Cleavie and Katherine have the freedom they need to work in their family’s cattle company.

Growing up in a legacy cattle family, it was foreseeable that from a very young age, ninth-grade twins Katherine and Cleavie Allen would work in the East Texas business, meanwhile learning the science of breeding and the art of showing the immense animals the Allen Cattle Company produces.

Between the ranch work they thrived on, the competitive showing and other agriculture and 4-H-related activities they were pursuing, public school was taking too much of the girls’ time.

The 14-year-olds are now beginning their second year with Texas Tech K-12. They discovered the school when Cleavie, the older of the two by just a few minutes, insisted to her parents, Michael and Jennifer, that homeschooling would be a much better plan than public school.

Jennifer says she was willing to listen to Cleavie’s pitch, knowing there were three things she was looking for – or didn’t want – in a homeschool program.

“I wanted an accredited program that colleges would recognize,” Jennifer said emphatically.  “And although I am a Christian, I didn’t want a faith-based program that might not be taken as seriously by some universities. And I did not want to be my daughters’ teacher. Texas Tech K-12 hit all the marks.”

Michael, who is a veterinarian, has extensive knowledge of the cattle breeding industry, specifically Brangus, going back to when he was in high school. He and his grandfather bought some Brangus heifers for Michael to show. He continued showing and breeding them, developing a foundation herd. With Michael’s experience and the girls’ early exposure to ranch work, they have a definite advantage in competitive showing which began around age 8.

Schooling at their own pace and completing lessons in four to five hours a day leaves more time for the twins to travel around the country showing their cattle and supporting the family business. 

Lenzi Hart, the twins’ eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading instructor, says the flexibility of the program gives students the opportunity to pursue these types of exceptional experiences outside the traditional classroom while still receiving a strong education. Katherine and Cleavie have taken full advantage of that opportunity.

“Students with demanding schedules and significant commitments outside of school sometimes have to put academics on the back burner, but that was never the case with Cleavie and Katherine,” Hart said, her eyes lighting up when talking about the sisters. “They brought the same dedication, energy and drive to their schoolwork that they bring to raising and showing their animals. Their success in both areas reflects their exceptional work ethic and commitment to doing their very best.”

Katherine and Cleavie are both involved in public speaking and community service as part of 4-H, educating different groups on agriculture and related topics. 

As much as they participate in and enjoy the same things, they’re also a bit competitive, facing off against each other in shows and other contests – like the beef skillathon – an event that involves answering questions about the beef industry, including history, tools, and animal feeding, sometimes including beef evaluation.

Despite the competitive dynamic, Cleavie says they’re still best friends. But, like most siblings, the twins do have their differences and are looking at varied futures. Katherine wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a veterinarian. She’s also a self-proclaimed “girly” girl and doesn’t let her rough and tough ranch life define her.

“Growing up in the cattle industry has taught me that being strong and hardworking doesn’t mean you have to give up things that make you uniquely you,” she said assertively. “I have learned to be confident in who I am and not be defined by stereotypes. Never be afraid to make a statement!”

When switching to Texas Tech K-12, a concern of Katherine’s was that she would struggle with staying on task because she has ADHD – but she found that to not be the case at all.

“In fact, I feel more motivated than ever. The work is challenging but I love completing it so I can move on to doing things outside,” she explained with a grin. “I like how I am actually learning more in my classes. I think both ELA and the math classes were huge steps up in terms of quality of education. 

“The other really big benefit is the flexibility. I found that in public school we were having to say no to really good opportunities because we were worried about missing class. Now we have the flexibility to have a well-rounded education.”

Cleavie aspires to own and operate her own cattle public relations and marketing company. She’s an avid cattle photographer and plans to combine two things she is passionate about: cattle and marketing, looking to pursue a degree in either agriculture communications or agriculture business.

“Texas Tech K-12 has not only given me the educational experience I need to be successful in this degree field, but it has also allowed me the flexibility to gain hands-on experience through internships and making relationships with industry professionals to be successful in my future career goals,” Cleavie said.

Like Katherine’s ADHD, Cleavie has her own personal challenge: type 1 diabetes, which she says is not the number one priority in her life. 

“Sure, I have a uncurable disease that requires 24/7 management to stay alive, but I never let it stop me from doing anything,” she said definitively. “That is not to say it hasn’t impacted my life in a huge way because it has. I am not the average person; I am prepared for emergencies most people never have to think about. 

“Living with type 1 diabetes has taught me resilience and how to stay calm under pressure. It has also given me a greater sense of empathy because I understand everyone is fighting battles others may not see. While diabetes is a challenge, it has also helped shape me into the person I am today, and I have learned that it doesn’t have to define you.”

One of Hart’s favorite parts of teaching Cleavie and Katherine was getting to know them in ways like this, beyond their assignments. Cleavie often kept her updated on her and Katherine’s accomplishments in the show ring, sharing photos and stories from their competitions and travels. 

“People sometimes assume online learning is impersonal, but students like these remind me that’s not the case,” Hart said. “Building relationships with our students is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching at Texas Tech K-12. I don’t think I’m speaking only for myself when I say that our teachers genuinely enjoy getting to know our students as people– not just as names on a roster or grades in a gradebook. Watching them succeed both inside and outside the classroom is something we truly celebrate.”

Summing up their discussion of Texas Tech K-12, the girls enthusiastically – and almost simultaneously – offered advice, laughing and talking over each other as they encouraged other students and families looking for flexibility or a different path than traditional schooling.

“Get after it! Do it.” Katherine said eagerly. “I was scared at first that I was making the wrong decision, but I have never felt happier in my life. This experience has brought me so much peace.”

Cleavie joined in chorus. “Do it! It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has been life changing.”