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Jude Terry Launches into Professional Soccer Career

By Diane Ruston

Launch Virtual Academy student, Jude Terry (16), signed a MLS Homegrown contract with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in December of 2024. Jude is a midfielder and has an impressive soccer career for a young man of sixteen years of age.

Jude grew up in Chula Vista and started playing soccer when he was two years old. Jude quickly excelled and started to travel to Los Angeles five to six times a week to train and play by the time he was nine years old. His mother, Claudia Terry, would often pick up Jude from school early and drive him up to Los Angeles while he did his homework, ate and slept in the car.

Jude’s hard work and sacrifice paid off as he did a trial with LAFC at the age of twelve and joined their academy. Jude played for LAFC2, their reserve team. In 2023, Jude became the captain of the United States National 15U team and led the team to win the Concacaf Cup for the first time in history. Jude has also recently been named to the United States 17U Youth National Team roster for the upcoming tournament in the Czech Republic. Jude’s hard work continues to pay off as he recently became a Nike athlete and was offered a MLS Homegrown professional contract with LAFC.

Jude’s mother, Claudia Terry, describes the long hours on the road and Jude’s missing school and social gatherings to further his dream to play professional soccer as part of the sacrifice made by Jude and his family. The unique and supportive educational program at Launch Virtual Academy became the best path for Jude to continue his education and follow his dream to play soccer. Jude became a student at Launch Virtual Academy in July of 2023 and his mother describes the school as helpful and supportive.

Launch Virtual Academy is very proud of Jude Terry and we wish him the best as he continues his education and follows his dream of playing professional soccer for U.S. and LAFC.

LAFC Articles:

LAFC Signs 16-Year-Old Academy Player Jude Terry To Homegrown Contract

8 Questions With New Homegrown Jude Terry

Launch Virtual Academy – January 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is Launch Virtual Academy?

    Launch Virtual Academy is a Course-Based Independent Study School using a blended learning pedagogical approach designed for the student and family that wants a flexible program that maximizes choice. It is open to any 7th – 12th grade student that wants their education primarily online. It provides Choice, Flexibility, Personalized Learning, Online and On-Site Activities, Certified Teachers, Engaging Curriculum, Access to On-Site enrichment programs (as conditions allow and safety protocols are in place) including Sports, Visual and Performing Arts, Career Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

  • How is Online Learning at Launch Virtual Academy different than Distance Learning?

    Launch Virtual Academy is an online school. It is not Distance Learning. Launch Academy is an independent study program where student attendance is based on satisfactory course progress, not seat time. There is teacher online instruction (LIVE Academic Sessions) and student collaboration, but less frequent than what students experienced during Distance learning. In regular school the teacher paces the class for all students to be on the same curriculum topics. At Launch Academy students have access to the course content 24/7 and can move faster through the curriculum than regular school. Students at Launch move independently through the course content while teacher monitors, evaluates, and provides support. Launch offers personalized and flexible education for each student.

  • Who can attend Launch Virtual Academy?
    1. Any student in grades 7th-12th who lives within the San Diego County boundaries.
    2. Any student seeking a flexible, safe, and engaging learning environment that maximizes choice and offers personalized learning experiences.
  • How many classes do students take at a time?

    We operate on a quarter system. Within each quarter, students will take 3 classes (credits). Each quarter class is equivalent to a semester-based class at a comprehensive school. By the end of the academic year students will complete 12 credits (classes) just as they would at a traditional site. Opportunities for advanced credit completion are also available within our quarter system.

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