A 2018 graduate of Keith School, Elyse Knoll didn’t have a typical Keith education. As a competitive figure skater, she spent a lot of time training on the ice. Going to Keith School gave her the flexibility to devote time to the sport she loved.
When she needed to participate in competitions, she was able to coordinate with faculty and make up classes in the evening. “The teachers were fantastic,” she says. “They worked with me, let me grow and practice my sport. It’s something Keith offered that no other school in the area could give me.”
Her experiences at Keith also made her much more independent. “I took advantage of learning independently and teaching myself,” she says.
Today, she is 2,000 miles from where she started, attending the University of Southern California. USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities, located in the heart of Los Angeles. There, she is studying business with an emphasis in cinematic arts. She plans to work for one of the top film companies, either in television or film.
“A lot of people were shocked when I decided to go to USC,” says Elyse. “At Keith my graduating class was 35, now my class is 4,800. It’s a huge institution compared to Keith, but honestly it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I wanted a big school and I found the perfect program for me.”
To parents considering Keith as their school of choice, Elyse would encourage them to do it. “It’s a fantastic experience with a lot of one-on-one attention. The teachers are helpful and engaging. They want to see you grow and go on to do bigger and better things. They really do have the child’s best interest at heart.”
To current students, Elyse says college does get more difficult, so take advantage of the time you have at Keith. And if they want to choose a large school for college, she would encourage them to go for it. “Don’t be afraid to try something new, she said. “Keith has prepared you in so many ways.”
