Meet Cole Terry: Aveson Alum & Rising Star
Cole Terry is an excellent example of how an Aveson education can transform lives. Cole enrolled at Aveson School of Leaders as a 2nd grader, spending 12 years with us on his way to graduating from Aveson Global Leadership Academy in 2022. An aspiring entertainer, writer and producer, Cole’s reflection of his years at Aveson is a story of agency and how the perfect setting, with the support of caring teachers, can uncover potential and inspire students to follow their dreams. We recently caught up with Cole to ask him how Aveson played a role in his life and find out what he is up to now. Get to know Cole, in his own words below!
Why did you choose Aveson?
Well, my parents chose Aveson because it was a good school for my brother, so after 1st grade, I transferred to ASL. Aveson always had a welcoming environment for new and old students alike, with amazing teachers and a healthy school setting. Both AGLA and ASL are amazing in their own ways. You can find so much value in both, and you won't be disappointed at all.
How did your time at Aveson impact what you are doing now?
My time at Aveson was a journey. When I first attended, I was dealing with lots of social struggles. I was fixated on certain subjects, didn't read cues, and wasn't able to understand how to meet the right kind of people. The start of my educational career was a rough time for me, but Aveson gave me the help and support that I needed to push through and find success. Because Aveson has treated everyone (including me) like gold, I was able to meet lifelong friends, have great relationships with everyone including staff on campus, find what I wanted to pursue in life, and so much more. When I graduated from Aveson and moved to Cal State LA, it was a hard transition, but Aveson taught me to have self-worth and self-value. With that mindset, I passed through my first year of university with flying colors...so I thank Aveson for instilling that mindset in me. I’m studying TV/Film Media and hope to have my productions on Nickelodeon and other TV networks.
What opportunities did you take advantage of at Aveson?
I took advantage of a lot of aspects of the school. The first thing that I took advantage of was the Rites of Passage trips. The trips I went on were lifelong memories. The trip to Italy was something out of a dream. It didn't feel real because Italy was one of the places I'd always wanted to visit. Aveson made it possible for that to happen, and I am extremely grateful. That trip was just amazing to be a part of. I also took advantage of some of the electives as well. Especially Drama. Aveson's drama instructor is probably one of the greatest people you will ever meet in your life. He's inspirational and supportive of so many students.
What benefits did you receive from attending Aveson that you might not have been able to find at another school?
One of the benefits that Aveson gave me was a place that felt safe. It felt like a safe place for me to express myself and who I wanted to be. Aveson has always valued student voice and every time I walked onto the campus grounds I always felt happy to do so. It was like a second home for me, everyone around me felt like family. The teachers are amazing and genuinely care about their students. They recognize that students are people too with plenty of potential and personality. I always got along with the teachers at Aveson, and some are my closest allies outside of Aveson. Having relationships between students and teachers be that special is just incredible to me. Not many schools can replicate that.
Share a favorite memory from your time at Aveson.
My favorite memory from my time at Aveson is my senior project, ColeTerry Live, a three-day performance at the Black Box Theater. Not only was it a tribute to how far I've come in my life, but it was also a celebration of everything that I have accomplished. The show had animation, music, and slapstick comedy. My friends, family, and some of my classmates who have stuck with me throughout the years watching me grow had an AMAZING time watching me on stage. I look back at the recordings of the show and it still gives me goosebumps. I'm very grateful that Aveson gave me that chance to express my creativity like that. I felt like a kid again while making the whole show. It was extremely magical.
Thank you, Cole, for sharing your experience with us. We are thrilled to see your continued success beyond Aveson Schools and can’t wait to watch your star continue to rise!
About Aveson Schools
Since 2007, Aveson Schools have been nurturing the curiosity and potential of TK-12th grade students in Altadena with a tuition-free transformative education. Our two campuses, Aveson School of Leaders (TK-5) and Aveson Global Leadership Academy (6th-12th), provide boundless opportunities for students to discover their passions through award-winning arts instruction, outdoor experiential learning, preparation for college and global travel opportunities in a welcoming and inclusive school community. Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is open now. Get to Know Aveson: A School of Possibilities.