It sounds like Smallsteps has really found a classroom that fits her, and that makes such a big difference.
I liked what you said about how the environment shapes learning. It is true for kids and for adults too. When I want to focus on something new, I usually try to clear away distractions and make it easy to get started, even if it is just keeping a book on my desk or a guitar within reach. The setup really matters more than we often realize.