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Twice-Exceptional

Sculpting David

Like the marble two sculptors rejected before Michelangelo, our neurodivergent students hold hidden potential—if we choose to see their exceptionalities.

By Sam Young 2 min read
Sculpting David

For many, Michaelangelo’s ICONIC David statue is the embodiment of art. Stylistic perfection! What many people don’t know is that originally, Michelangelo wasn’t even meant to sculpt the David. In fact, he wasn’t even the second choice…

Originally, an artist by the name of Agostino di Duccio was commissioned to sculpt the marble. Shortly after signing up, he quit… It was then decided that Antonio Rossellino would pick up the project. Sadly, Rossellino followed in his predecessor’s footsteps and quit shortly thereafter…

Michelangelo's David

(Please don’t judge; I used to have a giant beard.)

Both sculptors rejected the enormous block of marble due to the presence of what they both thought were too many imperfections. They failed to see the potential in this beautiful stone. They chose only to see it’s challenges…

Stop me if any of this sounds familiar! Do you know a David? Have a neurodivergent student that you know is bright, beautiful, contains so much promise, but is often characterized by what she/he/they cannot do?

Our students need us to be Michelangelos! We must be sure to see them for all of their exceptionalities! We must choose to see these “imperfections” that others see, not as flaws, but challenges to overcome to release their inner art!

As parents and professionals, we’re always looking for ways to support and develop our students and help them become their best selves.

I am delighted to share some brilliant ways to do just that!

Click here to learn more about our fall programs that are sure to unleash that beautiful potential that you see in your children =)

Let’s break out our chisels and tap into our students’ passion, creativity, and love of learning.

About Young Scholars Academy

Young Scholars Academy is a WASC-accredited virtual learning community offering 200+ live online courses and camps for gifted or 2e children ages 5–18, in classes of 6–8 students, led by neurodivergent mentors. Young Scholars Academy currently serves 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries, with a 93% semester-over-semester re-enrollment rate. ESA funding is accepted in 10+ states.

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You don't have to figure this out alone.

Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a class they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions Parents Ask.

Everything you need to know about Young Scholars Academy.

What is Young Scholars Academy?

YSA is a WASC-accredited virtual village for gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students ages 5–25. We offer 200+ live online courses (from Minecraft Redstone Engineering to AP Psychology to Mock Trial) with a maximum of 6–8 students per course, taught by 20 hand-selected mentor teachers who are neurodivergent themselves. We serve 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries. This is not a marketplace. It's a school and a community.

How does it work?

During Fall and Spring semesters, courses meet once a week, live on Zoom, 50 minutes per session. During Summer, camps run Monday through Friday, one week at a time. When your child enrolls in 3 or more courses, they get free access to Homeroom Social Club — a weekly gathering with a consistent group of friends. Between courses, students hang out on our virtual campus where they walk as avatars, eat lunch together, and build real friendships with kids from around the world who finally get them.

Who is this for?

Gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students, including kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, dyslexia, and PDA. No diagnosis required. If your child is clever, quirky, and hasn't found their people yet, they belong here. About 65% of our families homeschool. The rest use us alongside traditional or charter schools.

Is this a low-demand environment?

Yes. Enrichment courses have no grades and no traditional homework. However, for-credit courses include assignments and letter grades. Cameras always optional. Challenge by choice. Students are never cold-called, never forced to participate, and never penalized for how they choose to engage. For students with PDA, demand avoidance, or anxiety, this is the difference between a program they resist and one they ask to log into.

How much does it cost?

Semester courses start at $624. Summer camps are $149–$169 per camp. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.

Will my child actually make friends?

This is the part that surprises parents most. Your child joins a course about something they love and meets 6–8 kids who love it too. Same group all semester (or all week for camps). Parents tell us their children are more connected with this community than with anyone physically around them. 93% of families re-enroll because their kids won't let them stop.

What if it doesn't work?

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Switch courses, receive a credit, or stop payments. No questions asked. We can offer this because we know what happens when these kids find their people.

What do parents get?

Virtual Coffee & Connect hours every couple of weeks. Regular Expert Talks with leaders like Seth Perler, Debbie Reber, and Dr. Temple Grandin. A Facebook group where families connect and support each other. Progress updates from mentors. And the ability to watch your child's courses anytime (just stay off camera). You're not just enrolling your child. You're joining a village.