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International Connections Academy offers quality online education through its flexible programs. Based in Columbia, this online public school is a part of the Pearson group and a division of ‘Connections Education’. Pearson Group is one of the leading learning companies in the world, offering world-class educational content. And there is a network of online public schools under the Connections Academy.
Connections Academy has been serving the student community for over two decades now. All enrolled students are provided the necessary educator support, along with flexible learning opportunities to complete high school online.
Online schooling provided by this renowned institution is powered by its world-class curriculum. In addition, this online public school also promises adequate handholding through its trained teaching faculty. Like any other virtual school, it is designed to meet the varied learning needs of students irrespective of their location or life preferences. And online programs through Connections Academy schools cover the entire K-12 grades.
Accreditation & Recognition
Connections Education is accredited by ‘Cognia’. And Connections Academy is one of its divisions.
There are many schools supported by Connections Academy, holding their own accreditations through one or more of the six regional accrediting organizations (regional). However, a new school that joins its network starts with the accreditation process generally after operating for a complete year.
Accreditation is important, as it assures students and parents that the academic credentials issued by the school are globally acknowledged and accepted by colleges, universities, and employers.
Features and Offerings:
Virtual schooling through this leading institution provides full-time education to students from Kindergarten to 12. Its courses include core, electives, and socializing opportunities for the holistic development of its enrolled students (through interest clubs and activities). The schools that operate under Connections Academy are aligned with the educational state requirements to meet the required standards. All Connections Academy graduates receive a high school diploma accepted across colleges and universities.
Programs Offered-
Online Elementary (Grades 1 to 5)-
At this stage, the school builds relevant skills in students with an accredited curriculum. They are exposed to content with graphics, interactive videos, and collaboration opportunities.
Middle School (Grades 6 to 8)-
Students in the Middle school have a wide range of engaging courses, interaction opportunities, and indulge in immersive content through audio, text, and videos etc. They can also join virtual clubs, choose electives, and enjoy activities.
High School (Grades 9 to 12)-
At the most crucial high school stage, this school offers rigorous courses to expand the understanding of students. For college-level preparation, they have an additional choice of High School Honors and career-readiness courses.
Online Summer Courses-
Students who are looking for academic progress, want to catch up, earn high school credits, or use the credit recovery options can make use of these courses.
Connections Academy Fee Structure
Connections Academy is a tuition-free educational choice. This means that the parents only need to spend on other school and technology requirements. Parents need to bear the cost of school supplies such as notebooks, writing material, etc. like the best schools in the United States. Some of the Connections Academy schools do provide a computer to their students.
Students are also given an option to attend field trips throughout the year. And the families who choose to attend these need to bear the related costs.
School Highlights:
Instructional Delivery
Being one of the credible accredited online high schools, the Connections Academy delivers education through online communications. The institution follows a structured approach through learning management tools. Students can access online lessons and resources through their computer/laptop. And they can also approach teachers in case of any doubts (through calls or e-mails).
Curriculum Highlights
For a student’s holistic development, Connections Academy schools follow a high-quality curriculum fully aligned with the national and state standards (U.S.-aligned). It includes content like interactive videos, graphics, and other engaging lesson content.
Study Material and Educational Planning
Parents who enroll their children in Connection Academy schools receive textbooks, workbooks, online textbooks, lesson plans, and enrichment courses etc. Each student’s educational journey is planned after a careful review of the individual strengths and weaknesses through the previous performance indicators.
Stakeholder Collaboration
For student success, parents and teachers in most high schools in America work closely with each other to help the student meet their learning goals. In a K12 online school like the Connections Academy, a learning coach is expected to devote 5-6 hours for an elementary-level child. This duration is reduced to 2-3 hours at the middle school level. And for high school students, it is reduced to only 2-3 hours a day. Other than this, the learning coach is free to contact the teacher for any assistance.
Students with Special Needs
All students with physical or learning disabilities are also served through personalized educational opportunities. They can decide their own pace and time through the flexible structure of such best online schools.
Points to Note:
- Like in any other school, to get enrolled in Connections Academy, students do need to take standardized tests as per their respective state/district laws.
- The availability of printed material like textbooks also varies from state to state. And in some cases, even from course to course. And the choice of text (digital or physical) is also subject to the student’s grade.
- The provision to provide a computer or a subsidy for internet access to families is subject to some conditions. A family might receive these benefits. But this depends on their school and the state. Only some schools provide these benefits (without any extra cost).
- Connections Academy has satisfactory graduation rates. For example, the TN State School Report Card shows an overall graduation rate of 90.0% in the year 2021-22.
Acceptance in Colleges
Please find below some examples of the colleges and universities that have accepted graduates from Connections Academy. The complete list can be checked here.
| Arizona State University |
| Auburn University |
| Belmont Abbey College |
| Brown University |
| Clemson |
| Cleveland State |
| Columbus State |
| Cuyahoga Community College |
| Florida Central University |
| Florida Southern College |
| Georgetown |
| Georgia State University |
| Harvard |
| High Point University |
| Lowa State University |
| Kansas City Community College |
| Kent State University |
| Moberly Area Community College |
| New York University |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College |
| Ohio State University |
| Regent University |
| Roanoke College |
| Saint Louis Community College |
| St. Charles Community College |
| St. Cloud State University |
| St. Louis University |
| Stetson University |
| University Maryland Eastern Shore |
| University of Alabama |
| University of Arizona |
| University of Cincinnati |
| University of Dayton |
| University of Florida |
| University of Oklahoma |
| University of South Florida |
| University of Toledo |
| University of West Florida |
| University of Wisconsin |
| Vanderbilt University |
| Wisconsin Lutheran College |
Student-teacher ratio can be quite high in some schools supported by the Connections Academy. For example, the California Connections Academy has a ratio of 30:1.
Final Thoughts
K12 online schooling through Connections Academy is a convenient option for students who are disciplined and focused on virtual learning. They can complete their schooling and prepare for standardized tests under the guidance of trained teachers. You can consider replacing a regular school classroom with this option. However, it is advised to consider all its aspects to be completely convinced
Connect with the school to know more about its online programs. Website: https://www.connectionsacademy.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Connections Academy as good as top US high schools?
In terms of offerings and accreditation, Connections Academy is at par with the best accredited online high schools. - What do the best online schools like the Connections Academy do to prepare students for college?
Rigorous courses at the high school online level prepare students for college along with more college, career, and technical training along with tutor support, field trips, guidance, etc., for the college environment. - What are the graduation requirements of the best online K12 schools like Connections Academy?
You can check the diploma/graduation requirements of Connections Academy on this page.
