LaChelle Carter
Director of Finance
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Child Development, Howard University; Master’s Degree in Management, University of Maryland
Ms. Carter joined California Connections Academy in 2019. She takes pride in knowing the school offers a meaningful alternative to traditional public schools and teaches students to be responsible for their academic success.
Why I Decided to Work in Education
“Based on my own childhood experiences, I wanted to work in the business-side of alternative education to impact policy and increase equity for children in all neighborhoods. I’m an advocate of charter schools and love that I can speak proudly about this school and the reputation of the charter community. This school is a good example of charters doing the right thing.
I enjoy the professional and personal growth opportunities the school provides and the ability to work with others who are seasoned in the charter community. I can reach out to anyone—principals, assistant principals, our business director, and others for support.
I’m in a Google group chat, which allows me to interact with teachers. I find it refreshing to be in this chat and to hear about personal celebrations happening in our teachers’ lives. These are the faces and energy our school’s kids are getting daily.
The Online School Experience at California Connections Academy
We give our families options; it’s as simple as that. If you live in an area that has not been funded to its highest in education and you’re a family looking for an alternative academic program, it would be a challenge. For example, students may have to get on a bus early in the morning to go to a school in a different city.
This school gives children more than what is standard: more subjects, more topics, more opportunities to pursue what interests them in their personal lives and still get a quality education.
“This school gives children more than what is standard: more subjects, more topics, more opportunities to pursue what interests them in their personal lives and still get a quality education.”
— Ms. Carter
California Connections Academy helps prepare students for a bright future. It also creates independent thinkers who have to learn to organize their time and prioritize tasks; some students may be working to support their families and others may be in sports which cause them to travel. Students here learn to manage their time and be accountable for their academic success."