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Tuition-free Oregon Online School from Home

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

Authorized by the Scio School District 95C

Oregon Connections Academy is authorized under state law by the Scio School District 95C. The authorizer representative for this school is Gary Tempel, Superintendent, who can be reached via email at gary_tempel@scio.k12.or.us. The school is operated by Oregon Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Oregon, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. 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.

Staff, Community, Curriculum

With a caring staff, an outstanding curriculum, and a vibrant school community, ORCA is a leader in high-quality Oregon public online schools.

ORCA Executive Director Todd Miller

Joining the Oregon Connections Academy team as Executive Director has been an honor. My professional mission has always been to provide students with the best possible education to meet their individual needs. As a former special education teacher and school administrator, I value individualized curriculum and setting high, yet attainable expectations for all students. 

I have spent the last 10 years in education focusing on student achievement and building data-based programs to meet the varied educational, social and emotional needs of the students we serve. My greatest reward is seeing a child succeed.

My leadership skills extend beyond the school and into the community. As a Ford Family Foundation Leadership Trainer, I have worked to build capacity for schools and the greater public, even earning a 2003 Oregon Downtown Development Association's Energy/Synergy Award for community revitalization. Supporting Oregon students and communities is my passion.

Working with the highly skilled and caring staff of ORCA is energizing and enjoyable. It is exciting to be a part of the Connections Academy staff shaping the future of education for the benefit of students all around our beautiful state.

Education:

B.S. Political Science, University of Oregon

M. Ed. Special Education, Western Oregon University

Educational Leadership and Policy, Portland State University

Administration and Staff

Executive Director Todd Miller 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

Oregon 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 ORCA 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 ORCA 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.