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Commonwealth Connections Academy Graduate to Attend Ivy League University

Phoenixville native Albert Kao will attend Cornell University in the fall

PHOENIXVILLE, PA (June 23, 2011)—Computer engineering, debate, and poetry: Albert Kao, recent graduate of Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA), has done it all and plans to bring his many talents with him as he attends Cornell University as a freshman in the fall. In addition to maintaining a 4.38 cumulative GPA, Kao was on the winning team for the 2010–11 Pennsylvania Real World Design Competition, practiced debate as a member of CCA’s Youth and Government Club, and contributed original poetry as an editor of the school’s journal.

When it came to deciding which university to attend, Kao had plenty of options. He ultimately chose Cornell for its impressive reputation and strong computer science program. Inspired by Bill Gates, who first started Microsoft as a student at Harvard, Kao hopes his time at an Ivy League will allow him to explore new concepts and come up with innovative ideas.

“Bill Gates predicted software would be more important than hardware some day and that everyone would own a computer,” said Kao. “I admire his hard work and hope meeting different people and gathering new ideas at Cornell will help me accomplish my dream of coming up with a similar innovation.”

Kao thrived at CCA, a tuition-free public cyber school, where he was allowed the flexibility to pursue his variety of interests and work at his own pace. Jennifer Kao, Albert’s mother, served as his learning coach and played an active role in his education. “I always knew exactly what Albert was learning and the curriculum was available for me to see,” said Mrs. Kao. “I enjoyed seeing his progress and working closely with his teachers.”

“Albert is an incredible student—he thinks outside the box and has a passion for knowledge,” said CCA Assistant CEO Dr. Maurice “Reese” Flurie. “I wish him the best of luck at Cornell and beyond and am happy that CCA has been part of his journey.”

Kao looks forward to relaxing this summer before heading off to New York in the fall. “Right now, I am just enjoying my last summer with my family.”
 
About Connections Academy

Connections Academy is a leading, fully accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual schooling for students in grades K through 12. Through tuition-free public schools, and full-time and part-time private school programs, Connections Academy delivers superior, personalized education for students, with the freedom and flexibility to experience our online learning community from anywhere. The combination of certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. In the 2011–12 school year, Connections Academy will serve students in 22 states via 23 virtual public schools. It serves students worldwide through the online private school, National Connections Academy. Connections Academy offers grades K through 12, though some public school programs do not offer all grades. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education LLC. For more information, call 800–382–6010 or visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com