Connect with a Connections Academy Parent

Our first year at Arizona Connections Academy was a little different and took some getting used to, but by November we loved it. The teachers and staff are great and always helpful. We are now in our fourth year at Connections Academy and could not imagine going back to a traditional public school. My husband and I are so happy for our children.

They love the school and their teachers. They have made a number of new friends, and even though they don’t see each other every day, they email frequently and talk on the phone. They also get the chance to socialize on field trips, which are hosted almost every month.

When it comes time to take required tests, there are many different testing sites, so you’ll be able to find the one nearest you.

The curriculum is just as good, if not better than, the traditional school’s. Students are always challenged and encouraged to think about what they are learning. Overall, we love Arizona Connections Academy.

Like many families, our children started out in regular public school, and we also tried home schooling for several years. Although home schooling worked very well for our older children, the overall cost of the curriculum became too expensive. With four children left to teach, we began searching for other alternatives. Connections Academy combined the best of both worlds, allowing us to keep our children at home while providing the curriculum and structure of regular public schools at no cost.

Currently, we have four children enrolled in Connections Academy and are very pleased with the results. The curriculum continually challenges them to perform at their very best, and their teachers provide just the right amount of support. Our children receive the best education has to offer, yet remain free to work at a comfortable pace that insures their understanding of the subjects studied.

I am so grateful that there is a school that gives our family options while still offering such a great education for my daughters.

When the demands of my daughters’ chosen sport became greater and greater, we found that the mainstream public schools could no longer meet our family’s needs. Even when the girls’ grades were excellent, the attendance policies couldn’t accommodate the flexibility they needed to pursue their sport. We began researching our options. I wanted structure and standardized testing to keep track of their progress. I wasn’t willing to give up an excellent education for a sport, but I believed my daughters could have both.

Connections Academy has been the answer for over three years. My daughters are thriving academically and in their sport. We feel they are keeping up and even exceeding expectations in some areas.

I was very nervous about virtual schooling at the high-school level, but I am fully confident now that we made the right choice. I don’t have to be a teacher, just a learning coach. I have so much support when I need it.

My daughters have made it to the highest levels that they can go in gymnastics, and I don’t think they could have done it without Connections Academy.

Children are unique. Each child has talents and areas of struggle. Connections Academy caters to a child’s uniqueness. We are thankful every day that Connections Academy was there when we searched for options.

My student has been with Capistrano Connections Academy since 2006 and loves it! I am able to see firsthand how she is progressing academically. The feedback that she receives from her teachers is both insightful and constructive. This allows her to get a clear understanding of what she did well and what she can work on for the future. The LiveLesson® sessions provide an opportunity to engage in a classroom-like environment so she can communicate with her teachers and her classmates without brick-and-mortar classroom distractions.

The curriculum is challenging enough to keep her on her toes, but the independent learning allows her to fully grasp a concept before moving forward. This opportunity prevents her from losing confidence and allowing grades to slip. She communicates either by phone, WebMail, or at school functions with her teachers, which she truly enjoys.

We have met the most amazing families who have become great friends! Although they may not live right next door, we can communicate through technology or plan get togethers with the school or on our own.

We are thrilled to have found such an incredible school that provides an excellent curriculum, supportive teachers, helpful administration, and wonderful friends!

Capistrano Connections Academy was definitely the right choice for our daughter. Our daughter has been enrolled in the school since 2007. Since being enrolled in this program, her math skills have improved, she has much more confidence, and she has a very active social life. I love the fact that Connections Academy is a fully accredited school. This being our daughter’s first year in high school, that means a lot, since she will be attending college. I also appreciate how Connections Academy is an actual public school, so I do not have to keep records or worry about transcripts. Also, since it is a public school, all the curriculum is delivered right to my door for free.

As a parent of two children who enjoy the Connections Academy experience, I have only wonderful things to say! I truly appreciate the curriculum, social events, field trips, and teachers! My children also love that they can work at their own pace, and they enjoy the various activities brought to them by Connections Academy!

I won’t lie; this is not a fit for everyone. It is time-consuming, especially at first. You need to really be a dedicated parent and have kids willing to learn from you. The learning curve, for the whole family, is big and at first a bit stressful, as it is a new experience for everyone. If you stay connected to your teacher, communicate openly, and are willing to find ways that work for your family—a style of your own—it can become a joyful experience.

My kids and I now have a routine that fits our own way. They work harder and have more classes than at a traditional school, including the arts, and they are thriving and actually enjoying learning. Their love for school is back and their grades are high. Their confidence is stronger than ever. They love being able to sit in a coffee shop with the laptop and do school, or study at home in their PJs! They learn on their schedule, one that fits with their active times. School does NOT have to be from 8 am to 3pm; it can be from 8 pm to 3 am, or any time that works best for them and the family. It can be anywhere you have Internet access—at a hotel room in the morning before going into Disneyland, or from Grandma’s house. This freedom is what my family loves about Connections Academy. Yes, you are their Learning Coach and they are still students, but now the whole world is open to being a classroom. For my family, this allows creativity to flow and brings out my twins’ curiosity. It is because of this that they now love getting an education, rather than its being a punishment of sorts.

This is not traditional school, nor is it traditional homeschooling. It is the best of both, and it has been a real blessing. To anyone tired of NCLB, budget cuts hurting traditional schools, bullying, and drugs, or any other reason you may be considering a home classroom, I would strongly urge you to look into Connections Academy.

We started with Connections Academy three years ago. A friend told me how easy it was to enroll and how much fun it was to be a Learning Coach to your own kids. I have to say that I fully agree. We took one year off for a charter school, and we are so glad to be back! The teachers work hard to make it easy for the parents, even if you have never done this before, like me. My first year was full of new experiences and challenges, but it was fun. We are able to do horseback riding during the week as our P.E. program and piano lessons as part of our music program. It has been so much fun to watch as my children grow and learn, things I would never have seen if my students were in a brick and mortar school.

It was really nice to have all the curriculum sent to me, and on top of that, all the lesson plans were included. What really scared me about learning at home was what to cover and when to cover it. All this is very nicely laid out for you; all you have to do is follow the plans. We love the school and will stay here as long as we can.

We are native Coloradans and moved from Englewood to Littleton when our oldest, who is now 10 years old, was 5. Even though Littleton has a great reputation for an outstanding public school system, my husband and I knew from the start that we would like to give our children all the benefits of learning from home. We heard many good things about Connections Academy and wanted a program that would provide a challenging curriculum as well as some guidance since neither my husband nor I had much experience being a Learning Coach.

We are now starting our sixth year in Connections Academy, and this year our fifth grader, our second grader and our little Kindergartener are in the program. Our Kindergartener has been wanting "to do school" since he could talk. One of our children has a learning disorder, and we are thrilled that we can provide him with all the individual attention he requires as well as utilizing techniques that accommodate his special needs that meet him where he is at. We love the flexibility and individualized learning plans for each child. My husband and I both are the Learning Coaches (we alternate days of work).

Another point I'd like to share is that Connections Academy is committed to listening to the learning coaches' feedback, and they are constantly updating, revising, adding, and trying new things every year. For example, we can rate every single lesson (if we want to) and let them know what they can improve or what we really liked. I've even learned some great lessons in my oldest child's technology class.

We can't say enough good things about the Connections Academy staff. From the amazing principal, to the excellent teachers we've had over the years, down to the super helpful technical support staff, which we have needed at times, they are all extremely dedicated to making the families have a successful school year.

We're looking forward to another fun school year at Connections Academy.

Colorado Connections Academy has been a fantastic experience for our family! When we moved to Colorado two and a half years ago we didn't feel that the local schools would be able to provide the type of education we wanted our children to receive. We strongly feel that students should be enjoying learning at an early age and exploring the world around them. We have found Connections Academy to be perfect for our children at this point in their education.

The curriculum is great! The lesson plans are easy to follow and they allow us to expand a lesson in order to explore a subject so we don't feel like we are being limited. Our children don't view most of the lessons as school "work" — they think they are having fun. They carry over concepts learned from school into their daily lives (2 cookies + 2 cookies = 4 cookies). The teachers are easy to contact and incredibly helpful. Our children have learned how to enjoy learning and have become "seekers of knowledge" in all areas of their lives. We don't worry about the "socialization issue" either. The flexible schedule allows us to be involved in many different activities. The field trips with other Connections Academy students are a regular highlight in our schedule. We have access to so many resources — CA staff, the scheduler, message boards, BrainPop, Erta Online — we never feel like we are all alone.

All of our friends and family have been impressed with what the children are learning and with the projects they complete. We have been impressed with how easy it is for us to allow our children access to a top quality education!

I have two children: one in a traditional public school, and one in Connections Academy. Our family has tried traditional public school as well as traditional homeschooling; but for my daughter, I was looking for flexibility in a program, not the cookie-cutter mold that everyone else has.

I wanted a program that would allow my daughter to progress at her own speed, faster where she wanted to excel, and slower where she needed more support. I have found that Connections Academy meets our needs very well.

I like that the teachers and administrators are accessible and willing to work with us as a team, and that their goal is not just to get the kids through school, but also to have the kids succeed in each and every step along that path.

Schooling at home has allowed my daughter to become active in her community, doing the things she loves, because she is not confined to a strict time schedule. She has met many of her peers and made many friends through field trips and online class sessions.

We have been connected to this program for the past two years and are huge fans. The fact that learning takes place in a safe, comfortable environment at the student’s own pace is invaluable to us. The tutorials provided for the Learning Coach put the process in perspective, and the teacher contact through email and phone calls takes the worry out of being able to support your students.

The fact that everything is carefully planned and/or provided for you leaves only the learning experience to enjoy. All supplies are provided, and there are mini-videos for both the Learning Coach and student to watch, pertaining to the lessons of the day. The textbooks are written in a manner that makes sense of the subject, and the assignments follow along with the chapter content. The labs are step-by-step so there is no confusion as to how to proceed, and the guide sheets provided make it foolproof.

My granddaughter was a failing student until we found Florida Virtual School Full Time. Now she is an “A” student who is comfortable with her schedule and learning experience. She no longer dislikes school. She enjoys the LiveLesson® sessions with her teachers and has been able to meet and bond with them at the various day trips and family functions, which are scheduled throughout the year. We are one happy family again! We are so thankful for Florida Virtual School Full Time!

We have been with Florida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS FT) since 2009. Our son is going into eighth grade, and he loves it!

He has always been an excellent student, but the big difference is that with this school he is enjoying his learning process, and he is happier! Though still in middle school, he was already able to start taking high school credits last year. Technology has been his strength from a young age. We enjoy watching him present his projects online like business people do.

It’s amazing the flexibility that online education offers our family. Our son can be present at school anytime, from anyplace, and at his own pace. All he needs is a computer and Internet access. Our family life has also improved. Since we are able to manage our own schedule, we have more quality family time.

FLVS FT’s customer service is excellent. The staff is always willing to help. The teachers are also available at any time. There are field trips where we can gather with other students and their families, and it is a nice way to socialize.

I believe that online school is the future of education and, with this school, our son is ahead of the game. Before we moved from our country to Miami, our son was in private schools, and today we can tell that Florida Virtual School Full Time is the best choice we have made for his education.

I was a public school teacher for 14 years before our daughter Holly was born. When it came time for my daughter to start school I had some difficult choices to make.

My child has a life-threatening allergy to peanuts and tree nuts, along with several other food and environmental allergies. Our school district was unable to make the necessary accommodations to keep Holly safe, so I quit teaching and prepared to teach my child at home. I heard about "cyber" schooling and after researching, I found this program! It was the best of both worlds, offering "a traditional education at home".

As a teacher I was impressed by the curriculum FLVS FT offers its students. As a parent I was awed by the support the staff and administration offered my family. We got the necessary help to provide a great education for Holly and the peace of mind knowing her learning environment was safe for her. Our child has blossomed beyond belief!

FLVS FT provides the freedom to teach at the child's pace and the flexibility to help her experience the real world. I have no doubt that the education my daughter is getting far exceeds that of a traditional school because I've been there!

The program is real; books, teachers, grades, school, education, and fun for my really special child! In my opinion, if you want the best education possible in today's technical world, get your child connected with Florida Virtual School Full Time!

My son has been enrolled in Florida Virtual School Full Time since kindergarten. We are about to start our fifth year with the program.

Due to my son’s severe food allergies, we needed a school environment that would keep him safe. Florida Virtual School Full Time has been a life saver for us (literally). The school works with us to change any lessons that might involve foods that are not safe for him. The curriculum is challenging but not overwhelming. We love the way the lessons are structured, and my son excels in school. He has never been in a traditional school setting, but he is so happy to have the flexibility of the virtual school environment. The teachers and staff are very supportive, and I never feel alone as the Learning Coach!

After going through the school system and realizing that two of my children were square pegs in round holes, I pulled them all out to homeschool. Even though that was a much better environment for them, I still needed additional support. I found that with Georgia Connections Academy.

The teachers really do care about your child. They WANT them to succeed, and not just with grades! GACA tries to have everything in place to help you and your child(ren) along in this journey. Although I started in Georgia Connections Academy’s first year, I have been very pleased with how my children have been able to grow, and I enjoy having a lot of flexibility in our schedule too.

When my daughter went to public school for kindergarten and first grade, we struggled because she was very advanced and became incredibly bored and had anxiety. It didn’t help that the number of students in the classroom was increasing, the school budget was decreasing, and cuts were being made to music, art, and computer learning. As my husband and I tried to find an alternative option, I researched numerous curriculums and programs, and then I saw a commercial for Connections Academy. I went to the Web site to see if this would be a viable option for our family. I found Connections Academy’s curriculum to exceed the others I researched. Being able to have this kind of quality without cost is amazing.

This is our third year with Connections Academy, and we love it! I really enjoy the time I spend with my children—seeing them learn and their ideas flourish. It is gratifying to see that my child, who was once anxious, is now a self-starter, prefers being the leader, and takes the initiative to complete her assignments. Connections Academy is a great education system that provides a learning environment tailored to each student, no matter the level. Your children learn at their own pace and with the learning style that best fits them.

This is our third year with Connections Academy, and we love it! I really enjoy the time I spend with my children—seeing them learn and their ideas flourish. It is gratifying to see that my child, who was once anxious, is now a self-starter, prefers being the leader, and takes the initiative to complete her assignments. Connections Academy is a great education system that provides a learning environment tailored to each student, no matter the level. Your children learn at their own pace and with the learning style that best fits them.

As a newbie at schooling from home, I wasn’t sure if I was suitable to be a Learning Coach for my children and wondered if I could handle it. The teachers were so very helpful every step of the way. The state testing also helped me to ensure that my child was on track and not falling behind. The curriculum can be challenging at times, but it really keeps us motivated and interested in what is being taught. With the flexibility it gives us, both of my children are able to take piano lessons during the day. We enjoy the field trips, meeting new friends and seeing old ones, and the electives that are offered as well. My child has the opportunity to choose foreign languages, sign language, or home economics—or learn about Greek mythology—just to name a few. This year she is taking sign language and is really enjoying it. I feel the teachers have a genuine connection and care for each student and parent. I am excited to enroll my son in kindergarten this coming year. Our family is delighted to be a part of Connections Academy, and we feel it was the best choice.

After several years in public schools, I decided to homeschool my two daughters. My older daughter suffered with social anxiety, while my younger daughter caught every nasty bug to travel through the schools. We sampled some other online courses for a couple of years and finally found our fit with INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy.

Connections Academy provided us with an engaging curriculum and easy-to-follow, personable teachers, who concentrate on students’ understanding before asking for results. This created an ideal educational setting, which also allowed my daughters to interact with other students through LiveLesson® sessions and chat, giving them the necessary socialization skills sometimes unavailable tohomeschooled children.

The teachers at INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy, are beyond reliable. Contact though a dedicated WebMail system and phone number gives fairly instant feedback and parental support. Connections Academy field trips create an environment for students to meet personally and form friendships with their classmates. All in all, our past and current experiences with Connections Academy have given my daughters the desire to continue with the school and eventually graduate, proudly holding an INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy, diploma.

Our four children had been attending a local private school for several years, but after the turn in the economy, we had to look at other options. They each had been in a nurturing environment and had been able to accelerate academically, and we wanted to make sure that they would be challenged in the way they were accustomed.

As we began to research our options, the idea of “virtual schooling” kept coming up. I never considered myself a traditional “home-schooler” and wasn’t sure I was cut out for that route. In addition, our intent was never to completely withdraw from the norms of schooling, but we yearned for the flexibility of working at our own pace—either accelerated or enhanced—and of making our own schedule. The K–12 program seemed to be fairly prominent in our area, but I didn’t feel it met the needs of my children.

Once I found Connections Academy, I learned that I would be the “Learning Coach” and would not be left on my own to be totally responsible for my children’s education. Connections Academy is a school first and foremost. They have researched the best curriculum out there and have integrated each lesson with dynamic interactive tools—not just workbooks/textbooks or the dreaded “screen.” I was impressed to find that there were many certified teachers that take an active part in my children’s learning through regular LiveLesson sessions, emails, and phone calls. In addition, through dual-enrollment, my high school student is still able to take her electives or play on the sports teams at the public school, while remaining at home for her core classes—thus getting the best of both worlds and not missing out on anything “social” that is important to her.

After our first year, I was impressed by the challenges presented academically, but I was also impressed with the “life skills” that my children have learned at an early age. They have learned time management and task management, which otherwise would not occur until they left for college. They are able to see on a daily/weekly/monthly basis what assignments and projects they have before them and can plan accordingly. In addition, they are learning to communicate with many people whom they don’t know or see on a regular basis in nontraditional ways, so they have to learn to phrase their words accordingly so they can be understood. Finally, they are learning technology skills that, again, they wouldn’t get in a traditional school setting.

Overall, Connections Academy has been a very positive experience for our family. Not to say there aren’t challenges—occasional power struggles and shortcuts—but in the end my children are not only learning, but they are thriving! After the first year, I asked them if we were re-enrolling—and each of them gave a resounding yes!

We learned about Connections Academy several years ago while exploring educational options for our gifted daughter. She needed both challenge and flexibility, which were hard to find in traditional school settings. Finally, with the arrival of INCA she has just what she needs!

Both our children are now blossoming under the quality teaching of the great INCA staff, and are approaching their schoolwork with enthusiasm! I love to see how responsive they are to their teachers’ feedback and their obvious pleasure when they realize how much academic progress they’re making. They are proud of themselves and feel great about their school!

The very best part of INCA for our family is the flexible schedule and self-pacing. Our kids’ schedules include a blend of academic, social and enrichment opportunities—all important to helping them become well-rounded, well-educated adults. Their music lessons, performances and community service occasionally involve daytime commitments, so it’s nice to be able to complete lessons in the evening or on weekends when necessary.

A great bonus is that the kids are not sick as much! And when they are, they can still do as much work as they feel up to. Best of all, that last day of recovery (up to 24 hours after the fever) can be a fully productive day!"

Our family is very happy with Indiana Connections Academy. We have two kids, one in first grade and one in sixth grade. They love the challenge, flexibility, and learning experience. As parents, we greatly appreciate the caring and involved staff who make the learning experience enjoyable. We also appreciate the fact that we are intimately involved in the learning process with our kids, and our knowing the details of what they are working on helps us reinforce it by showing its applicability to everyday life. The curriculum offers flexibility and a wide range of “real world” activities. It’s really pleasant to see our kids excited about school and learning.

The communication with the teachers has been great and is much more individualized than what we had experienced before. Connections Academy offers field trips and outings that allow everyone to meet face-to-face, which is an added bonus. We are very excited to be a part of Indiana Connections Academy and truly believe it is the education of the future.

Public school is good, but is there something better?

This was the initial thought which brought me to Indiana Connections Academy.

I wanted to be involved in my child’s education. I wanted her to be challenged beyond the “cookie cutter” education. I didn’t just want her to learn, I wanted her to experience and be passionate about learning. At the end of the day, there is something so fulfilling about watching your child succeed, and knowing that you had a big part in it. It has brought our family closer together.

The curriculum is so diverse, and the teacher support has been immense. INCA gives me the tools I need to be able to be really involved in my daughter's education.

I have lived in Southwest Kansas with my husband of 15 years and our 4 children since 2005. I am blessed to be a stay at home mom who enjoys time with my family and a few different hobbies.

I was first introduced to KCA by a KCA parent who has two children enrolled in the school. She had nothing but great things to say about KCA's program! After a little research, I made the decision to give KCA a try.

Our son Daniel, a fifth grader, has had a great first year! He has the ambition of being a professional golfer. Because of flexible school schedule, he has time to prepare for his golf season.

The curriculum has been impressive and challenging. The virtual LiveLesson® sessions with the teachers and the staff support amazing. I am able to really be involved in Daniel's school work daily, attend educationally filled field trips and know that he is getting a quality education.

I am Shandell Timken. I am married to Darren. We have two wonderful kids, Ryne and Jassandra. Before Connections Academy, my kids were attending a different virtual school, which ultimately founded Connections Academy. Our former virtual school was so impressed with Connections Academy’s curriculum that they showed it to us. We also loved it!

Our virtual school decided to merge with Connections Academy making Kansas Connections Academy and we made the merge with them. Kansas Connections Academy works for our family because of the flexibility it has. The flexibility works with our children’s health care needs.

Greetings from Fountain in rural Minnesota! If you are reading this message you are a parent/caretaker of a child and you are concerned about his or her education. You want to meet certain goals to prepare your child for life. Now we have more choices, and it takes careful consideration. I understand as I have five children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old. Each child has a different learning style, strengths, and goals. My children have also been educated in various ways. They have been in public, private, homeschool, and Connections Academy; each has its own strengths and challenges.

I learned about Minnesota Connections Academy in 2006 when my then 16-year-old daughter said she wanted me to homeschool her for tenth grade. I did not know if I could meet her educational needs. A friend told me about an Internet-based school she had heard about while listening to Minnesota Public Radio, a relative told me that her daughter was going to try an Internet-based school, a friend gave me a newspaper article about Minnesota Connections Academy, and another family decided to enroll their three children in this school so they could travel with their father on his job assignments.

After hearing all of this, I enrolled my child. My now 17-year-old child has completed two years with Minnesota Connections Academy and also has completed 19 college credits because of dual enrollment. My other three school-age children completed their first year with Minnesota Connections Academy, and it was a great year of educational growth. I'd be glad to share our experience and answer questions.

My husband and I started schooling our children at home when our oldest was beginning the third grade. We originally had sent him to a nontraditional school because we were hoping for more flexibility in the learning environment and a little less "starch." We were pleased with some of the results, but we realized that no matter where we sent our children we were faced with a lot of the same frustrations any parent faces, such as worrying about what they were (or weren’t) being taught. Also, we really wanted to develop a deep relationship with our children, and that is hard to do when everyone is separated from each other all day, five days a week. So we made the decision to home school. We loved it! As the years progressed, our family grew to five children and we continued to home school.

However, a few years ago my husband was pursuing a career change, and I had to take on some part-time work. It became difficult to find enough time in the week for school preparation and even "class" time. I was frantically trying to figure out what I could do when I learned about Connections Academy. I wanted the same flexibility, hands-on learning, variety, and personal oversight, along with the good curriculum that I had with home schooling. But, I needed someone to take care of a lot of the paperwork I was struggling to keep up with. I also needed help with questions on days that just seemed too full and busy. I wanted someone to help me and understand what I wanted for my children, not just tell me what they were going to do for them. Connections Academy seemed to fit the bill.

This year is our fourth year! We have seen Connections Academy grow and expand in many ways since then. They have increased the classes they offer. The first year we were with Connections Academy, the school went only to the eighth grade. Now they offer a full high school as well! The individual teachers for each subject and grade have expanded so the student to teacher ratio is small. The biweekly calls, parent and student surveys, and daily assignment ratings are just a few of the ways they keep up with the families and students and get information about what is needed for their curriculum and learning environment. A plethora of field trips, parent and student chat rooms, LiveLesson® sessions, and the teacher message boards are some of the ways that parents, teachers, and students stay connected daily. These tools provide a way for CA families to meet each other as well as improving on the daily learning experience for the students.

My kids have made lasting relationships with many of their teachers as well as fellow students in and out of our area. They have thoroughly enjoyed what Connections Academy has to offer, and all of us look forward to more years with Connections Academy. It's wonderful!

Mike and I are very involved in everything our kids do. He sells insurance and is able to work from home, and—because of his very flexible schedule—he can help out when needed.

We started out with our first two kids in school, but we never really knew what they were doing in the classroom. The teachers didn't communicate a lot to us. I had some friends who told me about Connections Academy, and so I decided to check into it.

I loved the fact that I was able to receive all of the curriculum for free and that there were teachers to help me make sure we did everything that was required. We now have all four of our children in MTS Minnesota Connections Academy.

Sometimes it can be very challenging to work with all four. I have to keep things very organized and scheduled in order to make it work for me. I love the fact that the kids can work at their own pace, though. If they are stuck on something, I can take more time on it. Mike and I do volunteer work and our girls have been in dance, and having a flexible schedule allows us the time to fit all these things in.

It's also nice to be able to have the time to teach our kids other life skills that we may not have had a lot of time for if they were in a traditional school—and much of this is considered part of their education, instead of just having only classroom time.

Our family started Nevada Connections Academy the first year it became available to us, and I have never regretted that decision. When it comes to my children, I am a worrier. I think about their safety, the quality of their education, and their exposure to negative influences. Nevada Connections Academy (NCA) has calmed these worries. My husband and I were blessed to be able to adopt our two children in March of 2006. My son was nearly 12 weeks premature, and he was very sick. In spite of this, he is now healthy and learns very quickly. My daughter, who was nearly full-term, seemed well enough. Yet over the years she developed some difficulties and learning delays. I cannot express enough what a comfort and relief it is to have the resources, and to experience the genuine care, that NCA has provided for both of my children’s individual needs. The program and the staff go above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed. My daughter receives the best attention in specialized programs that have been designed specifically for her needs. Just when I think NCA could not possibly come up with anything more, they surprise me with the latest and most timely programs available.

When my son started at a bricks-and-mortar school, I volunteered in his classroom. However, the next year, when my daughter began kindergarten, I wanted to be even more involved in their educations. NCA was the answer we had been searching for. I know where my children are at all times, and I am available to provide the individual attention they both need and thrive on. We have a great routine, and we can schedule courses and assignments according to our specific needs. Since we also care for my husband’s aging parents, we are able to pick up and go when something comes up. We just take school with us. It’s as easy as packing our schoolbag with the essentials. Access to our NCA program is easy from any computer, and the entire staff of NCA is just a phone call away.

I would recommend NCA, without hesitation, to anyone and everyone. I do not believe there is even one child who could not benefit from what NCA has to offer. Learning should be fun, progressively informative, personal, convenient, safe, and comfortable. It should be a wonderful journey to be a child. After all, we are only young once—and for a very short time. We owe it to our children to make the absolute best of it.

As an avid news watcher, I came across a story on a new virtual school option, sanctioned and approved by the state, that would put the education of my children in a whole new light. That school option was Connections Academy. I jumped at the opportunity and have been more than pleased at the outcome.

This year has been a phenomenal learning experience for both my child and me. Not only does Connections Academy provide a level of education that would be difficult to achieve in a large classroom setting, it also provides an opportunity for parents/Learning Coaches to see their children in action and feel immediate pride in their accomplishments. The staff and teachers are extremely supportive and willing to help in any way they can. They make this experience easier than most would assume it would be. The bottom line is that through Connections Academy, I have seen my child learning and being appropriately challenged, without having to deal with many of the frustrations she had encountered previously. All this adds up to a great educational and family experience that will benefit both of us for years to come.

We were looking for educational alternatives to public junior high. Approximately two weeks before school was about to start, we heard about Connections Academy and got on the Web site for information. We looked at all the curriculum and liked it. We also liked the fact that our son would have certified teachers that he would be accountable to. We also liked that the program was very structured, and he knew exactly what he needed to accomplish each day. It has been both fun and challenging!

Connections Academy offers everything we were looking for in a quality education for our son. We have both an at-home environment and a high quality education. It has worked well for us, and we will keep going with Connections Academy.

I was looking for an alternative to our local school. However, as a one-income family, we could not afford a private school or to buy a homeschooling program, nor did I want ALL of the responsibility for my child’s education on my shoulders. Then one day I saw an ad for Nevada Connections Academy; I went to a meeting and knew instantly that it was what I had been looking for. A state-funded public school that is free to us, and with a teacher and full staff for support!

I went into our first year of kindergarten not knowing what to expect, and now feel like I am part of something no less than revolutionary! Everything you need is sent to you: books, supplies, and even a computer if you want. Your teacher is always available to you and gives you a call every other week to check in and see how your child is doing. There are plenty of tests and assessments so you can see how your child is progressing. There are LiveLesson® sessions every week for your child to interact with her entire class and teacher at the same time. There are plenty of opportunities for social interaction on field trips and meetings for lunches at parks.

With the use of technology and the Internet, including the capability to scan and send in assignments, a whole world of flexibility will be opened up to you. We set our own daily schedule—my child can attend other classes outside of the home, such as ballet, piano, and gymnastics, at any time of the day.

I get to spend so much time with my child. I get to work with her one-on-one as her Learning Coach, and I am 100% involved in her education. I know exactly what subjects she flourishes in and which ones she needs more time with. We can spend as long as we need on any subject until she masters it. If something is really easy for her, we move on. No waiting for all the other kids in class to finish.

I feel that Nevada Connections Academy is the future of education. I have bonded with my child in a way that would not have been possible if she attended school away from home. Not seeing my child for up to eight hours a day just wasn’t good enough for me. I don’t want to miss out on her childhood. With this school, I will never look back when she is grown and wish I had spent more time with her. Nevada Connections Academy has been a perfect fit for our family—and, I hope, for many others.

Our experience with NCA has been wonderful. It has given my child the ability to excel in advanced learning. My child is in Gifted and Talented classes and loves the challenge that comes with being in these courses. NCA gives us the flexibility to be involved in 4-H without missing school days—we take school with us. We have the best of both worlds.

NCA provides a challenging curriculum with plenty of variety for my daughter. She loves both the science experiments and the research she needs to do for history subjects. Her teachers have been wonderful, and they provide my daughter with a lot of encouragement to excel. She also has the opportunity to participate in LiveLesson® sessions, which have allowed her to meet other children in her class. Through LiveLesson® sessions, she interacts with her teachers and classmates.

The field trips allow the students in our area to become acquainted, and this gives them a support system. We enjoy going on these trips for educational enrichment and for socializing with local NCA teachers and students. Last year we went to the fire academy in our area and learned about fire safety. We also learned that this academy provides fire training worldwide. The students got to see and inspect all the gear used during a fire. They also observed a fire being put out and were instructed on why the firefighters use certain fire-extinguishing procedures.

We are happy with our educational decision.

During the end of summer 2003, my family and I attended one of Ohio Connection Academy’s information sessions. We were so impressed by the program that with only a couple of weeks before school started, we withdrew from the private school our children had been attending for five years and enrolled in Ohio Connections Academy. My children were entering 5th and 6th grades at the time. This fall will be our sixth year and we have loved every year. Next year my son will be in 11th grade and my daughter in 10th.

The Ohio Connections Academy high school program is very challenging and has more than prepared them for the Ohio Graduation Achievement tests. In high school they have taken advantage of the honors classes and will be taking Advanced Placement classes next fall. They have participated in the Ohio Connections Academy Academic Fair, where my daughter received a 1st place and my son a second place award in the Science Fair. My daughter went on to compete in a state-wide science fair at Cleveland University and placed 2nd.

They have enjoyed the many field trips they have attended and have really enjoyed getting to know their teachers and other students. The teachers at Ohio Connections Academy have been some of the most helpful my children have known. We consider the teachers and staff a very important part of our family and are looking forward to the years to come.

Imagine, if you will, three children, all well behaved but frustrated with school. They are doing well, but are not challenged academically. They wait for other students to behave or to follow directions. They wait to move ahead in their courses so that others may catch up, and they spend a great deal of time preparing for standardized tests.

Now imagine these three children two years later, happy with school and excelling with a rigorous, up-to-date curriculum. They participate in hands-on activities in math and science and are learning how to effectively express themselves in writing. They use technology every day in a way that is meaningful and innovative, and they have become proficient users of software programs like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They enjoy frequent field trips to interesting sites all over Ohio and have made many new friends.

The difference is Ohio Connections Academy!

As the mother of these three children, I am thrilled with the turnaround and am excited about the way OCA personalizes my children’s education according to their individual needs. All have access to Gifted and Talented classes, which are very different from the enrichment they were getting in our local schools. All are able to work in the style that best suits them. My oldest likes routine and does her classes in the same order each day. My middle child enjoys the freedom to make changes based on her interests each day, and my youngest likes to have direction from me, the "Learning Coach," throughout the day. All enjoy the personal connection they have with their OCA teachers, who may be contacted by telephone, WebMail, or online LiveLessons. I am very impressed with the high level of knowledge and professionalism displayed by the OCA staff.

I am very happy to have found OCA and to be participating fully in my children's education! It is a truly outstanding school filled with opportunity!

When I began researching virtual schools and found Ohio Connections Academy, I felt it was a perfect meld of the things I wanted in a school for my daughter. I wanted a personalized experience and high academic standards as well as flexibility. My oldest daughter began kindergarten in 2004, and I now also have my younger daughter enrolled. My daughters are in fifth and third grade and are doing very well academically.

Ohio Connections Academy has a progressive curriculum that includes up-to-date textbooks, workbooks, and lab supplies. They have Gifted and Talented courses available for advanced students, as well as courses for those who need remediation. Computers are used in learning, but the mainstay of my students’ learning comes from the interaction between me, as their Learning Coach, and them. Not to be minimized is the link between the teachers and the students. The teachers are caring, easy to work with, and eager to help. If you are experiencing any difficulty, they are happy to assist in whatever way they can.

There are many opportunities for enrichment, both from within the lessons themselves, and from the experiences you include yourself. For instance, our family takes educational field trips during the school year, which we all love very much. Last year we went to Colonial Williamsburg for a week, and this year we went to Washington, D.C. Yellowstone is on the books for September. If our daughters were enrolled in traditional school, it would be difficult to do this, but our family benefits from the flexibility of the program.

I highly recommend Connections Academy. I have been with them for six years and hope to continue through graduation. I truly appreciate that Ohio Connections Academy continually strives to improve the program for all involved parties. They listen to the parents and hear your concerns and feedback. They truly want your student to be fulfilled and have a good experience. With this winning combination, I feel confident that my daughters will have a successful education.

We have been with Connections Academy since 2006 and are planning to continue until my children graduate.

What has my experience been like as a Learning Coach? I am so thankful that I have this pleasure. Not only do I understand my children’s needs, I have also bonded better with them. As a mother, part of my job is to be their advocate. Since I am directly involved, I have a better understanding of what needs to be voiced or addressed, especially at their age. Ohio Connections Academy really does an excellent job at listening and solving an issue before it becomes a problem. As a Learning Coach, I don’t worry about teaching the material. I sit in and enjoy learning with my children and being part of their lives. The responsibility isn’t a burden like it would be if I homeschooled. Therefore, I enjoy it more.

What has my experience with the teachers been like? In the last four years, I have had exceptional encounters with Ohio Connections Academy teachers. When dealing with the children or Learning Coach’s concerns, they have responded almost immediately. The grades are given within a day or two. The teachers have always made the LiveLesson® sessions interesting and easy to comprehend.

What is our experience with socialization at Ohio Connections Academy? At first, I was criticized for doing virtual school because others felt it would ruin my children socially. I even feared this in the beginning. However, time has proven that virtual school has actually bettered them socially. I have had the children in gymnastics for five years, karate for four years, soccer for two years, and wrestling for one year. They go to church on Sunday and Wednesday. I am always told in amazement how well my children behave and get along with others.

If I could rewind time and change my mind about Connections Academy and enrolling my children, I definitely would make the same decision with less hesitation.

I am very pleased with my experience with Ohio Connections Academy. My daughter has truly benefited from being enrolled at this school as well.

The option of learning a foreign language especially appeals to me, as my daughter is very good with languages, and our family has been endeavoring to learn at least two new languages in addition to English. The fact that she doesn’t have to wait until high school to be able to learn a second (or third) language is wonderful, because children tend to pick up languages more quickly when they are young. The Educational Technology course is outstanding in that it teaches students how to use Microsoft products, which will be beneficial in the real world when it comes to finding a job. My daughter really enjoys creating PowerPoint presentations and learning new features of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

There is also great room in the curriculum for students to be creative. For some lessons, they can choose to pick their own science project, to do an interview as a character from a story on video for a language arts project, to create a board game for math, and the list goes on!

I’m very happy to be able to have greater parental involvement—knowing what is going on in her curriculum and having an active part in her learning process. I’ve also found that my daughter gets sick much less often than she did when she was in a bricks-and-mortar school.

I’ve also enjoyed attending school field trips, like the one to Harry London Chocolate Factory. I’ve enjoyed the field trips so much that I’ve volunteered as a Community Coordinator to help arrange field trips for the students. This has been very fun and helpful in getting my daughter needed interaction with her peers. Ohio Connections Academy has been the wisest educational decision that I’ve made for my daughter. Thanks, Ohio Connections Academy!

We have been with Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) since March of 2008. I transferred my daughter from her public school because I was at a loss for what else to do for her. She had accomplished nothing the entire school year prior. All she managed to do during class was talk and pass notes, and she was concerned with nothing but fashion and gossip. She was going to fail the sixth grade if I didn’t do something.

I did some research about online schools and loved what I read about OCA. The hook for me was the curriculum. As an education major, I know the importance of a strong curriculum, as well as first-rate resources, textbooks, and materials and activities to reinforce lessons. OCA supplied it all: up-to-date textbooks, online resources such as BrainPOP® and Discovery Education, LiveLesson® sessions, workbooks, Teachlet® tutorials, and projects to complement every unit in every subject. They even offer foreign language in elementary and middle school, as well as in high school.

Starting OCA was painless. The enrollment process was straightforward and quick. My daughter’s supplies reached us quickly. The school gives a tutorial that takes the Learning Coaches through every aspect of the e-school experience, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated by this new experience. The staff as well as the tutorial helped me feel comfortable and confident in my role.

My daughter was upset with having to use virtual school at first, but within two weeks, her enthusiasm peaked, she began working voluntarily rather than by force, and she was more concentrated and careful with her work. The one quarter with OCA made all the difference. She was no longer defiant, careless, scattered, and sloppy. She was cooperative, careful, focused—the daughter I always knew I had but who was previously lost to me. My son, seeing the change in his older sister, decided that he, too, HAD to be a part of OCA, even though he was having no problems in his bricks-and-mortar school, but instead was excelling.

I have been very pleased with both of my children’s progress while being with OCA. The teachers are extremely helpful, patient, understanding, and giving. It is fortunate to find such dedication in teachers. It is nearly like my children have their own private tutors on call for their every need. I couldn’t ask for more for my children. That is saying a lot. I am extremely high-strung and demanding when it comes to the welfare of my children. Any school that can meet my standards and expectations has got to be something special.

When my daughter, Belle, was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes, I was determined to help her achieve the best self-care possible and still see that she took advantage of her academic opportunities. I didn't realize what a task that would be.

When we experienced difficulties within the traditional school system, we decided to home-school Belle. The thought of it scared me to death, but I knew that she needed something to change because she wasn't able to concentrate and achieve at the level she was capable of reaching. Then we found Connections Academy on the internet. It really sounded great, but we were skeptical. Could we do all this at home on the computer...and it's free? No way!

Now that she has been doing the work for a few months, and has achieved a 95% average, we are believers. I have seen her go from a discouraged girl who thought she was stuck in a system that was not working for her, to a girl who feels better, and is loving school again. The best part is what she said to me not too long ago — "Mom, I can learn again!" Those were the best words she could have said to me! As a Learning Coach, I can say that I am pleased to be an active participant in my daughter's education. It is a privilege to be guiding her through this part of her education."

When our family stepped into the world of virtual schooling with Connections Academy, it was unknown territory to all of us. I had been home schooling my children but needed more direction and support after 3rd grade. Since enrolling in 2006, we have had very positive results, and we feel like pioneers in the way education is headed.

Connections Academy gives us freedom in how we learn. We love being able to ‘do school’ next to the wood stove or even on our beds after lunch. On sunny days we work outside. We have taken several field trips to museums and other institutions because they fit into our schooling. The field trips with other ORCA students have been a great experience and fun social gathering. We learn together in our family and are fully supported by our amazing teacher who embraces our education process as much as we do and always treats us as individuals.

This is a challenging academy, yet I always feel like we have someone standing in the wings to make certain we are successful on all levels. This support has made the boys more independent learners and given them wings to succeed in life. We feel online education provides our family accountability and the satisfaction of knowing our children are well educated and prepared for what they will need to conquer in the world. It is not an easy school, but the product of the work is well worth the combined effort of student, learning coach, and teacher. My children and family have benefited from this custom fit learning style.

With Connections Academy we're helping our sons develop their learning skills in an environment we feel more closely reflects the real world as well as the future of education in general. As our children go through life they will not be defined by the school they attended, but they will be judged by how well prepared they are to move into the life of an adult. Connections Academy provides the balance of a nurturing, one-on-one environment and the tools our children will need to possess for their success in the future.

Connections Academy is top-notch schooling and a perfect fit for our family. This is our third year with Connections Academy, and we really love the program. I started teaching my children at a very young age and thought I was doing okay on my own, but I realized I needed more. We enrolled our first daughter in Connections Academy in kindergarten, and I was very impressed with the curriculum. We were provided with all of the books, lesson plans, and even some necessary school supplies. The next year we even qualified to have a complete computer setup provided. The support of the teachers and staff is wonderful. You are never on your own, and it is the most rewarding experience to be a major part of your children’s education and see them grow in their abilities.

When we first enrolled our daughter she was not reading at all, but within two or three months she was reading well. Now as a second-grader she is a very strong reader and is devouring books! This year we enrolled our second daughter in kindergarten and, despite its being challenging at times with two sets of curriculum, we have had awesome support from the teachers—and our girls are thriving in every subject. They get excited about learning, and we have a great time. We really love the variety of the curriculum, which includes not only the core subjects but also music, art, and activities. Everything in the curriculum is really top-quality and can be tailored to your child’s needs. The flexibility of the schedule is wonderful too, because every family has different circumstances and, perhaps, challenges—and you can make it work for your family. I have some health challenges, and the flexibility of the schedule is a perfect fit for us. Enrolling our children in Connections Academy is the best choice we have made for them, and we highly recommend it for other families

I have been with Oregon Connections Academy (ORCA) since its founding in 2005. We now have five students enrolled and look forward to another productive year in schooling. Oregon Connections Academy is more than just a school with a fantastic curriculum, extremely bright teachers, and a wealth of resources for all learning styles. ORCA is our schooling community that provides encouragement, a positive attitude, and a new way of discovering talents in our kids. We have Community Coordinators that present field trip opportunities; we have Learning Coach LiveLesson® sessions for support and outreach; and we have clubs for those students who have a passion to make a difference or pursue a hobby. My family finds ORCA to be the best choice for us because, as one child put it, “There are no misfits.”

Oregon Connections Academy rocks!

My experience with Commonwealth Connections Academy has been excellent! The curriculum is wonderful. CCA supplies everything needed to be a productive learning coach. My son is excited about all the subjects, even the subject he struggles with. We are never bored with the schoolwork. My son likes to send and receive his portfolio items. He wonders if his teacher will like his work and give him an "A". His teacher always has something to say on each item that is sent in, often with a sticker or a comment on how he did. Routinely his teacher calls every other week on a day that suits both of us. At that point I can ask questions if needed. The teacher may also give a verbal test over the phone to my son.

I find that there are a lot of opportunities for socialization on field trips—once we participated in a Robo Ball competition. From all of the families that signed up, we were put into equal groups. We got to know other students and parents by working together and competing as a team to make our own robot. In other trips to an animal preserve and to Hershey Chocolate World, we were placed in groups to take the tours and interacted with each other along the way. There was a scavenger hunt at the Pennsylvania Capitol building, and again we were placed into teams and worked together to find all the clues to complete the hunt. I feel that all of the field trips offer great opportunities for socialization. Online chess games also offer socialization. The students can interact online through LiveLesson® sessions a few times a week, and the school also offers message boards.

CCA is the right school for us! We feel blessed; thank you.

I chose Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA) to allow us more family time together. Being my children's learning coach as well as their mother allows me to better "train up a child in the way he should go." As a parent I believe that it is our responsibility to teach our children everything they will need to know in their adult lives. This is a full-time job and is especially important for younger children. Connections Academy provides the time at home for me to take care of all their educational and spiritual needs.

I am able to tailor the lessons to meet the children's needs. We have all learned so much with the challenging curriculum. We have learned about famous artists and their paintings. We also learned the parts of plant and animal cells and even made cell models out of Jello. This was one of my fourth grader's favorite projects because he had a snack when he was finished learning!

Connections Academy incorporates hands-on learning in the lessons to help students remember the information. This also makes the lessons fun for the students. At first the writing assignments seemed to take so much time and seemed almost impossible. It took a little time for my kids to learn the proper steps of the writing process. I was surprised that within the first year they all knew how to write compositions and could complete them in a reasonable amount of time.

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be teaching my daughter from home I would have laughed. In fact, at one time I was one of those parents that thought children who learned from home were deprived from a "real" education.

We have two daughters: Jessica, 18, who attended a traditional school all the way through graduation. Though Jessica was above average and participated in sports, she still had some issues with teachers and peer pressure from her classmates. So when our youngest daughter, Alix, 8, was beginning school we were a little concerned.

Alix started kindergarten at the age of 5. I volunteered three times a week in her class and could see that she was not progressing, so after much thought and discussion we decided to have Alix repeat kindergarten. She did well after that, but then she started first grade. The second day of school I received a call from her teacher, who said that Alix might have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After a few months, several meetings with her teacher, and doctor visits, we discovered that Alix was borderline ADHD. One evening while waiting for Alix to finish her ballet class, I was talking about school with the other mothers who were waiting for their daughters. I found out that 8 out of 10 parents in that waiting room either home schooled their children or enrolled them in a cyber charter school. At that point I decided to look into cyber schooling as an option for Alix, and I found CCA. It took me a few months before finally enrolling Alix in CCA because I was still nervous about having so much responsibility for my child's education in my hands.

This is why CCA is the perfect solution for our family. CCA's curriculum is state of the art and they provide you with detailed lesson plans to follow and suggestions. A certified teacher calls every two weeks to check on your progress, and if there are any questions you can call the teacher at any time. Also, you submit a portfolio every two months and have access to many learning tools from CCA's online “Virtual Library.”

Alix was performing below average for her age group before enrolling at CCA. Six months later with CCA and she was above average. I feel that the one-on-one attention and the support from CCA are what make the difference. Her teacher cares about her and takes time when talking with her over the phone or when we see each other. There is a bond with her teacher. I know that my daughter is receiving the best education possible, building a foundation for the future. This is my second year with CCA, and I will stay with this program because I feel in my heart this is the right choice, and for me and Alix this is the educated choice.

I am a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. I am also an instructor. My seven-year-old son is a green belt with two stripes. We attend morning karate class twice a week, along with another Connections Academy student and other traditional homeschoolers.

This martial arts training gives us discipline. Our focus is not on kicks and punches. It is on how to become a better person—and what is inside of you that makes you that person. Commonwealth Connections Academy focuses on these same goals. We are not set on getting a letter grade. We are striving for learning the most we can in the way that works the best for us.

Connections Academy understands that we all learn differently. The curriculum is based on a wide variety of student needs. We are encouraged to move at our own pace and to excel in a way that leads us forward. Every step of the way we have school members, teachers, and other parents to guide us. Just like in karate, Connections Academy is about teamwork. We become the person we are meant to be with the help of others.

Education is not easy, but like anything else in life that is worth doing, the end result is worth all of the effort you put into it. Teaching others is the best way to understand what you really know and to find the answers to what you don’t know.

I look forward to helping you in any way that I can.

The education at Commonwealth Connections Academy has brought Donna’s family much closer together, and the curriculum is the best that she’s found for her two children. My family has been able to achieve and excel since being with Commonwealth Connections Academy. I have had two children enrolled in Commonwealth Connections Academy for the past five years. The curriculum is the best my children can get. The teachers with Connections Academy are always there for you and your child. I have a child who has special needs, and CCA meets those needs better than anyone else ever could have. My other child was bored at the regular brick-and-mortar school because she was more advanced.

Since being with Commonwealth Connections Academy, both of my children are able to work at their own pace and on a schedule that fits the whole family. I get great joy out of seeing how happy both of my children become when they hear they did a great job! When my daughter hears her teachers tell her how good of a job she is doing, it really makes her want to do better. My son was on the honor roll last year for the first time since fourth grade, and he is now in eleventh. My children were in a regular brick-and-mortar school, and we will never go back! Because we are able to work from home together, it has brought my family much closer together—and I get to be a big part of not only their lives but also their education.

With Commonwealth Connections Academy, my children get to experience some great field trips, and we have met some wonderful people that also are a part of the school. The quality education my children get is the best I have been able to find. From the enrollment team down to the teachers, my experience with Connections Academy has been a very positive one for my family.

We chose Commonwealth Connections Academy for a number of reasons. Our son had gone to a Montessori preschool and kindergarten. When it came time for first grade, we enrolled him in the local public school. After several weeks there, he was restless, bored, and unhappy. We made the decision to homeschool; however, at the end of that school year, we wanted something more structured. As we began to look at alternatives, including other private schools, we found Commonwealth Connections Academy. We were impressed by the curriculum, its stated mission, and its description of how each student is treated individually.

The enrollment process was not complicated. The enrollment staff was available and helpful in answering questions. The Learning Coach orientation was wonderful in explaining our roles and expectations. Our teacher was enthusiastic and professional. As the school year began, we were able to customize the pace to meet our son’s needs with the full support of his teacher and the school. As a student, our son is fully engaged and not bored. His phone calls with his teacher are fun and also give him an opportunity to share what he has learned and what he is doing. As a parent and Learning Coach, I appreciate the suggestions and feedback our teacher provides, as well as the vast amount of resources available to us through the school’s links. LiveLessons® give us a chance to interact with other students, and the wide range of field trips offer opportunities like no other school experience can.

We are very happy that we found Connections Academy. Our son is thriving. We all feel a sense of accomplishment as we celebrate his love of learning every day.

Connections Academy—when those two words come to my mind, “close-knit family” follows thereafter. When I enrolled my five children into this program, I hadn’t realized the amazingly strong support system that would soon follow. Connections Academy welcomed our family into the program with open arms, enthralling my family with unlimited access to educational opportunities, and allowing my family to feel part of an even bigger family unit. I chose Commonwealth Connections Academy because of the flexibility of educating my children in the comfort of my home, while instilling the morals and values that our family feels very strongly about.

Commonwealth Connections Academy is the perfect combination of a public school and the safety of my home. The staff is top-notch, and the teachers feel like an extended part of my family. They are available through telephone, e-mail, and tutoring hours. Using the curriculum provided by Connections Academy, I can tailor the lesson plans to fit each of my children’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Two of my children are in the Gifted and Talented program at Connections Academy. For the first time my children aren’t thrown in a corner and told to read a book because they are ahead of their classmates. Their teachers and curriculum at Connections Academy are motivating my children to think outside of their box, engaging them to push themselves hard, to pursue their individual highest level of success.

For my family, Connections Academy is a dream come true. I am constantly pinching myself to make sure that I’m not dreaming. I have been given the ultimate gift in life, my children, and it is up to me to make sure that their educational needs are being fulfilled. Connections Academy is exceeding our educational goals while holding us accountable through state testing and teacher interaction. Miracles really do happen!

I am a mother of four. My two oldest children are enrolled in South Carolina Connections Academy.

By the time my oldest child had reached second grade, he had developed nervous habits and felt overwhelmed with school and homework. The next year we made the choice to enroll him and his younger sister in Connections Academy.

 

Since enrolling, my son has dropped his nervous habits and is much happier! My children are able to work at their own pace. I am aware of what they are learning, which allows us to incorporate newly learned material into our everyday lives.

 

My children are still able to feel they are part of a school community. They have made new friends through field trips and state testing, and their teachers are always willing to help. There have been many advantages to putting our children in Connections Academy, but for us the best part is that our evenings are once again family time! What we do is no longer dictated by how much homework the children have, since they complete all their work during the school day.

We first enrolled our son in middle school with South Carolina Connections Academy (SCCA) for the 2010-11 school year. My son has some learning challenges and really needed more one-on-one time with an adult who could help him better understand what he reads and be more successful solving math problems. SCCA readily accommodated his needs with a well-designed IEP. He was able to focus more intently on his core subjects, which he really needed. Any time either one of us emailed one of his teachers, they were quick to respond with help, encouragement, and suggestions.

Our whole family loved the flexibility we had in completing class assignments virtually anytime, any day, or anywhere we chose. We’ve “held class” in restaurants, in bookstores, and even on vacation! There is no guesswork as to what my son’s assignments are for each subject, day by day.

 

I asked my son what his most favorite thing is about SCCA and he answered, “I liked that I had a lessened workload [accommodation in his IEP] and that I could have one-on-one time with an adult [with me, the Learning Coach, or during a phone call or in the LiveLesson room with his teacher].” He could not think of a “least favorite” thing. My favorite things are the flexibility of scheduling and being able to see everything he is doing and what is expected from him in every subject.

 

I want to assure others not to get discouraged by any challenges or unexpected issues that WILL arise in this virtual setting. It is comprehensive and challenging, and, at times, it may seem overwhelming, especially for a special-needs kid who requires lots of help. The school staff—from teachers, to administrators, to technical support—are just a phone call or email away. We had to literally learn how to do a PowerPoint presentation right away (something I had never done) with at least one teacher calling us and talking us through it. Presentations and portfolio assignments can be sent in by numerous ways. LiveLesson sessions are another cool virtual school component. Since the lesson is recorded, it can be experienced live with the teacher, viewed multiple times, or viewed at a later time if missed. By the way, I work full time, but we made it work because of the flexibility SCCA offers.

When I first started looking into alternatives for my daughter’s education, several things were very important to our family: accreditation, curriculum, and activities. Connections Academy has all three plus much more. My daughter, Morgan, is part of the Gifted and Talented program at Connections Academy. The curriculum is challenging but never overwhelming. The teachers are well-educated and caring professionals. They are able to give her the time she needs to fully understand any problem or answer any questions she may have. All she has to do is send an email or call them. You are never alone! Students have access to many educational tools such as Discovery Education™ and Brain POP®.

Connections Academy also offers various clubs and activities for their students. Morgan is in the Gifted and Talented art program and a member of the Art Club and Poetry Club. She is able to meet kids from all over the state who share her interests. The schedule is very flexible, which allows time for her to attend private music and art lessons. Students are able to work at their own pace. The education is personalized for each student. Morgan is in the seventh grade but is in a ninth-grade-level math class. When she attended our local bricks-and-mortal school, math was her weakest subject. Thanks to Connections Academy, that is no longer the case.

 

My daughter has a newfound love of learning thanks to this wonderful school. Gone are the days of hating school and being overloaded with homework. Connections Academy has gone above and beyond all my expectations. It is by far the best decision I have ever made as a parent.

 

My husband and I currently have three children enrolled in Wisconsin Connections Academy and are extremely pleased with this program. We have seen other virtual programs, and none can compare to this.

With backgrounds in Elementary/Special Education, my husband and I tried traditional public school and home schooling for a number of years until we discovered Wisconsin Connections Academy. This public school is the perfect fit for our family. With this program, we can be confident that our children are receiving a high-quality education along with the ability to work at their own pace. Wisconsin Connections Academy has qualified, licensed teachers who work with our children throughout their educational journey. Through this school, our boys receive the additional help they need in areas where they experience difficulties and are able to move ahead where they excel.

The teachers communicate with me and my children via WebMail, telephone, field trips, mailings, WKCE testing, and LiveLesson™ sessions (a virtual live classroom). The level of communication between our children and their teachers is the very element that allows them to receive the individualized education they need to achieve success in school. I cannot imagine schooling my children any other way. We have been with this program for the past five years, and, during that time, we have watched our children thrive and excel academically.

The best part is that my children have found that learning is fun. With the use of LiveLesson™ sessions, virtual whiteboards, video clips, and wonderful science equipment, the children get a "hands-on" approach to learning that is both interactive and exciting. With this program, I finally feel confident that my children are gaining the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in the future. Thank you Wisconsin Connections Academy for offering the best in educational opportunities!

My family has been with Connections Academy for 6 years now. I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience. I have tried home schooling my children on my own, but with my busy schedule I always wondered if they were really getting the right teaching at the right time. I think a good education is very important, so when I heard about this new program I wanted to be a part of it.

I have never regretted it! There were many times that I had to rely on the teachers for help and I found them always willing and ready to give any assistance needed. We had many projects to work on throughout the years, and though some can be quite challenging, the girls and I find them very rewarding.

Sometimes my children will work together or ask each other for help. Since they have different strengths and weaknesses this has drawn them closer together also. Even as their Learning Coach, I find re-learning things to be of great benefit for my life. We are all very glad that Wisconsin Connections Academy became available!

My husband and I have five children and enjoy a lifestyle that demands some flexibility. Homeschooling was an obvious choice for us from the beginning. The amount of time and energy that I needed to keep records, plan, and teach grew with each passing year. While I loved the flexibility we had as a homeschooling family, I knew something had to change. Connections Academy seemed to offer exactly what we were looking for.

Since enrolling in Connections Academy, I feel as though a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. All of the planning is done for me. The curriculum is well written and engaging. The online programs and LiveLesson® sessions are features that my kids really enjoy. My youngest daughter is thrilled when her papers are returned and covered with colorful stickers and positive, helpful comments. The children are very motivated to do well and love the encouraging feedback. Teachers are literally just a phone call away and are very happy to help whenever needed. The schedule is flexible, and we are able to mold it to our lifestyle. I have been so impressed. It is an amazing program. We look forward to many more years with Connections Academy.

My children have been enrolled in Wisconsin Connections Academy for two years now, and we have loved every minute! My oldest daughter attended traditional school for three years and did very well, but we could see that she needed additional challenge.

We were so excited to learn about Connections Academy. My daughter has enjoyed every minute of her schooling at WCA. She has been able to move ahead at her own pace, and she has never been a happier child. Since her schooling had gone so well, we enrolled our middle child, and soon our youngest will join the ranks. We can’t even tell you all the benefits we have reaped from having our girls enrolled with this program. From the helpful teachers and support staff, to the easy-to-understand lesson plans, up-to-date curriculum, and LiveLessons®, this school has really been a perfect fit for our family and our ever-changing schedule. I would tell any parent who is considering this program to give it a try, because we did, and it was one of the best decisions that we have ever made. Thanks, Connections Academy!

My husband and I have four children, two of whom are currently enrolled in Wisconsin Connections Academy (WCA). My daughter is in fifth grade, and my son is in kindergarten. This is our first year with WCA, and the transition from “bricks and mortar” to virtual schooling has been challenging at times, but well worth the effort. Virtual school has made education a family affair at our house. Together, we have been able to identify and fill gaps in our children’s education, target problem areas, and build on each child’s individual strengths. In addition, we are all enjoying the opportunity to learn together! For example, both WCA students are taking Spanish, but our three-year-old watches and listens, and he has picked up a number of Spanish words from his older brother and sister. Because the whole family is involved in schooling, everyone, even our two youngest children, has the opportunity to participate in lessons and learning activities throughout the day. My son and daughter are able to work at their own pace, and both are excelling—my son recently advanced to first-grade math… VERY rewarding!

For me, being a Learning Coach for WCA is extremely rewarding and brings home all the effort I put into volunteering for our local school district. Prior to enrolling my children in WCA, I spent the last four years as a fierce advocate for involving parents as partners in education in our district. From launching a four-year-old kindergartener program to creating, developing, and shaping the focus of a public K–5 charter school, common themes for improving educational delivery have been to employ hands-on learning methods and find effective ways to involve parents in education. These ideals became the cornerstone of the vision for our district’s charter school.

While I was working on implementing the vision, I came to realize that virtual schools provide the perfect environment and opportunity for students to receive personalized education and learn at their own pace. There is simply no comparison. The curriculum is fantastic and, with my hectic schedule, our having the assistance of pre-planned lessons is such an advantage. It gives me the time and opportunity to supplement the curriculum with additional learning material and mechanisms, adding a personal touch to my children’s education. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity we have with Wisconsin Connections Academy!

As our son came into the school-age years, he received assistance through the Special Education program for the sensory-integration problems he had from being a premature baby. With this help he developed skills, but his anxiety was still there.

When we moved to Wyoming, his anxiety increased and the assistance decreased. I had been studying up on homeschooling, but I was afraid to be responsible for his future on my own. I ventured into extracurricular educational activities on the computer with him, and found this to be fun for him. The more I talked to different parents about homeschooling and my concerns about my son’s anxiety, the more I knew I needed to find a solution.

When I discovered Wyoming Connections Academy, I jumped on the chance. Enrolling him has been the best decision. His anxiety is manageable; he enjoys his outside social clubs like 4-H and scouting; and he even has friends now. He has done a complete turnabout from his previous resistance to talk to people, and he even initiates conversations now. Many parents who knew him before he started Connections Academy ask what we have done to help him be such a happy, well-rounded young man. We tell them that we put him in a virtual school that works with us and with Alexander’s needs.

He participates in the virtual LiveLesson® sessions every other week and participates in the chat room with the other students. Connections Academy teachers teach with many different styles. An example is when his teacher assured him that she understood his anxiety about speaking: She would talk, give him an assignment of “tell me what this word means and email it to me,” then respond back with high praise for his abilities. Baby steps, challenges, try another way, work together as a team for my child’s success. That’s what Connections Academy has done for our family.

For several years, my daughter had asked to “school at home” primarily because of peer behavior and a lack of challenge to her creative abilities. Although she enjoyed her previous school’s extracurricular activities along with a pull-out gifted program, the public setting proved almost a daily challenge for her, socially and academically, and the transition to middle school was difficult.

I had received several forms of information about Connections Academy by mail and e-mail, so I ordered the program guide. As circumstances would have it, the guide arrived in the mail on a day when my daughter and I were together at home ill. I told her I had something for her to look through and handed it to her. She smiled—and within a very few minutes she simply said, “Yes.”

As a parent, I am thrilled to see my daughter’s enthusiasm for learning return! As she says, “It’s as if something blew up in front of me!” She acknowledges learning more than ever before and being exposed to information never before introduced. She has grown in responsibility for her own learning and spends a great deal of extra time on projects. The flexibility and freedom to explore, research, and simply think according to her interests, through the programming offered by Texas Connections Academy at Houston, has redefined what it means to “go to school” for her. Learning is fun and uninterrupted. I too enjoy learning with her and seeing her accomplishments firsthand. No longer am I, as a parent, on the outside looking into the educational process. I have the opportunity to participate. Most of all, I am grateful to see my daughter achieving according to her learning needs.

Our daughter has a unique background. She was born in Russia, and we adopted her when she was six. She has had to learn to speak English and adapt to a totally new world.

We tried traditional schooling and then Montessori, but nothing really seemed to work. Homeschooling was next, and even that did not seem viable. We then found Connections Academy. Three years ago our daughter started in third grade (she has just entered sixth grade) and she loves it. She works at her own pace and really enjoys the "tech" part of schooling.

My wife works and I (our daughter's father) stay at home; I am her Learning Coach. My wife travels as part of her job, and we have often gone with her to the various cities she visits. We take along schoolbooks and a laptop computer, and as my wife works we sit in a hotel room somewhere doing schoolwork. It gives a whole new meaning to "Have computer, will travel."

Connections Academy has been the ideal way for our daughter to learn outside of the traditional school setting.

My first experience with Connections Academy was in Florida when my twin girls were entering kindergarten. I had searched for a program that offered accountability, which would ensure my children’s getting the best possible home-based education. When I enrolled them, my children finished kindergarten by December and then were promptly sent the first-grade curriculum, which we started in January. I was so impressed with Connections Academy because they looked at each child as an individual.

When we moved to Texas, I was very sad that we could not continue with Connections Academy but was encouraged that “it was in the works.” The girls completed second grade at home, and in December of 2008 I found out that it was here! I decided to finish out second grade instead of rushing them into third. We then enrolled for the 2009-10 school year.

I must say I love Texas Connections Academy at Houston! The girls’ teacher is so nice and very flexible. I was given options and choices that I may not have had in the public school system. The principal—with whom I’ve also spoken—is so kind.

Many concerns about schooling at home include the socialization aspect. I feel that my children have many opportunities to interact with kids their own age, but also with older ones. Connections Academy has field trips that can be put together so that your kids can meet other students through their area coordinator. I try to take advantage of these to keep my kids involved in the school. It is a wonderful provision provided by CA. It is my intention to continue using Connections Academy throughout my children’s education. I’ve met so many parents who want to homeschool and have struggled due to various reasons, such as no accountability, scheduling, or curriculum. Connections Academy covers ALL the bases for you so you can spend more quality time with your children.