Kaitlyn Porter Believes Policy Should Focus On What Matters: The Students

When Kaitlyn Porter’s parents first enrolled her in a virtual school in 7th grade, they couldn’t have predicted the profound impact it would have on her life. What began as a solution to a challenging classroom environment blossomed into a journey of academic excellence, personal growth, and an inspired career path. 

Today, Kaitlyn is a school law attorney, fresh into her career, and a passionate advocate for the power of school choice. Her story showcases not only her success but also the unique benefits virtual education can offer.

From Collective Punishment to Personalized Learning

Kaitlyn’s early school experiences were less than ideal. In her elementary years, classroom discipline challenges created an environment where collective punishment reigned. "I was tired of being yelled at," Kaitlyn recalls. Unable to articulate her frustrations fully, her parents made the pivotal decision to homeschool her.

Homeschooling worked well at first. But when her family faced the challenges of moving and living in an extended-stay hotel, they knew they needed something more structured. Early one morning, Kaitlyn’s mom stumbled upon an infomercial for K12, a free public online school program. What stood out? The availability of Latin courses, a topic that Kaitlyn had been eager to study and her mother felt unequipped to teach her. That was the moment her virtual schooling journey began.

With virtual schooling, Kaitlyn found a curriculum that challenged her academically and met her needs as a self-motivated learner. The flexible schedule allowed her to volunteer at her church and dive deeper into her interests. “It was the first time I encountered a curriculum catered to meet my academic needs,” Kaitlyn says.

Building Life Skills That Last

Kaitlyn credits her virtual school experience with helping her develop crucial life skills that have propelled her success. “I learned time management, prioritization, and how to advocate for myself, skills that I am not sure would have been as developed in a traditional learning setting,” she explains.

These abilities proved invaluable as she went on to excel in college and law school, both of which she attended on full scholarships. She believes that virtual schooling prepared her to succeed at these levels by teaching her to maintain her own schedule, identify problems, and confidently seek solutions.

From Student Advocate to School Attorney

While Kaitlyn originally planned to pursue a career in elementary education, her advocacy work sparked a shift in her ambitions. Kaitlyn has testified twice before the Texas House of Representatives, and shared her story about the impact of her online education on the steps of the capitol. 

This advocacy work opened her eyes to the broader policy issues in education and inspired her to pursue a career in law. Today, Kaitlyn works at a Dallas firm and specializes in school law, advising districts on general legal matters. “My work is important because it allows teachers to focus on their students and classroom.”

Redefining for School Choice

Kaitlyn’s firsthand experience with virtual education informs her perspective on school choice policies. “It’s not the legislature’s job to decide what kind of school works best for your family,” she argues. Instead, lawmakers should ensure families have access to various options so they can make the best choice for their unique circumstances.

She is quick to address misconceptions about online learning, especially after the widespread challenges of emergency online schooling during the pandemic. “COVID gave people a bad taste for online learning, but intentional online schools like K12 are entirely different,” she explains. “They’re designed to foster independence, adaptability, and academic growth.”

Another common myth Kaitlyn debunks is the idea that online education isolates students. “Forced association is not socialization,” she asserts, pointing out that online learning enabled her to develop friendships with people of diverse ages and backgrounds, broadening her perspective in meaningful ways. 

Advice for the Next Generation

To current virtual school students considering careers in law or advocacy, Kaitlyn offers this advice: “You’re already off to a great start. You’re learning to advocate for yourself and take charge of your education. Those skills will serve you well in any future path.”

She also encourages students to stay connected with their teachers and mentors, who are deeply invested in their success. “Reach out, ask questions, and take advantage of the support network around you,” she says.

For Kaitlyn, the lessons learned in virtual school continue to guide her as she navigates her career. Whether she’s litigating in court, advising schools, or advocating for school choice, she draws on the independence, resilience, and self-advocacy skills she developed as a virtual student.

Shaping The Future One Step at a Time

Kaitlyn’s story isn’t just a testament to what’s possible,  it’s proof that when students are given the right tools and the freedom to use them, they can rewrite the rules. Whether in a virtual classroom or the courtroom, independence and advocacy aren’t just lessons Kaitlyn learned, they’re the foundation of the future she’s shaping.