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Program Guide

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Tuition-free Online School from Home

Opened in 2005, INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy is a tuition-free, K–12 online public school that students attend from home. INSPIRE brings a fully accredited public education directly to your family’s door—anywhere in Idaho.

Authorized by the Idaho Charter Schools Commission

INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy, is authorized under state law by the Idaho Charter Schools Commission. The school is operated by INSPIRE Academics Inc., a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. The INSPIRE charter includes a first-of-its-kind partnership with Boise State University. The university will assist with teacher training, curriculum development, and research and evaluation.

Parents pay no tuition for students to attend INSPIRE. Students are considered to be enrolled in a public school.

The school is governed by an independent Board of Directors and all meetings are open to the public. Please review our scheduled meeting dates, agendas, and information on how to attend a meeting or make a request for public records.

Meet Mr.Chouinard, Principal of INSPIRE

Having served in both public and private school educational administration for over a decade in the state of Idaho, Gerald Chouinard brings a unique perspective to his role as principal of INSPIRE-The Idaho Connections Academy.

Before entering the world of educational administration, Mr. Chouinard spent the remainder of his career of choice in education, teaching students as an English teacher at the secondary level, as well as teaching in a one-year stint as a reading specialist. During an extended break from the world of K-12 education, Gerald spent five years working for EG&G Idaho, Inc. as a Trainer and Technical Writer/Editor, and for Lockheed as a Technical Writer/Editor. Mr. Chouinard holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/Education from Montana State University in Bozeman, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello.

In his spare time, Gerald serves as an Area Faculty Chair/Lead Faculty member at the University of Phoenix Idaho Campus, and enjoys skiing, golf, and spending time with family.

Staff, Community, Curriculum

With a caring staff, an outstanding curriculum, and a vibrant school community, INSPIRE is a leader in high-quality virtual learning in Idaho.

Administration and Staff

Principal Gerald Chouinard leads a dedicated staff that includes:

State-certified teachers.
Full-time licensed school counselors.
School administrators specializing in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Talented support staff.

Community

INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy isn’t simply an online school. It’s a supportive community of:

Students of varying backgrounds, strengths, and challenges.
Parents and Learning Coaches dedicated to their students’ education.
Community Coordinators who bring it all together with field trips and social activities.

Curriculum

The INSPIRE curriculum is designed by national education experts and customized to meet the specific state standards. Bringing together the best in print and online resources with Connections Academy proprietary instructional tools, the INSPIRE curriculum is designed to engage students of every level. Our goal is simple: To ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed.

Employment Opportunities

Check out current Connections Academy employment opportunities.