MARYSVILLE – Lots of kids complain about headaches to get out of school, but Ashley Stephenson really did have chronic migraines.

So now she is home-schooled and has flourished with Washington Virtual Academies.

Ashley has done particularly well in one class – “How to create a blog.” So much so that she is continuing this summer.

“Maybe even the next few years and through high school,” she said.

The seventh-grader’s interest in nature and writing combine to make “Creative Captures by Ashley” a successful blog.

“Students focus on a topic of their choice, something they are passionate about,” said Ashley’s writing teacher, Joy Roth.

Ashley’s mom, Teri, said her daughter has been able to focus better at home without all of the disruptions of a regular school. She did attend public schools up until fifth grade.

Stephenson said she is a “learning coach,” making sure Ashley gets her assignments done, etc. But Ashley learns online from Washington-accredited teachers.

“The teachers make it so easy. If there are any bumps at all they’re right there to help you,” Stephenson said.

The mom said Ashley doesn’t miss the other kids much.

“She doesn’t miss the drama of middle school,” Stephenson said, adding Ashley does play soccer for exercise and interaction.

Ashley’s best friend is home-schooled with her.

“When it’s school time, it’s school time,” the mom said. “There are less distractions here.”

Because of that, they often can finish lessons in four hours. The day usually goes longer when they have science. WAVA ships most of the needed supplies for free. “I’ve only had to buy a few things,” Stephenson said.

By working at her own pace in a peaceful, low-stress environment, her migraines have decreased, said Kari Bray of the online Team Soapbox.

Her mom added Ashley used to have three a week because of the stress of public school. Now she has one about every three months.

“It’s brought out untapped creativity” in Ashley, Bray said, adding she’s also more tech-savvy, having to learn WordPress to build her site.

Bray added there are many reasons parents choose online schooling, but one of the biggest benefits is interesting classes like the blog one.

Ashley’s blog focuses on small, unexpectedly beautiful moments found in nature. “My mom makes the family go out on hikes all the time,” Ashley said.

She looks at nature and tries to find things that are special or different. She uses the inspiration to write her blog.

“That’s when the writing is clear to me,” she said. “The blog expresses how I feel about nature.”

Ashley said she likes to write at least one blog a week. She has 400 views.

Her online classmates sometimes critique the blog. “They make comments. They’re not rude. It’s helpful from my perspective,” she said.

Stephenson said Ashley’s blogging surprised her. “I didn’t know she was interested. I don’t think she knew she was interested,” she said.