In our online learning portal, current students will find coursework and lessons, Learning Coach resources, instructions for completing re-enrollment, and more.
Log into the Enrollment Portal to complete online enrollment forms and submit required documents for Iowa Connections Academy.
Iowa Connections Academy is a tuition-free online public school for grades K–12. Designed to give students the skills, confidence, and flexibility necessary to become confident learners, Iowa Connections Academy keep students motivated and engaged by offering a strong circle of support that includes their peers, families, and talented educators. Learn how to enroll.
We serve students throughout the entire state of Iowa, including those who reside in Polk County, Sioux County, Scott County, Linn County, and more.
Families choose Iowa Connections Academy because they trust us to give their children a unique, personalized school experience where they can learn, grow, and make valuable and long-lasting connections. Iowa Connections Academy provides a complete, full-time education for children—one that includes all the core courses, electives, and social opportunities students in grades K–12 need.
Our qualified and passionate teachers, who specialize in online learning, work directly with parents and students to set individual goals and ensure that students thrive. Iowa Connections Academy prepares children for a bright future—whether that includes college, technical training, or career readiness.
Iowa Connections Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education that meets state requirements for grade level standards. Using our accessible technology, we connect parents, teachers, and students from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Here, students benefit from a flexible learning schedule that allows them to learn how they learn best, while staying accountable and on track. Parents are also able to control their student’s learning environment, ensuring a safe and stimulating atmosphere.
* Availability of print textbooks varies by grade and course. Hard copies of textbooks are available for purchase.
Although Iowa Connections Academy and homeschooling have some similar attributes, Iowa Connections Academy is not homeschooling. Iowa Connections Academy provides a defined set of curriculum materials that have been specifically aligned to local standards and use certified teachers to evaluate student performance, including decisions concerning the child’s grade-level promotion. All students are required to take state standardized tests, and the school is accountable to regulatory authorities for the students’ performance.
Please see our School Calendar for school year start and end dates.
Connections Academy is always looking for hardworking dedicated individuals to join the team. Please review the current openings to see if a position is available near you. Connections Academy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We proudly welcome students who wish to join us mid-year. Please visit the enrollment page for more information.
Please see our Transcript page for more details.
Our online public school program is tuition-free and includes all necessary books and curriculum. Families are only responsible for maintaining a reliable internet connection as well as for covering the cost of additional school supplies, optional in-person field trips, and computer & internet.
No, there are no hidden fees. Just like your local brick-and-mortar public school, Connections Academy schools are publicly funded and tuition free. Please explore our costs page to learn more.
No. All required books and instructional materials for courses are provided to students. The majority of texts are provided online, though some texts may be available in print form.
Iowa Connections Academy offers both core and elective courses, as well as a College and Career Readiness offering. Our proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions, as well as lessons and other resources developed by curriculum specialists. The curriculum is aligned to Iowa state standards.
Connections Academy offers core courses in language arts/English, mathematics, science, and social studies. The curriculum also includes art, physical education, music, home life, world languages, technology literacy, and other enrichment courses. At many schools, gifted and talented, honors, and Advanced Placement®* courses are available for students who qualify. Course offerings vary by state and grade level.
* AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Iowa Connections Academy has a special education department, including licensed special education teachers who provide services to students with IEPs. Visit the Special Education page to learn more about accommodations for students.
Connections Academy students often lead busy lives, and this online flexibility allows for learning when it works best. Students will need to be available for teacher-led LiveLesson® sessions, but are able to choose how to arrange their free time in between. For some students, scheduling breaks in between lessons may be the answer to optimized learning. For others, leaving time for extracurricular activities is key. Check out some examples of sample schedules.
Connections Education is accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancED, an organization representing 34,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in 70 countries worldwide. Many of the Connections Academy–supported schools are accredited by one or more of six regional accrediting organizations for higher education institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.
The curriculum is designed by experienced leaders in online learning. It meets national and individual state standards and has earned numerous awards from national organizations for educational content and learning technology. In addition, parents consistently rate the curriculum as high quality in our annual Parent Satisfaction Survey.
Yes, for up to two activities. Additional activities are allowed at the discretion of the resident district. Iowa Code 282.18 (7)
Qualifying activities include interscholastic athletics, music, drama, etc. Extracurricular activities are defined as those school-based activities that are not tied to the curriculum. Cocurricular activities are those activities that are outside of but usually complementing the regular curriculum.
Yes. Transfer rule will not apply.
Visit the enrollment page to begin! We’ve made the enrollment process as simple as possible, but it does take some time to complete, so we recommend getting started before the semester begins.
Connections Academy’s Academic Placement Services team uses academic records to place students in courses that are the best fit for them.
Connections Academy is comfortable with a ratio of 4:1 (four children to one Learning Coach). An additional adult serving as Learning Coach is recommended for more than 4 students in a household. In the event that the additional adult is not a parent or legal guardian, a Designated Learning Coach Agreement must be completed by both the parent/legal guardian and Designated Learning Coach.
Check the enrollment page to find requirements for:
Students who are 18 or over must meet age eligibility requirements in their state. Students must also submit academic documentation of all courses attempted since entering the 9th grade. Academic documentation will be reviewed by a school counselor to determine the student's eligibility to complete the program requirements before meeting the age cap for enrollment. Students who cannot complete the program requirements before meeting the age cap for enrollment are not eligible to enroll.
Both emancipated minors and students 18 years and older are required to complete the Parent/Legal Guardian (Caretaker) Acknowledgement (PLCA) form and to provide all required enrollment documentation before the student can enroll. Emancipated minors must also submit court documentation for their emancipation. Please contact the Enrollment Team at 1-833-591-0251 for more information.
The term "Learning Coach" is used to represent the role that the enrolling parent/guardian plays in the student’s educational experience. The enrolling parent/guardian chooses to serve as the "Learning Coach" which may include working closely with the teacher to ensure assignments are completed, schedules are met, and students are engaged and motivated. The parent/guardian may designate another trusted adult to act as a Learning Coach by completing the Designated Learning Coach online form.
Students are required to log in daily to complete their schoolwork. You will have access to Pearson Online Classroom, our education management system, at any time of the day, including weekends and holiday breaks to make up for any missed work from scheduled school days.
You will have access to Pearson Online Classroom (formerly known as Connexus®), our education management system, at any time of the day including weekends and holiday breaks. This level of flexibility helps you to design a learning day that works best for your family.
Communication is the most important element in succeeding with online learning. If you or your student experience any problems along the way, contact us immediately. Many kinds of support are available for students and families, including enrollment help, computer/technical support, academic assistance, and school counselor support. We are ready and willing to assist you—give us a call. Communication is key throughout your entire experience with Connections Academy.
Because we serve students from multiple districts, rather than just one, our enrollment process can seem a bit more complicated. We’ve simplified it as much as possible and are here to support you every step of the way.
Connections Academy schools operate like any other public school. Therefore, our schools must comply with the same state regulations. Specific documents are required for all enrolling students.
During the enrollment process, submission of academic documentation such as a report card, unofficial transcript, schedule, or current progress report, helps to ensure that your student has an accurate and personalized course placement to start with Connections Academy.
As a parent/legal guardian you may request copies of the student's most recent report card or unofficial transcript, IEP documentation, birth certificate, and immunization record from their file. DO NOT withdraw from your current school or request a complete copy of the student's cumulative file prior to completing the enrollment process, as this information will be requested from the student’s previous school upon completion of the enrollment process.
That depends on you. The sooner you complete online enrollment forms and submit the required documents, the sooner your student will be enrolled. It typically takes two weeks or more to complete the entire enrollment process.
TIP: Log in to your caretaker homepage daily to review the student’s enrollment status and the verification of documents you submit.
Our process is streamlined to minimize any inconvenience to you while still meeting state regulations. Refer to the Enrollment Instructions document for some tips to help you keep the process moving.
After submitting your documents, you can navigate to the Submit Documents section located in the Enrollment Details. There you can see if your documents have been verified or are still waiting to be processed. The Enrollment Details will also show if your file was marked invalid and your document will be removed so that you can upload a new document. If you are unable to verify the status of your documents or have any questions, please call 1-833-591-0251 and contact the Enrollment Team using the document submission option in our phone system. We will check the system to see if the document was received. Please be prepared to provide us with the following information: student’s name, number of pages sent, the date sent, and if sent by fax, the fax number.
After you have confirmed your student's enrollment with Connections Academy, you should withdraw your child from your previous/local school immediately—preferably the same day. Delaying withdrawal could result in confusion, extra documentation, or cancellation of enrollment.
Do not withdraw your student before confirming your student’s enrollment, as this may result in additional documentation being required (e.g. report card). Delays in submitting these documents could result in delays starting school.
You can change your information by logging into Pearson Online Classroom. On your caretaker homepage, click on the "Change Contact Information" link. You can also notify the student’s teacher, who can submit the change for you.
To update a parent or student name, Connections Academy will need a copy of the legal name change documentation such as an amended birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order. Please submit this documentation to the Enrollment Department. For other inquiries, you may reach out to your student's teacher, school counselor, or principal once they are enrolled.
Every year, we ask Connections Academy families to rate our program. This year, once again, parents who completed online school reviews gave us high marks for helping students succeed academically and personally. See the results of the latest Parent Satisfaction Survey.
Just like in a brick-and-mortar school, some of the most successful students have parents who take an active role in their education. We recommend that a parent or other trusted adult serve as a Learning Coach to support the student’s learning. Support will look different depending on your student’s age and ability to learn independently, but may include providing daily structure, communicating with teachers, and helping students stay on track.
Throughout a student’s education, Iowa Connections Academy teachers take the lead in ensuring student success. When first getting started, the Connections Academy Family Support Program provides ample resources to help families become acquainted with the online learning structure. Learn more about the responsibilities of a Learning Coach.
Yes. We understand one of the most important aspects of any education, whether completed in person or virtually, is creating a strong circle of support and connection. We offer plenty of opportunities for our students and families to connect, including regional field trips, special events, and connection events with other families in your area. Our internal email system allows you to communicate with other students or parents from Iowa Connections Academy.
Connections Academy knows that for students to achieve at the highest levels, they need not only a great academic program, but also the freedom to learn in a safe and comfortable setting. Parents and Learning Coaches also play a key role in creating this environment to ensure their child’s well-being. Below are some of the most important resources Connections Academy provides to ensure that students are safe and focused on learning:
Throughout a student’s education, Connections Academy teachers take the lead in ensuring student success. When first getting started, the Connections Academy Family Support Program provides ample resources to help families become acquainted with the online learning structure. Learn more about the responsibilities of a Learning Coach.
Students spend much of the school day attending live instruction and completing schoolwork online. Younger students spend more time in live instruction with their teachers, while upper grades spend more time independently working through the virtual curriculum.
Students and Learning Coaches do not need advanced computer skills to attend Connections Academy. Through our Learning Coach Success series, parents can attend a variety of sessions on subjects about anything from becoming acquainted with technology, to where to find resources in Pearson Online Classroom, our education management system. We also provide a technology literacy program that helps students gain additional skills.
There are some specific software requirements necessary to use Pearson Online Classroom, our online education management system. Please refer to the Technology Support page for complete details.
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Iowa Connections Academy is committed to helping each student gain the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, both in the classroom and long after graduation. Start the enrollment process now.
Curious about online school but unsure what it is truly like? Join us to discover how online learning works, the benefits it offers your child, and what your family can expect from the online school experience.
