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.

Capistrano Connections Academy School is at the top of our list. In the last several years, my children have attended their school through the Internet. This is one of the coolest things about Capistrano Connections Academy. Teachers are right there to help you with any problem, by telephone or e-mail. LiveLesson sessions are really helpful for the children as they can see the lesson, as the teacher talks and shows them in writing the problems, or how to do an assignment. We, as a family, went through a really big crisis in the last year; the staff at Capistrano Connections Academy was right there and really helped so much. It's like having people right in the room with you.

Field trips are really a good way to get to know other families. In addition, the children can safely talk to other Connections Academy students on the Internet, which is really nice. My children have been enrolled in private, public, and homeschooling schools, and none of these schools can even compare to Capistrano Connections Academy on any level. My family is so proud to be part of Capo CA.

When our son started reading at the age of three and knew all of his states and capitals by four years old, I was pretty sure that our local public schools would not be the answer to his educational needs. I had previous teaching experience and was currently teaching kindergarten readiness in the home as part of my job. I decided to go check out a local private school, where I discovered that our son was already at the level of kindergarten—and he was only four. So, I realized that we would have to come up with another option. I was already slightly involved with our local homeschool group, but I wondered if there was something out there similar to—yet not completely comprised of—homeschooling, where our son could work ahead.

After searching on the Internet, I found that there were virtual public school programs that could be done in the home; I requested information from a couple of different ones, and was quite impressed with the information I received about Connections Academy. My son has been enrolled in Capistrano Connections Academy since last school year. He is currently in first grade, but he is able to work ahead at his academic level of second/third grades.

There is the flexibility of having school at home, plus an engaging curriculum which is completely provided by Connections Academy. The teachers are very compassionate, understanding, and—most of all—supportive. We love our teacher! School with Connections Academy has been fun, challenging, and rewarding for our son. He also really enjoys the different electives and the field trips. I am so thankful that we have Connections Academy!

We have lived in Big Bear for 23 years and love it, but as our children got into the later years of school, there were so many students per classroom that I felt like most of the kids would get overlooked. When I was at the end of my rope searching for a good education for our children, someone told me about online schools. They said their children were at Connections Academy, so I went home and pulled up Connections Academy’s Web site. I was really excited to get started. We have been a Connections Academy family ever since.

In some brick-and-mortar schools, the kids don’t get a lot of exercise, which I think is one reason some of them get into trouble. They need to study hard but also get their energy out in a positive way. While my daughter can sit and do her work without any problem, my son has much more energy that he needs to expend. Our children have youth group and play basketball, baseball, and volleyball too. Since we have a flexible schedule with Connections Academy, I and my children can shoot a few hoops, take our dog on his daily walk, or do some push-ups and running in between subjects. Connections Academy is a great way to spend more quality time with our kids. They can go at their own pace and really learn something. Our daughter will graduate in June 2010 and plans on going to California Baptist (a four-year university) to study psychology and business.

Thanks, Connections Academy teachers, for all you do.

Our family joined Connections Academy while living in Phoenix, Arizona. We became concerned with student safety in the public school that our son was attending, so we began looking for alternatives and discovered Arizona Connections Academy! We fell in love with this schooling arrangement within a few short weeks!

There isn't one aspect of Connections Academy that we have a complaint about. The teachers are fantastic; they are always ready to help in any way they can. For example, when our son struggled with Algebra, his teacher called and spent hours, several nights in a row, on the phone with him, until she was sure he understood the concepts. The school website is very easy to navigate, and if there is ever a problem, tech. support is right on top of it!

Our only concern, after finding this great schooling concept, was that when we enrolled our son, Connections Academy only went as high as 9th grade. Imagine how thrilled we were when they informed us they would be adding a year at a time. If our son graduates on schedule, he will be one of the students of the first graduating classes of Connections Academy.

Connections Academy’s flexibility has also made it indispensable to our family. Toward the end of our first year with the Academy, my husband's occupation required us to move to California. Our son never missed a beat with Connections Academy. The transfer and resuming of classes from Arizona Connections Academy to Capistrano Connections Academy went so smoothly we barely knew the difference! We find ourselves transferring again, at the end of our son's 10th grade year to Central California Connections Academy. There is no doubt in my mind that this transfer will go as smoothly as the first. I cannot say enough good things about Connections Academy. Our son has excelled in his classes- an A and B student. He's made several good friends through Connections Academy too, which takes care of the social aspect of learning outside the classroom.

We are thrilled to be a part of the Connections Academy family. Our only regret is not discovering it sooner!

My husband is a commercial truck driver, and his working hours are not the traditional Monday through Friday, 9-5 workdays. He works on the weekends and does not get home until after the children are asleep. Connections Academy allows flexibility in Samantha’s schedule so that she can still spend time with her father on his days off. At a traditional brick-and-mortar school, Samantha would never see her father.

Our teacher is great. She really cares about Samantha, and loves to receive any artwork that my daughter feels compelled to send to her. The curriculum is very stimulating and challenging. Although she is a very talented artist, Samantha’s favorite subject is science. She especially loves to conduct labs and experiments.

We also enjoy going on the field trips with the other students. We are working on getting some informal, casual trips planned for this year, for the students who live within our immediate community.

My favorite aspect of Connections Academy is that I know what my daughter is learning, every day. She would come home from school at the brick-and-mortar institutions and forget what she learned that day. If I want to know how she is progressing in a certain area, I can see for myself, without having to wait for a phone call or visit the teacher in person. She is not getting lost in the classroom, and we have time in our day to focus on areas that she needs more work on. Her school day consists mainly of learning and developing her talents and skills. We feel more in control of our daughter’s education, and that, in turn, makes us better parents.

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.

Our family started with Connections Academy in 2003, the school’s second year in Colorado. Our son was in fourth grade, and we were looking for an alternative to the bricks-and-mortar school. We saw a blurb on TV about options for learning at home. We had no idea it would be such a great fit for our family.

During the past few years, my son has learned a lot. He is now in high school, in an IB program, and doing exceptionally well. I believe his academic success is due to our involvement with Connections Academy. The teachers and principal are wonderful. They are always available during the day if you have any questions or concerns. Neither my son nor I ever have to wait for a response for any questions.

Although this is an online school, there are regular scheduled field trips that you can take, which is another one of the nice features of Connections Academy. Many people worry about the isolation their child may experience in a home environment. I can understand the worry, but you truly don't have to worry about too many things with Connections Academy. Connections Academy has been an answer to our prayers. As of this upcoming school year, we will have enrolled three of our children through Connections Academy. They have been in traditional schools, but they love Connections Academy due to the curriculum, teachers, activities, and the extra time spent with family.

Connections Academy feels like home for all of us. We have been embraced by the staff. If you choose Connections Academy, I'm sure you will feel what we have felt all along—we made the right choice!

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, Encarta 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.

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!

One of my friends told me about FLVS FT and I quickly called them to get more information about their program. Once I got the information, I was very excited about the possibility of support in teaching my son. One of my relatives told me that it sounded too good to be true. I figured that I had nothing to lose, so we enrolled. I have been so pleased with the program. It is designed so that the parent and the student will be successful. It also allows for a flexible schedule, which is very helpful. Whenever I have had questions, the support staff is very helpful. My son's teacher is wonderful. In fact, just yesterday he said, "Mom, I love my teacher. She's a good teacher." We have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know her a little better on the school field trips. I think that the curriculum is very good. I am amazed at how much my son has learned this year (and how much my two younger children have picked up from watching and listening to their big brother.) He has enjoyed the different activities and hands-on projects that are in the lesson plans. The way that the Learning Management System is set up is very user friendly. I am not computer savvy, but I have had no problems getting around in the LMS.

I am very glad that I gave the program a try. We have had a wonderful year and I am looking forward to more years with Florida Virtual School Full Time!

My daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes just after her fourth birthday. When it was time to begin planning for kindergarten, my husband and I did not feel we should send her to a traditional brick-and-mortar elementary school. We did not want to put the responsibility of taking care of a diabetic child on a teacher who had 20 other students to care for as well. I also did not feel confident in choosing a traditional homeschool curriculum for her. Then my sister-in-law told me about Connections Academy. We checked into it and felt that it was exactly what we needed. It provided all the lesson plans, books, and curriculum materials we would need, as well as a certified teacher for help and support. My daughter is in second grade now, and the program has been wonderful for us. Because she is at home, we have been able to better manage her diabetes.

The program is great. The lesson plans tell you step-by-step what to say and how to follow the lesson. We have had awesome teachers who contact us weekly by phone and WebMail. My daughter has struggled with some of her lessons, but her teachers have been there with encouragement as well as ideas to help her master the lessons. The flexibility of the program has allowed us to do schoolwork in many settings, such as doctor’s offices, parks, and hotel rooms while away for family emergencies. The flexibility also allows us to work at our own pace. There are some subjects that are easier than others for my daughter. The easier subjects we can work ahead in, allowing extra time on the days when we have more difficult ones.

I am so thankful we found Connections Academy for our daughter. We look forward to more great years ahead.

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!

About two years ago, our local elementary school went from a student population of about 700 to over 1,000! This happened right about the time when my youngest would have been going into kindergarten. The school was just too crowded for me to feel comfortable sending her off there on her own. Knowing the new elementary school would be built in two years, I decided to try the virtual-school route during our wait. I thought, “Surely I can do this for just two years.” After researching the options, we decided to go with INSPIRE Connections Academy, mostly due to the variety of electives that appealed to my children. One of the best things about this program is that I know exactly what each of my kids is learning in each subject. This allows me to use our everyday life for examples of skills being taught. The opportunity for a second language and the useful technology have also been wonderful. In addition, the teachers are very helpful and are just a phone call or email away.

I now have a sixth-, fourth-, and second-grader (with an 11-month-old to make it more interesting!). My second-grader is doing the third-grade curriculum and learning at her own pace. At first my two older kids were not thrilled with leaving their friends, but now after two years, they begged to keep learning from home. They have made new lifelong friends in the INSPIRE Connections Academy community, and they look forward to the LiveLesson® sessions and field trips where they meet up with them. I and my spouse—as well as our three students—recommend this school. You won’t regret becoming a part of this terrific community.

As with many families, our dynamics are complicated. Our children’s ages vary from 21 all the way down to 7. We have homeschooled and enrolled back and forth in public school. We have lived in Idaho for five years and love the area but found that budget cuts in the public school system have led to a lack of physical education, the arts, and in-depth core classes. This has forced our family to either homeschool again or else attend classes online. Due to the expense and our need for more structure, homeschooling was not an option to us anymore. We heard of INSPIRE Connections Academy and decided to investigate. To our great surprise, INSPIRE Connections Academy was the perfect combination of a public school and features similar to homeschooling. It allows stimulating and diverse learning for any age with virtually no cost to the family—while still maintaining boundaries through testing and teacher interaction. We have also found with our four children now at Connections Academy that each has different challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. Being at home allows us to address each child’s needs while still educating all of them with a comprehensive, public school curriculum. We feel our children’s education is going to be one of their greatest assets in life, and Connections Academy allows us the freedom to provide this for them.

Like most parents, I was looking for the perfect schooling situation to help my unique children. I have two children with dyslexia, which can be a challenge in a traditional school setting. We enrolled our children in private school for one year and tried another school-at-home program before we fell in love with INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy.

The staff at INSPIRE is top notch. They are ready and willing to help you in any way. My kids are doing so much better, and their scores are rising.

We love having the time to do projects together, and my children have been encouraged to start projects on their own. I have plants and trees growing in my kitchen because they have decided to take the seeds from everything they eat and try to make them grow; surprisingly, they have gotten everything to grow.

My kids have become much more creative this year. They aren’t afraid to try different stuff or come up with their own ideas now that we are with INSPIRE. I feel like this program has opened a door to a whole new world for our kids and family.

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.

My daughter, Theresa, was unhappy at school and wanted to either transfer or learn at home.

Since I had traditionally home schooled from 1995 to 2000, I knew the amount of planning and reporting that was involved, and I wasn't prepared mid-year to take on that much responsibility. We looked into transferring but decided that Connections Academy was our best option.

What I love about Connections Academy is that I don't feel like I have to teach her. An experienced teacher is just an e-mail or a phone call away. Once we got into the flow of the program and Theresa got accustomed to the new way of schooling, we found we loved it. For me it was the best of both worlds. I could have my children learning at home in a safe atmosphere, I could be involved, and we have the expertise of a qualified teacher!

I believe in a challenging curriculum. My girls are advanced students, and I was thrilled to see Theresa being challenged. We were especially excited about the writing and grammar. I have seen so many students go into college terrified of Freshman Composition, but if they are learning these skills all along, they will go into college with confidence. We also enjoy the Quiz Bowl, book clubs and the online meeting places like the Monkey Bars for kids and Water Cooler for learning coaches. It is great to be able to interact with other parents and students. You certainly do not feel alone!

I never thought my girls would be learning at home again: Connections Academy makes that possible. Next year, Theresa's sisters will join them at home and we are looking forward to a great school year.

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.

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 have three children in Nevada Connections Academy. It has been a challenge, but the benefit from this kind of education has been phenomenal for all three of my children. After previously homeschooling my daughter, I decided to return to work and tried both public and charter school options for my children. However, last year my husband and I had decided that we needed to do something different. Our children were falling behind and coming home with information that we really didn’t think was appropriate. I know we can’t protect our children from everything, but we were concerned about bullying, gangs, violence, and all the other problems we hear about on the news.

When Nevada Connections Academy opened, we knew immediately that this was the school we wanted. This school has been a wonderful experience. Being so actively involved with our children’s education has been a benefit for not only me but also for our three children. The day their books arrived at our home was one of the most exciting days this year.

With Nevada Connections Academy, I have received the help I needed to help my oldest daughter to read at the level she needs to be. With the support of the 6th grade teacher, my oldest daughter who was reading at a 3rd grade level is now reading at a 7th grade level. Things do come a little more difficult for her, but because of the flexibility and outstanding curriculum, she has been able to overcome many of the problems she was facing. My 5th grade daughter has been challenged at every turn. If the lesson one day was too easy for her, after talking with her teacher, the lesson for the next day would not be. My 4th grade son has been able to learn about Geography and Nevada history, courses that neither of my older children had taken elsewhere. All three of them can work Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint just as well as I can, and I have taken college courses on them.

When asked at the end of this year if they would like to return to school, they insisted on continuing in this school. Spending this last year with our children at home and being their Learning Coach has been wonderful. Nevada Connections Academy provides me the opportunity to be actively involved in what our children are learning and provides our children with a curriculum that is challenging and will prepare them for their future careers. We have new friends and communicate with a new community of students from all over Nevada. Nevada Connections Academy has been a blessing to our family, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Making the transfer from public school to distance education made us extremely nervous; however, we knew it was something we had to do for the future of our child. Making this transfer with Connections Academy put us at ease. We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience as a family. We love the structure of curriculum along with the availability of the teacher assigned to us. The thorough lessons are a step-by-step approach that is very easy to understand. As parents, we are pleased to see the daily growth our son experiences. We know he is learning!

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.

Our family was referred to Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) by a friend who already had a student enrolled and who was aware of our frustrations with our previous school. We didn’t think we had a way out since we could not afford to send all of our kids to private schools. While our area’s public school is considered among the best, our kids did not feel challenged, and there was almost no time for family, extracurricular activities, or simply to unwind from the day.

We are now in our fourth year at OCA, and we could not be more pleased with our decision to take control of our children’s education. With the help of licensed teachers, a high-quality curriculum, and the support of fellow OCA families, our children have thrived!

Our eleventh-grade son is on OCA’s honor roll and also takes college courses through the Post-Secondary Education Option (PSEO) program, which offers the college courses for free. He was recently named to the Dean’s List at the local community college he attends and is on track to earn an associate’s degree by the time he graduates high school from OCA next year!

Our daughter is in eighth grade at OCA and is also on the honor roll. She takes accelerated courses, is an avid reader, and is active in extracurricular activities and school clubs.

Our son is a sixth grader at OCA and (not to be outdone) is also on the honor roll! He is a very independent learner and takes pride in his work. He also has time to pursue his interests in sports and music.

OCA has been a blessing for our family in so many ways! As parents, we are actively engaged in our children’s day-to-day learning, and we partner with their teachers to ensure each child has the tools they need to be successful, regardless of their individual learning styles and abilities. The school-sponsored field trips are outstanding and offer the kids a great way to socialize with their peers on, at minimum, a monthly basis.

Had we known years ago that OCA was an option available to us at zero cost, we would have enrolled a long time ago!

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!

I am the Learning Coach and mom to a Connections Academy seventh grader. We have been a Connections Academy family for five years. We started with Commonwealth Connections Academy in Pennsylvania, and then when we relocated to Ohio, there was no question that we would continue with Ohio Connections Academy.

We chose Connections Academy for many reasons: We felt that a traditional public school setting wasn’t meeting our son’s needs, due to his learning disability, and that he was capable of so much more. J.D. came home from school frustrated, bored, and often feeling like he was being punished for needing extra time or help with his work. When we enrolled with Connections Academy, we began a wonderful new educational experience. J.D. has had teachers and intervention specialists that have gotten to know him and his learning style. This allows J.D. to learn in the way that is best for him. He is allowed to work at his own pace. If he is struggling with a math concept, he can slow down and get extra help, and if he is excelling in social studies or science, he can dig deeper or move ahead. J.D. has also had the opportunity to study a foreign language and participate in activities that he might have missed in a traditional learning support setting. Because of Connections Academy, J.D. feels empowered as a student and truly capable of handling whatever comes his way during the school day.

E-schooling has also brought us closer as a family. As a Learning Coach, I get to spend quality time with J.D. on a daily basis. The flexibility of the program also allows us to go with my husband when he has to travel for work. We pack up the schoolwork and work in the hotel or local library, visit a museum or other local attraction, and then at the end of the day we are able to meet back up with Dad for dinner. Those are moments that we cherish and experiences that add to J.D.’s learning adventure. He’s visited museums and historic sites all over the country without missing a beat in his schooling.

We are a very grateful Connections Academy family and would love to share our experiences and answer questions for anyone looking for an alternative to their current situation.

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 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.

We have been with Connections Academy in Oregon since its inception (2005). With two children in the Connections Academy program, we have experienced kindergarten, first, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. We chose Connections Academy because of its challenging and well thought-out curriculum.

After several years in bricks-and-mortar schools, we decided that we could do it at home and travel to experience the curriculum and history firsthand. As we travel during the school year to beat the summer crowds, we pack our books and take them with us. We studied U.S. history by visiting Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas. We explored the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail while studying the history of our beautiful state. This flexibility is wonderful and allows us to reinforce the curriculum that Connections has developed.

It is a large commitment for the Learning Coaches, and it is probably the hardest thing that we have ever done. The reading and writing courses are challenging in Connections Academy, but the rewards of seeing a child learn to read or excel at writing is beyond words.

We love the flexibility of the Connections Academy program. We can work ahead or just take something that is more difficult at a slower rate. If a math concept is too difficult, there are always an adequate number of problems for your student to use for review. If your student is grasping the concepts quickly, you can work ahead and even advance to the next grade level.

If we are stumped on a concept or we just need some encouragement, the teachers and administration at Connections Academy are always there for us. They build wonderful relationships with students and make the program really work. You never feel alone or isolated when you are hit with a tough situation.

Connections Academy requires all students to complete state testing, just like the bricks-and-mortar schools. This testing allows us to see where our students are in relationship to others in the education system. This testing has proven that the curriculum is challenging and rigorous enough for our students to excel at all levels.

We recommend Connections Academy to our friends, and several friends have joined the program. We are grateful for the alternative that Connections has given us.

I was homeschooled when I was a child, so I really wanted my children to have the same option.

I was very nervous about trying this on my own, not knowing if I was giving them the proper education. I was so pleased when I found Connections Academy. They offered everything I was looking for: structure, organization, and excellent curriculum.

All of the teachers are so helpful and knowledgeable, and my children love their school. I am very grateful for this program; just knowing that my children are getting a good education in the safety of my own home gives me peace of mind. I recommend this school to any parent that feels the same way.

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

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.

Three years ago my husband and I began the conversation of “What to do about Sam’s education.” The youngest of our four boys, he was just beginning second grade and was already bored and frustrated with school. Our rural school district isn’t able to provide programs for bright children, and the private schools are expensive and an hour away from our house. In the past, we had never entertained the idea of other school alternatives, but it became part of the conversation.

A friend told me about Connections Academy, and after looking at several options, we decided to give it a try last year. Fourth grade turned out to be a most stimulating and productive year for Sam. The course work was top notch, and the school worked closely with us to place him at the level that would challenge and interest him. His teachers were always available if he needed them, yet he was free to work at his own pace. The surprise we didn’t anticipate was the network of other families in our area that are also in this program. The many school-sponsored field trips gave us the opportunity to get to know these families and make new friends.

Commonwealth Connections Academy has been able to assist me in delivering a clear, concise education to all of our children. I have experience with traditional homeschooling, public school, and cyber-schooling. I have found that by using Commonwealth Connections Academy I have access to wonderful teachers, lessons, and field trips. I have never felt that the quality of my children’s education and socialization has ever been compromised. I wanted a school that would look at each individual child and help build their knowledge and skills, especially since two out of my five enrolled children are in special education. This is a school that truly embraces learning.

Our family has found that Commonwealth Connections Academy enables us not only to be accountable for our children’s education, but also lets us play the larger role in their learning. It gives you such great satisfaction to know that when your child is reading a book—you were there helping them learn to read! I like knowing that my children can learn where they are comfortable and that they are in a less restrictive environment. We have reaped many benefits from joining the Commonwealth Connections Academy family!

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.

We have been a part of Commonwealth Connections Academy for three years. We have three children, ages 13, 10, and 7. Commonwealth Connections Academy has been such a blessing to our family.

We have had to move three times with my husband’s job. I am an elementary school teacher, and, within our moves, we have encountered a variety of school situations. Commonwealth Connections Academy is one of the most positive school environments that we have experienced.

This school challenges our children academically, and their self-esteem is built up in the process. The teachers are kind, patient, and professional. The after-school tutoring program allows us to get any extra help that we may need. I appreciate the accountability and that our children are getting a strong education. I love spending the extra time with our children.

I highly recommend Commonwealth Connections Academy. We as parents can be part of building a strong foundation that will prepare our children for life. Commonwealth Connections Academy walks alongside of us, giving us the support and confidence that we need.

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!

Our family is very thankful for South Carolina Connections Academy. In the past we tried both public school and homeschooling for our children but found that Connections Academy offers the right fit. The best part of being enrolled in Connections Academy is that our kids get a public school education in a controlled environment, tuition free. We have enjoyed the flexibility of having our children at home and having teachers to assist with the assignments. Connections Academy staff has also been very flexible in adapting to each of our children’s individual learning styles.

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 Jackson Hole 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.

In August of 2008, after ten years of successfully homeschooling independently, I was faced with a difficult situation: for the first time, all six of my children were now officially school-aged. I was very stressed out and felt that I didn't have the resources to continue to homeschool them myself. So, I enrolled my four youngest children in our local public school. As each six-week grading period came and went, I evaluated our situation.

You might say that we were experiencing success in the public school system, except for the fact that the grades being brought home were almost too perfect. Although great for bragging purposes, I knew my children simply were not being challenged enough with their studies. At the same time, they were being bullied and teased for even being interested in academics. I was at a loss for what to do. I knew that I wanted more for my children, but didn’t know what to do about it.

Then in December of 2008, I learned about Connections Academy, and it seemed like the perfect solution. As I gave the matter more thought, I realized that for our situation, the increased accountability through state testing was a blessing, not a curse, and the thought of having state-certified teachers guiding my children through their studies was very appealing.

I withdrew my children from our local public school and enrolled my eligible student in Connections Academy. After eight months, I have to say that Connections Academy has exceeded all my expectations. The teachers are very professional and take a lot of time to get to know their students through phone calls, emails, and LiveLesson® sessions. To my delight, the curriculum is rigorous enough to challenge my student, but not so difficult that he is unable to complete the assignments. The teachers are able to help determine whether the academic work is at an appropriate level for the particular student and make changes accordingly. My student has learned a lot in the past eight months without having to put up with bullies, teasing or teachers unable to give him the attention he deserves because other students are misbehaving. He has made several Connections Academy friends that he is in contact with via email, and the opportunity is present for more social interaction in the future. I have been involved enough to feel that I know what is going on in his lessons, but the feeling of being spread too thin is completely gone. I can now enjoy the time spent with my other children who aren’t yet eligible to enroll in Connections Academy knowing that my son is receiving an excellent education right here under my own roof. He especially enjoys the multimedia presentations and technology used to present lessons, yet he also has access to excellent textbooks. Everything I could possibly desire for my child is here, without any of the drawbacks we experienced in a traditional classroom setting. I feel that Connections Academy is adequately preparing my student for more advanced studies. His ability to complete lessons and assignments has brought out his independence, and being required to handle participation in scheduled Live Lessons has increased his personal responsibility level.

For the 2009–10 academic year, another one of my children will be a student at Texas Connections Academy @ Houston, and I am looking forward to another successful year.

Since enrolling in TCAH, I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I had been a homeschooling parent with four children since 1995 and have used various curricula. I always wondered if my children were getting the right thing at the right time. Now that my daughter is enrolled in TCAH, I am confident that she is getting a thorough public school curriculum, and yet it is customized to meet her strengths and weaknesses.

It was in early August of 2009 when I first learned about TCAH. We had already purchased a different curriculum. On the 13th of August we decided to change to TCAH. They were so helpful in expediting our materials and getting us started. I found you don’t have to be computer savvy, as the system is very user-friendly. Each student and parent is given an orientation of the guidelines and uses of the online school. The system is under very careful monitoring, and I have felt safe with my daughter’s using it.

These are some of my favorite things about the program:

1. The students have educated teachers available for any question or problem via email, phone, or through LiveLesson® sessions (a virtual live classroom).
2. The flexibility of the program. (Be sure to ask questions, as I was misinformed from an outside acquaintance.) Also, if you need to go out of town, you can take your laptop, or do schoolwork from wherever there is Internet access. Textbooks are online too, so no tagging along extra heavy books.
3. Diagnostic testing is given to each child to ensure the right curriculum for them.
4. Scheduled calls to the parent, from the homeroom teacher, to discuss any questions or concerns.
5. The curriculum also includes the TAKS testing. They provide you with the information on available testing centers near you and give dates of the tests for each grade. Also, appropriate preparation and practice are given.
6. They offer extra activities, clubs, and contests for all grades.

Lastly, I must say that thanks to this school, this has been our least stressful year learning at home. My daughter has largely expanded her learning skills due to the high level of educational help from qualified teachers. As the months have passed, I’ve only had more appreciation for the program, and I would highly recommend it! Thanks, TCAH, for offering us the best!

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.

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.