Iowa Connections Academy Students Kick Off the 2025-2026 School Year
On Aug. 25, 2025, Iowa Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12, welcomed new and returning faces across the state back to the virtual classroom, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Serving approximately 1,500 students and families across the state, Iowa Connections Academy provides 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.
Iowa Connections Academy Programs & Offerings
Middle and high school students enrolled in Iowa Connections Academy receive access to the school’s College and Career Readiness program and Industry Recognized Certification (IRC) courses. These courses are designed to prepare students for careers they’re passionate about, offering practical skills and credentials highly sought after by employers. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections, and find direction to prepare for their future. Complementing these offerings is a partnership with Iowa Western Community College (IWCC), enabling students to engage in college-level coursework, earn valuable college credits while still in high school, and prepare them for a future full of opportunities.
“We’re proud to continue offering Iowa families high-quality educational opportunities and are overjoyed to welcome both new and returning students for another successful year,” said Larry Hunt, school leader of Iowa Connections Academy. “With the support of our highly skilled teachers and dedicated Learning Coaches, students can look forward to another year of meaningful growth. I’m especially excited to see how they continue to engage with our college and career coursework and new Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter.”
Iowa Connections Academy Parent Satisfaction Survey
Students are returning to school shortly after the release of the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Iowa Connections Academy. According to the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:
- 96% of parents agree that the Iowa Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
- 95% of parents agree the Iowa Connections Academy curriculum is high quality
- 95% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Iowa Connections Academy
- 95% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Iowa Connections Academy
- 94% of parents agree that Iowa Connections Academy prepares their child for college or career success
Students enrolled in Iowa Connections Academy have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities and flexible scheduling that helps them to take ownership of their own unique educational journey.
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is still open for families interested in learning more about the school’s flexible virtual learning approach. Families are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if Iowa Connections Academy is the right fit for their student.
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 2024-2025 School Year survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26, 2025 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 Iowa Connections Academy
Iowa Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. First opened in 2012 and operating in partnership with CAM Community School District, we create 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 gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient.