Global Academy at ASU Prep equips students with the tools and support they need to grow academically and chase their dreams.
One standout example is Julien Garrigus, a remarkable student whose aspirations and achievements embody the school’s innovative, student-focused approach to education.
Aiming high with the Civil Air Patrol
Julien isn’t your average high school student. He’s an active participant in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a program that nurtures young leaders and helps them soar—literally! Through CAP, Julien gains hands-on experience in flying, develops leadership skills and stays active through activities like camping and hiking. These experiences are all part of his ultimate dream of becoming a pilot.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of becoming an aviator. I’ve been working hard toward this goal, and so far, I have 12 hours of logged flight time and over 300 hours of ground school,” Julien shares.
The lessons Julien is learning aren’t limited to the cockpit. CAP is about more than earning accolades—it’s about building character, discipline and leadership skills. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots and engineers began their journeys with CAP, and Julien is well on his way to joining their ranks. Whether immersing himself in ground school or preparing for his next rank of Staff Sergeant, Julien’s commitment to his dream is unwavering.
“ASU Prep Global has been a huge help in pursuing my goals because it gives me the time and flexibility to balance both school and my professional training,” he explains.
Principal Rachel Maleski reflects on how the program has played a role in Julien’s success. “I met with Julien and his mom to discuss his graduation plan, and it was one of those meetings that wholly filled my cup as an educator,” she says proudly. Seeing Julien thrive both academically and personally, she adds, is a reminder of how the school’s adaptable approach is empowering students to achieve their unique dreams.
A perfect fit at Global Academy at ASU Prep
For Julien, school wasn’t always an inspiring experience. That changed when he joined Global Academy at ASU Prep. The school’s flexible, personalized learning model proved to be exactly what Julien needed to thrive.
Maleski highlights how Julien has found value in the unique approach, saying, “He told me our coursework and teachers inspire him to not just learn information to check a box but to explore topics that he finds interesting in more depth on his own.”
Julien echoes this sentiment and shares his appreciation for the program. “I absolutely love this school—it’s a breath of fresh air,” he says. “I really appreciate the flexibility it offers, allowing me to work at my own pace and manage my schedule in a way that best supports my goals.”
This flexibility has allowed Julien to develop a structured daily routine that supports both his academic and professional endeavors. “My daily routine is pretty structured. I wake up around 7 a.m., take care of my chores and have breakfast. I follow a daily checklist and typically complete an entire week’s worth of work for one subject in a single day. I usually finish school around 2 p.m., though it depends on the subject. After that, I either study at ground school or visit the Civil Air Patrol website to take my tests and work toward ranking up.”
Beyond the academics, Julien has also found inspiration in his teachers. “I really appreciate how engaging and enjoyable the lessons are, and the teachers are fantastic! My favorite class right now is Honors English with Mrs. O’Brien. She’s such a cool teacher, and I always look forward to our conversations.”
A model that empowers students
What makes Global Academy at ASU Prep stand out is its ability to meet the needs of each student, empowering them to pursue their academic and personal goals at the same time.
Julien’s story proves how this model can transform a student’s trajectory. By combining a supportive environment with engaging coursework, the program has given him the space to thrive—both in school and in the skies above.
If you’re curious about how this innovative model can help your student reach their educational and personal goals, we’d love to connect. Schedule a call today and learn how we’re redefining education and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
