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James Parisi
James is a 15-year-old freshman at Arizona Connections Academy (ACA). He lives in Tuscon, Arizona. ACA’s flexible scheduling and curriculum have helped James to thrive in school. He tells his story in his own words below.
“Arizona Connections Academy has been a great school for me this year. What I like most about it is that I have more control over my schedule than at other schools. I would often rely too much on the teachers telling me how and when to do the assignments and now I have the flexibility and responsibility to make those decisions, which I know are skills to succeed in college. Now, at ACA, the teachers are always available when I have questions and some go out of the way to encourage participation in the LiveLesson® sessions.
I would often get bored in math classes because it would move too slowly for me, but now I can go at my own pace. I have the opportunity to go in depth on subjects that really interest me. I can conduct as many science experiments as I want. I'm also learning time management, self-direction and responsibility, which are 21st century skills.
Last, I also really like the diversity of classes and clubs. I can take Latin and Debate, which I need to help me prepare for high school and college. In conclusion, ACA has been a great, and a much needed, experience.”