top of page
Janine Deems CEO and Founder of Smarter by 1 Degree

Janine Deems, CEO & Education Strategist

I’m an Education Strategist, CEO and Founder of Smarter By 1 Degree, SB1D, Compass Virtual Academy, and a teacher of 25 years. I've spent my career helping students reach their educational goals, but I realized that time and money were barriers that kept many from attaining it. I love applying strategy to every situation, and when you apply it to education, it can give students more flexibility, more options and opportunities, and a competitive advantage.
 

I travel throughout the United States speaking to parents about "Rethinking Education" for high school and college. We believe every student deserves more than a diploma, they deserve direction, purpose, and a future they are excited about.

​

I started Smarter By 1 Degree to help my daughter who was struggling in school and after 4 years, she graduated high school with a bachelor’s degree, debt-free. Fast forward 9 years, over ten thousand students, and 21 amazing team members who support our students and parents every step of the way. We've grown from a simple vision to a thriving community of students reaching their full potential, achieving their dreams, and breaking through traditional barriers to success. 

 

When I’m not helping students reach their educational goals, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, my extended family, researching educational resources, and volunteering for One Tribe Foundation. If you see me,, chances are I'm laughing because I love surrounding myself with happy, positive people!

Our Mission

We believe every student deserves more than a diploma, they deserve direction, purpose, and a future they are excited about.

Rethink Education

Homeschooling doesn't have to mean lesson planning, teaching, or grading anymore, it can mean a strategic and streamlined online education where students and parents are both successful. At Smarter by 1 Degree, our students focus on learning instead of busywork, efficiency, and saving 4-6 years of time graduating with an accredited bachelor's degree completely debt-free.


This model doesn’t just free students from the traditional grind - it maximizes their time so they can pursue career exploration, volunteer opportunities, internships, and the life and career skills that actually prepare them for success after graduation. 

​

Our students spend 3 hours a day focusing on learning to mastery instead of busywork AND earn a Bachelor's Degree by the end of high school (without doing anything extra)! In their extra time they become Eagle Scout's, compete in debate club, complete trade school, play in sports, start business, help in family businesses, and travel.

​

We provide the high school pathway (strategy, efficiency, schedule, grading, planning, college advising, courses, university, degree....everything you need to help your student stop surviving high school and college...and start thriving!

Graduates

Anytime I get a chance to meet our graduates...I take it!

Meet Our Graduates

(click on a photo to explore the carousel)

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Thanks for Subscribing!
Smarter by 1 Degree

support@smarterby1degree.com

817-264-7582​

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Youtube
*SB1D does not sell customer info

Disclaimer: Smarter By 1 Degree offers college advising and degree planning for partner universities. It is not a college or university, does not confer degrees, or award credit.

© 2025 by Smarter by 1 Degree. All rights reserved.

bottom of page