A Better Fit: Why the Huggler-Rachiele Family Chose PA Distance
When Nicole Huggler-Rachiele talks about her daughter’s education, her voice carries a mix of relief and joy. It wasn’t always that way.
For years, their family tried different paths—traditional public school, private school, even homeschooling. But no matter the setting, something always felt off. Her daughter was anxious. Withdrawn. School was a source of stress, not inspiration.
“Every day was a battle,” Nicole said. “She was overwhelmed, and honestly, we all were.”
They weren’t looking for perfection. They were looking for peace. And when they found PA Distance, something clicked.
Nicole's children, Damien & Autumn
“We thought all cyber schools were the same…”
At first, Nicole admits, she was skeptical about online learning.
“We’d heard things about cyber schools. That they were impersonal. That it was just packets and screen time,” she said. “But PA Distance was different—completely different.”
From the very first call with the enrollment team, she felt like someone was listening. Really listening. And once her daughter was enrolled, the experience exceeded every expectation.
“It wasn’t just academic support. It was emotional, social, human. They got to know her. They saw her.”
“I am very impressed with how PA Distance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The most important thing for us was an individualized education for my kids. I also wanted a safe learning environment where they could focus.”
A Child Transformed
The changes came quickly—and deeply.
“She started smiling again. She started asking questions again,” Nicole said. “This is the first time I’ve seen her excited about school. It’s been amazing to watch.”
Her daughter now attends live virtual classes with certified teachers, gets individualized support when she needs it, and learns at a pace that works for her. The panic and shutdowns that used to define their mornings? Gone.
“There’s still structure, but there’s also breathing room. And that combination made all the difference.”
More Than a School
For Nicole, PA Distance didn’t just provide an education—it gave their family something bigger: stability, safety, and a sense of forward motion.
“She’s thriving again. Her confidence is back. She’s not afraid to try new things.”
That wasn’t the case in her past school environments, where crowded classrooms and high-pressure expectations left her daughter feeling small and disconnected.
“At PA Distance, she’s not just another number. They see her as a whole person.”
Why Having Options Matters
Nicole is clear: this isn’t about criticizing traditional schools. It’s about recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all—and families deserve choices.
“Some kids do fine in brick-and-mortar. But mine didn’t. And we needed another way.”
She believes strongly that access to quality cyber charter schools is essential—for kids like her daughter, and for the parents trying to do right by them.
“I don’t know where we’d be without PA Distance. Truly.”
Her Message to Other Parents
If you’re a parent watching your child struggle—not just academically, but emotionally—Nicole has one piece of advice:
“Don’t wait. Don’t let fear hold you back. There are schools out there that can help your child grow and heal. PA Distance did that for us.”
