Balancing Academics and Olympic Dreams: Gracie Dinh’s ARVA Journey

Gracie Dinh isn’t your typical high school graduate. With dreams of competing in the Olympics, Gracie began her journey as a precision rifle athlete at a young age, and Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) played a pivotal role in helping her balance both academics and athletics.

Gracie’s passion for shooting began when she was in sixth grade, and she tagged along with her parents to a concealed carry class. Learning gun safety and the responsibility that comes with it opened the door to a whole new world for Gracie. From there, she joined a local gun club, and soon after discovered a rifle club team that practiced weekly. That’s when her real journey as a precision rifle athlete began, and she hasn’t looked back since.

By the time she was a sophomore, Gracie’s competition schedule was becoming more intense. The demands of training, traveling for matches, and striving to improve her standing on the national team required an accommodating educational structure. Enter ARVA’s Flex program, designed specifically for students like Gracie who need adaptable learning schedules to pursue their passions outside of school while continuing their academic studies.

Gracie’s father, Thu Dinh, reflects on how ARVA became the perfect fit for his daughter.

“She’s very disciplined, and with ARVA’s dynamic curriculum, she could travel for competitions and still keep up with her schoolwork,” Thu said. “We initially worried that an online program might not be rigorous enough, but ARVA proved us wrong. The challenging coursework she encountered, especially in math and science, prepared her well for college.”

Gracie graduated from ARVA in May 2024 as the valedictorian, a reflection of her dedication and perseverance in both her studies and her sport. Her academic excellence, paired with ARVA’s support, has allowed her to follow her other dream: studying chemical engineering at Ole Miss, while continuing to train for her ultimate goal — making the U.S. Olympic team.

A key to Gracie’s success was ARVA’s personalized learning environment. The school’s well-established program, with over 20 years of experience, gave the Dinh family confidence in the quality of the education Gracie received. Its adaptable framework enabled Gracie to attend training camps, participate in longer matches, and still complete her schoolwork on time. With extended support hours and the ability to work at her own pace, Gracie was able to maintain her rigorous academic load while dedicating herself to the sport she loves.

Gracie’s goals remain high. She continues to aim for an even higher rank on the national team, with her eyes set on making the U.S. Olympic team. Gracie’s story is an inspiring example of how ARVA’s self-paced and challenging curriculum can empower students to pursue their passions while maintaining academic excellence.

It isn’t just about providing convenience; it’s about creating opportunities. Whether your student is an aspiring athlete, artist, or entrepreneur, ARVA’s personalized learning schedule and dedicated support systems can help them achieve their goals, just like Gracie.

Ready to create your own success story with ARVA? Learn how our customizable programs can empower your child to pursue their passions while receiving a top-tier education on Arkansas Virtual Academy’s How it Works page. Enroll today and start your journey with ARVA!

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