Inspire Connections Academy Marks 20 Years Serving Idaho Students with Online Education
Students across Idaho are gearing up to make their way back to the classroom, and that includes online students with Inspire Connections Academy, who will kick off the school year on August 18, 2025. This year brings added excitement as the tuition-free, full-time online public school celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving K-12 students across the state.
“Celebrating 20 years is a huge milestone and one where we reflect on the memories made while helping our students succeed” said Inspire Connections Academy’s School Leader, Kenny McAlister. “We’re celebrating our students, families and educators who’ve made this community so special, and we look forward to another successful school year.”
To commemorate the anniversary, Inspire Connections Academy hosted a special birthday celebration earlier this month in Treasure Valley for current students, families, alumni and staff.
Since its opening in 2005, Inspire Connections Academy has provided a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online 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. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions.
Mark Plummer, a longtime Middle School English Teacher, has been an integral part of the school and often reflects on his journey. “Being part of Inspire Connections Academy for the past 17 years has been one of the greatest joys and honors of my life. The people I’ve had the privilege to grow alongside and partner with have been truly exceptional: strong, passionate, caring, funny, dedicated, smart and driven to excellence,” Plummer said. “O It has been a true blessing to serve with these incredible people and this amazing school, and I’m incredibly excited for all that lies ahead. I live proud to be a Connections Academy educator and leader.”
Inspire Connections Academy Parent Satisfaction Survey:
The new school year kicks off shortly after the release of the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that allows families to review their experience with the school. According to this year’s results:
- 97% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Inspire Connections Academy
- 97% of parents agree the Inspire Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
- 96% of parents agree the Inspire Connections Academy program prepares their child for future success
- 96% of parents say they feel supported by their teachers and school staff
- 95% of parents agree the Inspire Connections Academy curriculum is high quality
“I have to thank Inspire Connections Academy for allowing me to develop a strong work ethic and self-discipline. One of my main motivations for going into Law Enforcement is because of one of the classes I was able to take with Inspire Connections Academy– a criminal forensics class,” says Maeson Frymire, a graduate from Inspire Connections Academy’s Class of 2022.
While completing high school, Frymire earned his EMT certification, thanks to the flexibility of online learning. After graduation, he became an Advanced EMT (AEMT), enabling him to provide more advanced medical care. Frymire is currently in week six of training at the Louisville Metro Police Academy (LMPD) in Kentucky and is on track to graduate as an LMPD officer in January 2026.
“I'm incredibly grateful for the knowledge and patience that the staff and teachers at Inspire Connections Academy showed me. There is no doubt in my mind I would not have been able to achieve as much as I have and plan to without their teaching, guidance and influence,” Frymire added.
Inspire Connections Academy’s flexible schedule allows students to pursue their passions, whether that’s athletics, arts, volunteer work, or internships. The school serves a wide range of students, from those seeking academic acceleration to those overcoming challenges such as health issues, bullying, or difficulties in traditional school settings.
Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-26 school year. Families interested in Inspire Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students.
Survey Methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2025 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.
About Inspire Connections Academy
Inspire Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school that serves students in grades K-12 across Idaho. Authorized as a charter school by the Idaho Charter School Commission, Inspire Connections Academy is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), an accrediting division of Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Inspire Connections Academy offers a uniquely engaging, high-quality educational experience through a safe and social learning environment that helps students learn in a way that suits them best. The combination of state-certified quality teachers, a proven, student-centric school curriculum, unique electives, technology tools, and community experiences empowers students to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world.