Mifflin County High School 11th-grade student Landon Rossman, left, answers a question from Alpha Program teacher Kim Shoop during class.

(Editor’s note: This is the third of a five-part series about the Mifflin County School District’s decorated Alpha Program, a district-run cyber education program designed to keep students local, supported and connected.)

LEWISTOWN — Ask students why they choose the Alpha Program, and the answers come quickly, confidently, and with a clarity that speaks to how deeply the model resonates with them.

For many, Alpha is not simply an online option — it is the first time school has felt like something built for them rather than something they must fit themselves into.

The most common word students use is “flexibility,” but the meaning behind it varies from student to student. For some, it’s about pacing. For others, it’s about the environment. For many, it’s about confidence — the sense that they can finally learn in a way that matches how their minds work.

“I enrolled in Alpha because I can take the class at my own pace,” said Alivia Liebegott, an 11th-grader at Mifflin County High School. “What makes it work for me is the support from my teachers in the room and the availability of help online.” That combination — independence paired with immediate support — is a theme echoed across the program.

For Lily Kibe, a senior who has spent three years in Alpha, the appeal is the freedom to learn from anywhere. “It allows me to work at my own pace, and I can work from any location,” she said. “I love the flexibility and convenience of Alpha.” Her experience reflects one of the program’s core strengths: students can adapt their school day to their lives without sacrificing access to teachers or the school community.

Jude Hoffmaster, a 10th-grader now in his third year with Alpha, said the format simply matches how he learns best. “I learn better on a computer,” he said. “I like that I can work at my own pace.” For him, Alpha isn’t a fallback — it’s a better fit.

For Ian Gutshall, a ninth-grader said the shift to Alpha changed how he feels about school all together. “I enjoy my time with classmates a lot more,” he said. “I like that I don’t feel rushed to meet deadlines because I can work at my own pace.” That sense of relief — of being able to breathe academically — is something many students describe.

Another ninth-grader, Carson Moore-Aldrich, said Alpha works because of the people behind it. “Alpha works for me because the teachers are really nice,” she said. “And I’m able to pace myself for my schoolwork. If I’m sick I can stay home but still do my attendance online. Also, the teachers are more patient with students when they need help.” Her comments reflect a recurring theme: students feel seen, supported, and understood.

For Abigail Anderson, an 11th-grader, Alpha provides the environment she needs to thrive. “I enrolled in Alpha because I like to work independently and in a quiet space,” she said. “I feel like I can do my best when I can focus without distractions and manage my own time. It gives me the kind of environment where I can stay productive and take more responsibility for my learning.”

Ella Hartzler, an 11th-grader, said Alpha opened doors to courses she couldn’t take in the traditional schedule. “There are more electives available,” she said. “I was able to take a class in medicine, which was not available in the building. I’m also able to get more one-on-one help when needed. I can pace myself, and there are comfortable chairs.” Her comment, lighthearted at the end, underscores a serious point: Alpha expands opportunity.

A senior, Konner Kasko, echoed that sentiment. “There were classes that weren’t offered in person that I wanted to take,” he said. “It is easy to reach out for help when needed, and I can also work at my own pace.”

For Elijah Harshbarger, an 11th-grader, Alpha provides a break from the structure of traditional classes. “I chose to enroll in Alpha because of its flexibility and the fact that I don’t have to worry about the pace of others,” he said. “Sometimes that can be helpful and necessary, but I really like that for Alpha I get to just work at my own pace without worrying about what other people need. Having an Alpha class means I get a break from standard classes and instead have a time where I can just focus on learning.”

A senior, Carter Yohn, said the one-on-one support is what makes the difference. “I like the one-on-one learning and that I can have hands-on help from the teachers and work at my own pace,” he said. “The patience that all of the teachers have and how they are willing to help, no matter what the problem is.”

Another senior, Reese Cubbison, said the collaborative environment surprised him. “I like that I can go at my own pace and can work with a classmate,” he said.

And for Trevan Diven, a senior, the decision to join Alpha started with a friend — but the benefits quickly became clear. “I came to Alpha because my friend took an Alpha course too,” he said. “I get to work at my own pace and I can easily learn through the online program instead of lectures.”

Taken together, the students’ voices paint a picture of a program that is not defined by screens or software, but by the freedom it gives students to learn in ways that make sense for them. They describe a model that reduces pressure, increases confidence, and opens doors — a model that blends independence with support, structure with flexibility, and online learning with real human connection.

For these students, Alpha isn’t an alternative. It’s the right fit.