentic,” Brooklynn said.

She also enjoys the variety Lincoln Learning courses provide.

“I love how every single lesson is something different,” Brooklynn said. “We are learning about every single genre of music.” From lessons on sheet music to classical singing, Brooklynn said the class helped to train her musical ear.

Mark Yochum, Brooklynn’s music teacher and Lincoln Learning curriculum developer, said courses are designed to give students the freedom to explore their passions.

“When we were making these courses, we wanted different types of assessments to let students spread their wings a little bit and show creativity. It’s super cool to hear it’s working,” Yochum said.

Brooklynn’s curriculum also includes Lincoln’s core courses. Her favorite is science.

“You can do a lot of experiments and projects, and I love that,” she said. “I love my teachers because they’re very helpful. I’ve never had a problem contacting them because they are always just there to help.”

The ability to travel with her courses, allowing her keep up with her work no matter her location, has also served Brooklynn well.

“We can be in a different state, and I would still be doing my courses,” Brooklynn said. “I take them everywhere with me.”

In her dad’s opinion, that mobility has been a game changer.

“I’ve noticed her using her hotspot just to log on whenever she’s in the car. It comes in handy wherever we are,” Pitts said. “Overall, I love Lincoln Learning and what it can do. We also just enrolled our other two kids. That’s how much we love it.”

This summer, Brooklynn and XOMG POP! will begin their first tour, spanning 14 cities across the U.S. and performing music from their album, “Party Like a Pop Star.”

“I’m excited to see all our fans. Growing up, I always wanted to inspire other kids,” Brooklynn said.

As for inspiration, Brooklynn encourages other online students to explore their course options, especially courses on topics that interest them.

"Just have fun. You can go at your own pace, and there's a lot more than math and science.  Experience it all, and don't hold back on it."

    • Booklynn Pitts, student at Blue Ridge Academy in California using Lincoln Empowered curriculum