Connections Academy at Gateway Opens Virtual Doors for 2025-2026 School Year
On August 6th, 2025, Connections Academy at Gateway, a new tuition-free online charter school program serving students in grades K–10, is officially welcoming its first class of students as the 2025–26 academic year begins. The program, which operates within Community Collaborative Charter School that is part of Gateway Community Charters, offers a flexible, high-quality virtual education option designed to meet the evolving needs of California families living in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo counties.
Connections Academy at Gateway utilizes the nationally recognized Connections Academy model, which has helped thousands of students nationwide thrive academically and personally in an online setting. It
provides a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and learning experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. Led by school principal Kaela Vermeulen, the school’s California-credentialed teachers, specially trained in virtual instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child’s Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day.
“Welcoming our first class of students marks an important milestone for our community,” said Jason Sample, CEO and Superintendent of Gateway Community Charters. “Connections Academy at Gateway is designed to provide students with a flexible, engaging and supportive learning environment – one that empowers them to take ownership of their education, explore their passions and build the skills they need for lifelong success.”
Connections Academy at Gateway Programs & Offerings:
In addition to core curriculum, middle and high school students will have access to the program’s College and Early Career Readiness offering. This offering integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. This offering equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.
At Connections Academy at Gateway, students benefit from flexible scheduling, a full range of core and elective courses, and opportunities to connect through virtual clubs, field trips and activities throughout the year.
Though the school year is underway, enrollment is still open for grades K-10. Northern California families interested in Connections Academy at Gateway are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student.
About Connections Academy & Gateway Community Charters
Community Collaborative Charter School is part of Gateway Community Charter Schools, an educational organization that serves students and families in Sacramento and Yolo counties. Gateway Community Charters opened its first charter schools in 2003 and has grown from one charter school and approximately 320 students to nine schools (over 22 locations) serving over 5,848 students today. Gateway Community Charters is proud to provide quality public school choice options to families in the Sacramento region.
Connections Academy at Gateway is a unique, tuition-free, online public charter school program for K-10 students residing in the Northern California region in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo counties. In partnership with Community Collaborative Charter School, the school uses a proven core model of virtual learning, the nationally recognized Connections Academy program, which is accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Connections Academy at Gateway creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students will gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by learning how to be resourceful and resilient.