Frequently Asked Questions
National Connections Academy- The Right Choice For My Family
Educational Questions
Technical Questions
Registration Questions
Why should I choose National Connections Academy?
NaCA is a fully-accredited school, providing dedicated teachers, top-notch curriculum, and unprecedented freedom to choose when and where you complete each day’s assignments. NaCA’s rigorous yet flexible academic program helps students prepare for college and develop real-world skills for employment in the 21st century.
Has any educational organization ever evaluated National Connections Academy and its curriculum?
NaCA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
What do current parents think about National Connections Academy?
Every year we ask Connections Academy families to rate our program. Our most recent survey results show that 93% of parents give our program a grade of A or B. Check out our latest parent survey results.
Who teaches students at NaCA?
National Connections Academy employs trained and licensed teachers, experienced academicians, and innovative thinkers in their fields, all of whom are experienced in teaching in a virtual classroom. All teachers have Bachelor's degrees and many have Master's Degrees. National Connections Academy provides ongoing teacher training and professional development opportunities throughout the year as well.
What kind of support does a virtual teacher provide to his/her students?
National Connections Academy’s professional teachers provide extensive and personal support to students, working one-on-one with students for instruction, reviewing assignments/assessments, and answering general questions. Students needing special accommodations will receive the same level of help they would receive if attending a traditional school.
Who is responsible for reading and grading students’ course work done at NaCA?
NaCA students’ assignments are evaluated solely by their assigned teacher(s) who review and grade all work in much the same way as a traditional teacher would review it.
What hours will my student’s teacher be available to my student?
Generally teachers are available daytime hours during the week. However, teachers are willing to accommodate student needs and make appointments if a student is unavailable. Teachers provide detailed contact information to all their classes, including days/time they hold virtual office hours, to on or prior to the first day of school.
What hours will my student attend school at NaCA?
Because NaCA is an online school, students have enormous flexibility about when they attend classes. Students may engage in course work at whatever time (including evenings and weekends), and from whatever location(s) that suits their individual needs. However, students should be aware that while they have great flexibility completing their lessons and assessments, they must adhere to the due dates and deadlines assigned by their teacher(s). Also, access to teachers for questions, LiveLesson® sessions, tutoring, etc. is generally limited to weekday/daytime hours. Your student’s teacher will provide more information about his/her schedule on or prior to the first day of class.
Students have access to their schedule, lessons and assessments via The Learning Management System (LMS). Students and Learning Coaches will be able to see up-to-the-minute data on student grades, as well as lesson and assessment completion, through the LMS.
How, and how often, will my student interact with his/her teacher and/or other students?
Students will communicate daily with their teacher. Depending on the course, students may have the opportunity to interact with other students in a virtual classroom setting via LiveLesson® technology.
Will I need to purchase books or materials for my courses?
All books and instructional materials for the course will be provided to the student. Some texts will be provided online and other texts in print form. For more detailed information, refer to the FAQ on "How do I purchase a print copy of a text book?” for more details. Our program features curriculum developed by leading educational publishers. Basic school supplies such as pens, paper etc are the responsibility of the student.
How do I purchase a print copy of a text book?
If you would like to purchase hard copies of your child’s course materials, click here for a complete list. Once the spreadsheet opens simply locate your child’s course or courses, and click on the link in the ‘course materials’ column. You will then be taken to the publisher’s website where you can purchase your child’s materials. In some cases, course materials can be found at a discount by searching on the web. In that case, please be sure to check the ISBN number listed in the spreadsheet to ensure that you purchase the correct materials. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact an Admissions and Support Representative at 877-804-NaCA (6222) or email NaCAadvisor@connectionsacademy.com, at any time.
What curriculum does National Connections Academy provide?
National Connections Academy provides comprehensive daily lesson plans online and, for many courses, in print, along with exciting elective courses. There are over 400 available courses. Our proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions such as McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, Houghton Mifflin as well as lessons and other resources developed by our own curriculum specialists. Learn more about our curriculum.
Do I need to return National Connections Academy books and instructional materials at the end of the semester?
No, the materials are yours to keep.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies by grade. Younger students spend approximately 10%, middle school students spend about 30% to 50%, and upper school students spend about 50% to 75% of their time working on the computer.
What technology will my student need to participate in National Connections Academy?
Students are required to provide their own computer equipment and should have high–speed Internet access. Please review the minimum technical specifications.
What computer skills do National Connections Academy students need?
Students and Learning Coaches do not need advanced computer skills to attend NaCA. We offer varying levels of technology support, at no additional charge, to help students become comfortable with technology including:
- Orientation courses to familiarize students and parents with the NaCA system
- Supplemental technology literacy programs to further develop additional technology skills
- Technology tutorials on everything from word processing to web page design
Upon registration for a course, students will be given LMS login information and basic instructions on the use of the LMS. The Help icon within the LMS will also help answer some of the fundamental questions about the LMS.
Can I use my Apple® Macintosh® computer to access the Connections Academy Learning Management System?
NaCA’s LMS does not support the use of Apple Macintosh systems at this time.
What grades does National Connections Academy serve?
National Connections Academy serves students in grades K–12.
What does it cost to be enrolled in the National Connections Academy Full Time Student Program?
| Grade Level | Registration Fee | Semester Tuition | Full Year Tuition |
| Lower (K-5) | $150 | $2,355 | $4,490 |
| Middle (6-8) | $200 | $2,625 | $4,995 |
| Upper (9-12) | $250 | $2,885 | $5,490 |
How do I register a full time student in NaCA?
Call 877-804-NACA (877-804-6222) to speak to a NaCA Admissions and Support Representative, or if you prefer, a NaCA Admissions and Support Representative can contact you at your convenience.
In addition to the curriculum, instructional materials, LMS access, and technical support and teachers, what services are included in the base price for the full time student program and what premium services are available at an additional fee?
Included Services:
- Clubs and Activities
- Directory
- Learning Styles Assessment, Personalized Learning Plan
- Technical Support
- Skills Practice
- Message Boards
- Dedicated Academic Program Advisor
- Basic Academic Counseling
| Additional Optional Services | Grades | Description | Price | Monthly Payment Plan* |
| Early College/Career Counseling | 7-8 | Additional, targeted assistance for students in building foundation for success in upper school | $375 | $39 |
| General College/Career Counseling | 9-10 | Includes specialized course placement, college and career explorations | $500 | $53 |
| Intensive College/Career Counseling | 11-12 | Intensive college and/or career counseling includes assistance exploring and researching appropriate colleges and/or careers; guidance with college selection, visit, and application process; resume and college essay writing | $1,500 | $158 |
Is there a family discount?
Our family discount is only available for full time students.
- 5% discount on tuition only for the 2nd child from any family
- 10% discount on tuition only for the 3rd (or more) child enrolled from a family
What will be charged to my credit card at the time of registration?
The registration fee will be charged to your credit card at the time of registration.
When will I need to pay tuition and optional additional service fees?
Tuition and applicable optional additional service fees are due prior to the semester registration deadline:
- Fall Registration Deadline: August 26, 2009
- Spring Registration Deadline: January 20, 2010
Do you offer a monthly payment plan?
Yes, NaCA offers a monthly payment plan to families who enroll for a full year. There is a 5% service charge built into the monthly payment plan amount.
What credit cards do you accept?
Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express
Who do I contact if I have a question about my credit card charges?
Please call 877-804-NACA (877-804-6222) to speak to a NaCA Admissions and Support Representative or you may contact an advisor via email at NaCAadvisor@connectionsacademy.com
Who should I notify with a change in contact information (name, address, phone number or email)?
Please call 877-804-NACA (877-804-6222) to speak to a NaCA Admissions and Support Representative or you may notify an adviser via email at NaCAadvisor@connectionsacademy.com
When does the school year start and end?
- Spring Application Deadline: January 20, 2010
- Spring Classes Start: February 2, 2010
- Spring Classes End: June 17, 2010
- Fall Application Dealdline: August 24, 2010
- Fall Classes Start: September 7, 2010
- Fall Classes End: January 31, 2011
Can I register after courses have begun?
We have registration deadlines for one important reason: real-time virtual instruction is a critical part of the National Connections Academy educational experience. By having deadlines, we ensure that our students are able to benefit from having access to this live instruction. However, these sessions are recorded and accessible to students who were not able to participate. If you are interested in registering past the deadline for any of our programs (including individual course purchases), please contact one of our Academic Program Advisers to discuss the viability of late enrollment.
Can I get a refund?
Students withdrawing from the school are entitled to tuition refunds based on the policies below. Note that application and payment plan fees are non-refundable.
Students on a semester payment plan
· 45 or more days prior to student’s start date: Full tuition refund.
· 44 days prior to, and up to 30 days after, student’s start date: 80% tuition refund.
· More than 30 days after student’s start date: No refunds. Full semester tuition payment is required.
· Application and Payment Plan fees are non-refundable.
Students pre-paying full tuition for one semester
· 45 or more days prior to student’s start date: Full tuition refund.
· 44 days prior to, and up to 30 days after, student’s start date: 80% tuition refund.
· More than 30 days after student’s start date: No refunds.
· Application fee is non-refundable.
Students pre-paying full tuition for two semesters (one year)
· 45 or more days prior to student’s first semester start date: Full refund of full-year tuition.
· 44 days prior to, and up to 30 days after, student’s first semester start date: 90% refund of full-year tuition.
· 45 or more days prior to student’s second semester start date: 50% refund of full-year tuition.
· 44 days prior to, and up to 30 days after, student’s second semester start date: 40% refund of full-year tuition.
· More than 30 days after student’s second semester start date: No refunds.
· Application fee is non-refundable.
Can my child attend the program part-time or during the summer?
Yes, National Connections Academy offers both a Part-Time Student Program and a Summer School Program.
How do I sign up for courses under the Part-Time Student Program?
Select your courses today to enroll!
If you need additional information before you enroll, please call 877-804-NACA (877-804-6222) to speak to a NaCA Admissions and Support Representative or you may contact an advisor via email at NaCAadvisor@connectionsacademy.com.
What are the costs for the Part-Time Student Program?
Cost for students enrolled in the Part-Time Student Program is calculated on a per course basis with no additional fees.
| Course Type | Lower | Middle | Upper |
| Core | $325 | $375 | $395 |
| Elective | $225 | $260 | $345 |
| Gifted & Honors | $360 | $415 | $435 |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | N/A | N/A | $445 |
How many courses may my student register for?
There is no limit to the number of courses for which a student may register, but students taking 4-6 courses per semester typically register in the Full-Time Student Program.
The full-time program offers a range of additional services and supports that create a complete virtual school experience for your child.
How do I know my high school will accept credit for courses taken at NaCA?
Please be aware that if you plan to transfer credit from NaCA to a non-Connections Academy school, the decision about whether to accept NaCA course credits is wholly at the discretion of the school to which you hope to transfer the credits. We strongly recommend that you discuss with your school their transfer credit policy, and inform them about your plans to take a course or courses through NaCA, prior to registering for a NaCA course. We suggest that you read the Credit for Coursework Completed in a Non-Standard Program Policy to ensure that your counselor will accept these credits.
How much credit is each course worth?
All NaCA courses are the equivalent of a one semester course and are worth one half (.5) credit. Credit will be documented in an official NaCA transcript. See above question for information about transferring credit to another school.
How do I get a transcript for my course?
Unofficial, printable transcripts will be available to students via the LMS as long as they are a registered student with National Connections Academy. Requests to have official transcripts sent to your school must be made in writing using the form entitled Release of High School Educational Records. This form must be signed and mailed to:
National Connections Academy
1001 Fleet St. 5th Floor
Baltimore MD 21202
Signed forms may be scanned and emailed to NaCAadvisor@connectionsacademy.com.
How do I make sure that I am complying with all of my state’s laws regarding my child’s schooling?
Be sure to notify your local District or State Department of Education of your intention to enroll your child in National Connections Academy to find out if there is any specific form or document required. Be sure to let them know you are attending a licensed and accredited private school.
What documentation can National Connections Academy provide to confirm my enrollment?
We can send an official letter confirming that your student has enrolled in our accredited private school. We can send this letter to any state or local authorities who may need this information.