How Online Learning Helps Luis from Shanghai Balance Academics and Fencing

For 12-year-old Luis from Shanghai, education has always been about more than grades; it’s about finding harmony between academic growth and personal passion.

A part-time student at Crimson Global Academy (CGA), Luis combines his bilingual studies at a local school with online classes at CGA, allowing him to learn above his grade level while dedicating time to his love for fencing.

"With online classes, I can study efficiently anywhere, anytime, and I finally feel like I’m in control of my own education,” says Luis.

His mother, Eva, explains that balance was always the goal. "Luis is passionate about fencing and needs to devote significant time to training. Time management and efficiency are crucial, and CGA gives him that flexibility.”

Finding the Right Fit: A Global School That Understands Bilingual Students

When CGA hosted in-person information sessions in China, Eva saw an opportunity. After learning about the school’s internationally recognised online curriculum, she signed Luis up for interviews and entrance exams.

“When CGA came to China last year, I didn’t hesitate to sign Luis up. Luckily, he passed the interviews and began his learning journey at CGA,” she recalls.

Now, despite being in Year 6, Luis takes Pre-IG English and Pre-IG Science - subjects typically taught to older students. These courses challenge him to think critically, analyse deeply, and communicate effectively in English, strengthening both his academic and language skills as a bilingual learner.

“What surprised me most was how CGA tailors courses to each student’s actual study level,” Eva says. “This allowed Luis to skip grades and take on more challenging coursework. I’ve never seen him so eager and engaged in class before.”

Rigour That Inspires Confidence and Independence

At CGA, Luis thrives under a world-class online curriculum designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and discipline - the same traits he hones through fencing.

His Pre-IG English classes develop advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills, while Pre-IG Science sparks his curiosity through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. Both subjects are taught by expert teachers with international experience, ensuring every lesson meets global academic standards.

“Fencing taught me how to deal with losing, how to celebrate winning, and how to stick with something no matter what,” Luis explains. “At CGA, learning moves at my pace — not too fast, not too slow. The teachers even focus on my weaker points, just like in fencing — fast, accurate, and sharp.”

Eva has noticed a remarkable shift in his motivation and study habits.

“He now completes his assignments proactively,” she says proudly. “I remember one project where he spent three hours researching and creating a presentation comparing theological history across countries. Seeing him so focused truly warmed my heart.”

Through CGA’s personalised online learning and expert guidance, Luis has developed stronger study skills, self-discipline, and confidence, qualities that will serve him far beyond the classroom.

A Connected Global Community Beyond Borders

While CGA is an online international school, its sense of community extends far beyond the screen. The academy regularly hosts offline meetups in cities like Shanghai, where students and parents connect face-to-face.

“CGA sometimes organises offline meetups in Shanghai. So even though we study online, it still feels like we are part of a real community,” says Luis.

For bilingual students like him, CGA offers a truly global environment, with classmates and teachers joining from every corner of the world. This cross-cultural learning experience nurtures collaboration, communication, and global citizenship; skills essential in today’s interconnected world.

Looking Ahead: Building Future-Ready Learners Through Online Education

As Luis looks forward to studying full-time at CGA, both he and his mother are confident that the school’s flexible online model will continue to help him excel academically while pursuing fencing at a competitive level. 

Luis shares, “I'm really excited to keep learning and discovering what I can do. At the same time, I'll have more time to train in fencing and enjoy the things I love.”

Empowering Students Worldwide

Luis’s journey highlights how flexible, high-quality online learning empowers young learners in China to achieve academic excellence while pursuing their personal passions. With individualised courses, international teachers, and a global community, Crimson Global Academy gives bilingual students the tools to balance academics, extracurricular growth, and well-being, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

Ready to explore if online school is right for your family? Book a free consultation with a CGA Academic Advisor today and discover how we can help your child thrive.

Learn why Luis thinks CGA is the best online school for athletes in Shanghai: