For many students, balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal passions can feel overwhelming. But Kianoosh, an eighth grader at West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA), is proving what can happen when students are given the flexibility to learn in a way that works for them. 

From competitive motocross racing to award-winning science research, WVVA gives Kianoosh the time for his passions.  

Finding the Right Fit with WVVA 

Kianoosh has always been a standout student. For example, he began solving quadratic equations in third grade. So, when he realized that a traditional school setting wasn’t the best environment for him to thrive, Kianoosh made the change.  

“I switched to West Virginia Virtual Academy so I could focus more on academics, motocross, my music, and gym,” Kianoosh said.  

Since enrolling in 2024, he says the experience has made a meaningful difference, and he’s loved every second of it. WVVA’s personalized approach is designed to meet students where they are— helping them pursue both academic and personal goals. 

A Passion That Started Early 

As a student athlete and musician, Kianoosh needed the flexibility to pursue his passions – which WVVA makes possible.  

His journey into motocross started with a simple moment of curiosity from his neighbor’s dirt bike.  

“I really loved how it looked, how it sounded, and how fast it was,” he said.   

That early fascination quickly turned into action.  

“When I was four years old, I got my first quad and then I started riding,” Kianoosh said. “I just fell in love with the sport.” 

Today, Kianoosh is competing seriously and setting his sights high on the Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s – regarded as the most prestigious amateur award in motocross racing. This competition is a key stepping-stone for young riders aspiring to have professional motocross careers. 

“I want to make it to the Amateur Championship and make the most out of the sport,” he said. 

Kianoosh shows that with hard work and determination, nothing is out of reach.  

A Day Built for Success 

At WVVA, no two students’ schedules look the same, and Kianoosh has the freedom to move between academics and his motocross training – allowing for success on and off the track.  

“In the morning I wake up and log into my first class,” he said. “If it’s asynchronous, I go outside for a bit, ride around on my bike, and then come back and finish my assignments. Then I do my homework and then I finish up going to the gym and playing the violin at night.” 

For student athletes and students with unique passions, this kind of flexibility can make all the difference. 

Turning Curiosity into Achievement 

Kianoosh’s drive doesn’t stop at the track. In the classroom, he’s pushing boundaries in science and engineering. 

He recently earned first place at a regional science fair with a project inspired by a deep, personal experience. 

“My main motivation was my younger sister who was born affected by hearing loss and has a cochlear implant,” Kianoosh explained. “I thought, ‘What if I could make something that could help people all around the world, like the cochlear implant helped my sister to hear?’”  

His science project explored regenerative medicine versus bionic technology and included designing and building his own prosthetic hand using 3D modeling and printing. 

“I designed and built a compact, low-cost prosthetic hand,” Kianoosh said. 

He explained his design process, which started with sketches on his iPad that he later turned into real 3D printed prototypes. After two months of iteration and problem-solving, Kianoosh’s work earned national recognition. 

“I was selected as one of the 300 middle schoolers in the United States to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovations Challenge,” he said. “And one of the three students from West Virginia that was selected for this national competition.” 

 Because of his passion for medicine and biology, Kianoosh has a clear plan for the future.  

“In the future I hope to go to Johns Hopkins University and become a neurosurgeon to help as many people as I can,” he said.  

Learning Without Limits 

Kianoosh’s story reflects a broader truth about virtual education: when students are given flexibility, they can pursue excellence in multiple areas.  

Whether he’s on the track, in the lab, or in the classroom, one thing is clear — he’s building a path driven by passion, purpose, and determination. 

At West Virginia Virtual Academy, students like Kianoosh are redefining what success looks like. Learn more at wvva.k12.com.  

Back to Blog