Thornton native’s online school journey accelerated journey to law school, cut tuition

Success starts with determination. For Marissa Parks, a Thornton native, her journey through online education became the catalyst for her ambitious path to law school. A 2022 graduate of Colorado Preparatory Academy, Parks exemplifies how alternative educational pathways can offer students a headstart on their careers while saving time and tuition costs. 

Park’s educational journey was far from traditional, however. Through Colorado Preparatory Academy’s concurrent enrollment program, she earned her associate degree while still in high school, saving nearly half of her undergraduate tuition and accelerating her path to college. Upon graduation, she was already halfway through her undergrad degree.

With more than 100 students currently participating in Colorado Preparatory Academy’s concurrent enrollment program this 2024-2025 school year, the K12-powered tuition-free online public school continues to set new records and redefine student achievement in Colorado. 

After graduating from Colorado Preparatory Academy, Parks went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University in April 2024. With her eyes set on a career in family law and social work, she has already taken the Law School Admission Test and is in the process of applying to law schools. 

Now, Parks is gaining hands-on experience working at a nonprofit family foster care center, where she provides crucial support to children and families in need. Her work in this field has only strengthened her resolve to advocate for those facing legal and emotional hardships. 

Parks’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the benefits of innovative educational programs like those at Colorado Preparatory Academy. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to students seeking flexible and forward-thinking educational opportunities that work better for their own unique learning styles.

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