Prior to coming to Connections Academy, J.D. was a student at a strike-prone bricks-and-mortar school. Frustrated that he was "doing the same thing over and over and over again" and getting nowhere academically, J.D. transferred first to Ohio Connections Academy and then, after five years, to Colorado Connections Academy. As a graduate, J.D. says he feels "smarter than ever," and his mom says "he’s a happier person overall, thanks to learning in a virtual school environment."

As a student on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), J.D. worked at grade level with a curriculum that was flexible enough to slow down when he needed extra help and forged ahead when he was ready. And beyond the academics, virtual school provided J.D. an extra bonus—more friends. "I met way more kids because I’m not as shy online." So, when he met fellow students at field trips, he knew he was among friends.

J.D.’s mom says, "The biggest reward for choosing Colorado Connections Academy was having a student who didn’t come home frustrated and feeling punished for needing extra help. Even though he was on an IEP, he still worked at grade level because the curriculum is so flexible but not dumbed down in any way."

But J.D. puts it more simply: "The biggest reward was having fun and not being bored."