Our School on Tour – Great Homeschool Conferences Ontario, CA & Austin, TX

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Taking Swiss Online School USA on the Road: Our First Convention Adventure

This summer marked a milestone for Swiss Online School USA as we ventured into uncharted territory – literally and figuratively. Two of our dedicated team members (and our mascot Noctua) packed up our materials, loaded the car, and embarked on an unforgettable journey to represent our school at the Great Homeschool Conventions in Ontario, California and Austin, Texas.

First-Time Exhibitors, Lasting Impressions

Walking into these bustling convention halls for the first time as exhibitors was both exhilarating and humbling. Our booth may have been new to the scene, but the enthusiasm from homeschooling families was immediate and overwhelming. Parents and students stopped by throughout both events, eager to learn about our unique Swiss-inspired educational approach and flexible online learning model.

“The response was incredible,” shared our traveling instructor Axel. “Families were genuinely excited to discover an alternative that combines academic rigor with the flexibility they need for their homeschooling journey.”

From Coast to Coast

The logistics of hitting two major conventions in different states could have been daunting, but our team embraced the challenge. After wrapping up a successful showing in Los Angeles, they made their way to Austin, where the warm Texas welcome matched the summer heat. Each convention brought its own flavor and community, giving us invaluable insights into the diverse needs of homeschooling families across the country.

The conversations at our booth ranged from parents seeking advanced coursework for gifted students to families looking for support in specific subject areas. What remained consistent was the appreciation for our personalized approach and the Swiss educational philosophy that emphasizes critical thinking and global perspectives.

The Journey Home: Highway 101 Adventures

But perhaps the most memorable part of the entire trip was the journey back to Oregon. Instead of taking the fastest route home, our adventurous instructors decided to treat themselves to one of America’s most scenic drives – Highway 101 along the Pacific Coast.

 

Figure legend from top left to bottom right: The cliffs of Big Sur, Noctua at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, Carla and Axel at a campground in Big Sur, Axel about to dip his toes into the Mighty Pacific for the very first time.

The winding coastal highway provided the perfect decompression after a busy California convention. From the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur to the amazing underwater world at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium to charming coastal towns dotting the Oregon shoreline, the drive home became an extended celebration of our successful debut on the convention circuit.

“After days of talking with families and sharing our passion for education, having those quiet moments driving along the coast gave us time to process everything we’d learned and experienced,” Carla reflected. “Plus, who could resist those ocean views?”

Raffle Winners Announced!

One of the highlights of our convention debut was our free raffle, where families could enter to win exciting prizes just by visiting our booth and learning about Swiss Online School USA. The response was fantastic, with lots of entries across both conventions!

We are thrilled to announce our winners:

  • California Convention Winner:
    • 1. Prize: Sara M. from Riverside, CA
    • 2.-10. Prize: Franciso G. from Bakersfield, Jenn W. from Mission Viejo, The Screenfamily, Dennis R. from Riverside, Eileen R. from Ontario, Heather B. from Temecula, Rachel A. from LA, Liliana M, Fritz&Desera from Arcadia
  • Texas Convention Winner:
    • 1. Prize: The Jonsen Family from San Antonio, TX
    • 2.-10. Prize: Antony F. from Fort Worth, Sheriece W. from Porter, Raul K. from Waco, Loretta C, Lana S. from Aurora, Martha Z. from Pflugerville, Fernando V. from Round Rock, Dylan C. from Penta, Chelsea W. from Buda.

Due to the interest, we will draw additional extra winners in future newsletters, so please check back with us! Congratulations to all our winners! We can’t wait to continue connecting with your families. Please contact us!

Looking Forward

This inaugural convention experience has energized our entire team and given us valuable insights into how we can better serve the homeschooling community. The connections made, feedback received, and enthusiasm encountered in both Los Angeles and Austin have already begun shaping our plans for future outreach efforts.

As we settle back into our Oregon and Switzerland home bases, we’re grateful for the warm reception we received and excited about the relationships we’ve begun building with homeschooling families across the West Coast, Texas, and beyond.

Here’s to many more adventures in education – both in the classroom and on the open road!

Ready for Fall? We Are Too!

As summer winds down and families begin preparing for the new school year, Swiss Online School USA is ready to welcome students from Kindergarten through 12th grade – yes, including our newly launching 11th and 12th grade programs!

We’re excited to offer free trials to families interested in experiencing our Swiss-inspired approach to online education. Whether you’re looking for a complete homeschool solution or supplemental courses to enhance your current curriculum, our flexible programs are designed to meet your family’s unique needs.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about enrollment and to schedule your free trial. Let’s make this fall semester one of discovery, growth, and academic excellence with Swiss Online School USA!

Swiss Online School USA combines the best of Swiss educational traditions with modern online learning flexibility, serving homeschooling families who value academic excellence and global perspectives.