Student Example: Marcus

A 13-year-old managing OCD while discovering his passion for biology

Disclaimer: Marcus is an illustrative example, not an actual student. This profile is created to help families understand how Siegel Academy might support a student with similar needs.

Student Profile

Marcus struggled with severe OCD that made it nearly impossible to complete assignments the way his teachers required. The rigid structure of traditional school only made his anxiety worse. After joining Siegel Academy, he began weekly therapy sessions that helped him develop coping strategies. He enrolled in an accredited online school for his high school diploma while using Siegel Academy as his therapeutic support system.

Age 13 years old
Primary Diagnosis OCD
Grade Level 8th Grade
Diploma Program Online diploma program
Study Location Local Library
Special Interest Marine Biology

Marcus's Journey

Before Siegel Academy, Marcus was falling behind in school. His OCD made simple tasks feel impossible—he'd spend hours trying to write his name "perfectly" or become paralyzed when assignments didn't have clear enough instructions. Traditional schools couldn't accommodate his needs, and his anxiety was spiraling.

Now, Marcus studies at his local library where he feels calm and focused. Through our Social Skills & Sharing Circles, he discovered a passion for biology after sharing research about local ecosystems. Today, he's actively involved in environmental research with his local community and dreams of becoming a marine biologist.

  • Weekly individual therapy to develop OCD coping strategies
  • Biweekly mentor sessions to plan his path to becoming a marine biologist
  • Twice-weekly group sessions (therapy + sharing circles) for peer connection
  • Biweekly Minecraft sessions with classmates for relaxed social time
  • 24/7 chat access to teachers and therapist for support
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Sample Daily Schedule

Here's what a typical Tuesday looks like for Marcus. His schedule is flexible and adjusted based on how he's feeling each day.

Time Activity Type
8:00 - 9:00 AM Morning routine & travel to library Personal
9:00 - 10:00 AM Online diploma program coursework (Math) External School
10:00 - 11:00 AM Individual Therapy Session (Siegel Academy) Therapy
11:00 - 12:00 PM Online diploma program coursework (Science) External School
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch break & mindfulness Break
1:00 - 2:00 PM Social Skills & Sharing Circle (Siegel Academy) Group Class
2:00 - 3:00 PM Independent biology research project Independent
3:00 - 4:00 PM Online diploma program coursework (English) External School
Evening Chat with classmates & check in with teacher (as needed) Membership

Sample Weekly Schedule

Marcus's weekly Siegel Academy sessions fit around his Online diploma program diploma coursework.

Day Siegel Academy Activities Time
Monday Group Session (Social Skills & Sharing Circle) 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Tuesday Individual Therapy Session 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Wednesday Group Session + Mentor Session (biweekly) 2:00 - 3:00 PM, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Thursday Minecraft Group (biweekly) 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Friday Group Session (share progress on biology goals!) 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Daily 24/7 Chat Access (classmates, teacher, therapist) Anytime

Sample Monthly Overview

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4 Therapy Sessions

Weekly individual therapy focusing on OCD coping strategies, exposure response prevention, and managing school-related anxiety.

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2 Mentor Sessions

Biweekly one-on-one sessions planning his path to marine biology—identifying internships, research opportunities, and required coursework.

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8 Group Sessions

Twice weekly group therapy and Social Skills & Sharing Circles where Marcus connects with peers and shares his biology discoveries!

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2 Hours Gaming

Biweekly Minecraft sessions with classmates—a relaxed way to build friendships without the pressure of traditional social settings.

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Unlimited Chat Access

24/7 access to chat with classmates, teachers, and therapist—perfect for when OCD thoughts arise unexpectedly.

Marcus's Monthly Tuition Example

Here's how Marcus's family budgets for his Siegel Academy support services each month.

Monthly Services

Membership (includes 24/7 chat access to classmates, teachers, and therapist) $200.00
Individual Therapy Sessions (4 sessions × $90/session) $360.00
Mentor Sessions (2 sessions × $30/session) $60.00
Group Sessions (8 sessions × $30/class) $240.00
Minecraft & Gaming Groups (2 hours × $15/hour) $30.00
Monthly Total (Siegel Academy) $890.00

Note: This does not include Online diploma program tuition for his diploma program, which is billed separately. Financial aid is available for qualifying families. Membership fees can be waived for students with financial need.

Pricing Reference

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Membership

$200/month
Includes 24/7 chat-based classes and access to chat with classmates, teachers, and your therapist anytime. Can be waived for financial need.

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Individual Therapy

$90/session
One-on-one sessions with a therapist tailored to your specific needs.

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Mentor Sessions

$30/session
One-on-one life goal planning with a dedicated mentor.

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Group Classes

$30/class
Group therapy, Academic Sharing Circles, Achievement Circles, and other sessions.

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Gaming Groups

$15/hour
Minecraft, multiplayer games, and fun connection activities.

Could Siegel Academy Help Your Family?

Every student's journey is unique. Let's discuss how we can support yours.

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