Frequently Asked Questions
Evaluating Our Program
Enrolling in Connections Academy
Other Questions
What is Connections Academy?
Connections Academy provides a new form of free public school that students attend from home or another location outside a traditional classroom. This is a unique program that combines the strong parental involvement of home schooling, expertise and accountability, and a flexible learning environment. Connections Academy provides all the tools and support students need to learn in the non-classroom setting. We currently operate schools in many states.
What grades does Connections Academy serve?
In the 2009–10 school year Connections Academy will serve students in grades K–12 in most schools. Check your school's home page on this Web site to find out more.
How much does the program cost?
The program is free, including all of the books and curriculum. The only costs are the optional field trips, which are organized by your school's Community Coordinators and staff, and the replenishment of some school supplies, such as printer cartridges.
What does a Connections Academy family receive?
First-Class Curriculum: Our program features curriculum developed by leading educational publishers. Connections Academy families receive textbooks, comprehensive lesson plans, and exciting enrichment courses.
High-Quality Teaching: Connections Academy's professional teachers work one-on-one with students and their parents to instruct, review assignments and customize the curriculum, including extra help for struggling or gifted students.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Families receive a computer, printer, and subsidy for Internet access*; online communication, planning, and learning management tools; online lessons and library resources; and technology literacy courses.
Community Connections: Connections Academy facilitates numerous activities, online and in person. Our community coordinators and school staff members plan field trips, special projects, and group meetings with other families in your area.
What curriculum does Connections Academy provide?
Connections Academy provides comprehensive lesson plans online and, for many courses, in print, along with exciting elective courses. Our proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions as well as lessons and other resources developed by our own curriculum specialists. The curriculum providers include McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, Houghton Mifflin and The Calvert School to list just a few. Learn more about our curriculum.
What subjects does Connections Academy offer?
Connections Academy offers Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Geography. Our curriculum also includes Art, Physical Education, Music, Home Life, Foreign Language, Technology Literacy, and other enrichment courses. Course offerings vary by state and grade level.
Has any educational organization ever evaluated the program and its curriculum?
AdvancED has accredited the Connections Academy program.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies by grade. Younger students spend approximately 10%, middle school students spend about 30%, and high school students spend about 50% of their time working on the computer.
What computer skills do Connections Academy students and Learning Coaches need?
Students and Learning Coaches do not need advanced computer skills to attend Connections Academy. We make it easy to become completely familiar with our system by providing orientation courses to students and parents. Connections Academy also provides a supplementary technology literacy program that allows students to develop additional technology skills.
What do current parents think about Connections Academy?
Every year we ask Connections Academy families to rate our program. During the 2008–09 school year,
- 96% agreed or strongly agreed that the curriculum is high quality.
- 96% agreed that the students are satisfied with the Connections Academy program.
- 96% are satisfied with the helpfulness of their teachers.
- 95% agree that using our Learning Management System (LMS) is improving their learning experience.
- 95% are satisfied with the variety of the learning activities provided by our program (computer-based, textbooks, project, etc.).
- 95% recommend Connections Academy to others.
Can I get in touch with a current parent?
Yes, we encourage you to contact a Connections Academy parent to share their perspectives on our program. Go to the Contact a Parent section of the Web site to access the backgrounds of several Connections Academy parents. If you would like to get in touch with one of the parents, complete the online form provided, and we will arrange an email or phone call.
Are there opportunities to meet other Connections Academy families?
Yes. Connections Academy understands the importance of students and parents interacting with others in the program and in the community. We facilitate numerous activities, online and in person. Our community coordinators and school staff plan field trips, special projects, and group meetings with other families in your area. Our online discussion groups and private email system allow you to communicate with other students or parents from all of our schools.
Will my child be required to take standardized tests, and where?
Yes. All students must complete the standardized tests that are required in their state or district. We also provide a test preparation program to develop the skills that students will need to perform well on many types of assessments. Your Connections Academy school will arrange testing locations throughout the state and will inform you in advance of where and when your child is scheduled to attend.
How do I enroll in Connections Academy?
Visit your school's enrollment page and initiate your enrollment. After you complete the initial steps, a Connections Academy Enrollment Counselor will guide you through the rest of the enrollment process.
When does the school year start and end?
School year start and end dates vary by school. Check your school's home page for the correct start and end dates.
Can I enroll my child after the school year has started?
Yes, in many states you can enroll after the start of the school year. Most schools have enrollment deadlines at some point during the year, however. Check your school's home page for more information, or call us for a consultation, particularly if you want to start late in the school year.
Can my child attend the program part-time or during the summer?
Most Connections Academy schools are offered on a full-time basis. Currently we are considering offering a summertime learning program. if you provide us with your contact information, we will send you periodic emails with program updates and information.
Are Connections Academy schools non-profit?
Connections Academy schools are operated under contract to non-profit organizations that are either charter schools, school districts, or governmental entities.
Is the Connections Academy program homeschooling?
Although Connections Academy and homeschooling have some similar attributes, Connections Academy is not homeschooling. All Connections Academy schools are public school programs. Connections Academy schools provide a defined set of curriculum materials that have been specifically aligned to local standards and use certified teachers to evaluate student performance, including decisions concerning the child's grade level promotion. All Connections Academy students are required to take state standardized tests and the schools are accountable for the students' performance to regulatory authorities.
Can I use my Apple® Macintosh® computer to access the Connections Academy Learning Management System?
We do not support the use of Apple Macintosh systems at this time. Please review the system requirements for complete details.
What are the job opportunities at Connections Academy?
We are always looking for hard-working, dedicated individuals to join our team. Please review our current openings to see if a position is available near you. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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