Lafayette Connections Academy is a free online public school program for students in grades 4‒12 who reside in southern Louisiana parishes. This is a unique program that combines the strong parental involvement of homeschooling, professional expertise and accountability, and a flexible learning environment. Lafayette Connections Academy provides the tools and support students need to learn in an online setting.
Lafayette Connections Academy is currently only available to students who live in the following southern parishes:
Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans*, Pointe Coupee, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana.
*Residents of the following zip codes in Orleans parish are not eligible: 70114, 70117, 70126, 70127, 70128, 70129, and 70181.
Families choose Lafayette Connections Academy because they trust us to give their children a unique, personalized school program experience where students can learn and grow.
Supported by Pearson, the world’s learning company, Lafayette Connections Academy provides a complete, full-time education for children—one that includes all the core courses, electives, and social opportunities students need. Caring teachers specialize in online learning and work with parents. Together, they set individual goals and ensure that students learn. Lafayette Connections Academy prepares children for a bright future—whether that includes college, technical training, or career readiness.
Lafayette Connections Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education that is personalized to meet a student’s individual needs. This level of personalization is not commonly available in traditional public bricks-and-mortar schools. Using our accessible technology, we connect parents, teachers, and students from home or anywhere there is Internet service. Additionally, families benefit from unique flexibility in creating their schedule, something that typically isn’t possible in a traditional setting. 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.
Although Lafayette Connections Academy and homeschooling have some similar attributes, Lafayette Connections Academy is not homeschooling. Lafayette 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 program is accountable to regulatory authorities for the students’ performance.
Visit the enrollment page for more information.
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.
Please see our school calendar for school year start and end dates.
Visit our Contact Us page to find the appropriate contact for transcript and record requests.
For graduates who need a diploma verification, or educational records for employment, background screening, self, or other purposes. Lafayette Connections Academy utilizes the National Student Clearinghouse to confirm high school diplomas. This service complies with FERPA regulations, is accessible 24/7, provides immediate results, and is at no cost to former graduates. Please visit the National Student Clearinghouse to submit your request.
The online public school program is free, including all of the books and curriculum. The only costs are the optional field trips, which are organized by your school’s community coordinators and staff, school supplies, and in some cases computers & internet. Computers and/or internet subsidy options are available at select schools.
No, there are no hidden fees. Just like your local brick-and-mortar public school, Connections Academy network schools are publicly funded and tuition free. Please explore our costs page to learn more about potential costs, which may include optional field trips, school supplies, and in some cases computer & internet.
No. All required books and instructional materials for courses are provided to students. Some texts are provided online, and other texts are in print form.
Connections Academy provides comprehensive lesson plans online and in print, along with a number of exciting elective courses. The proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions, as well as lessons and other resources developed by curriculum specialists. The curriculum for each public school program is aligned to the 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. Advanced Placement®* courses are available for students who qualify. Course offerings vary by grade level.
*Advanced Placement® is a registered trademark of the College Board. Used with permission.
Visit the Special Education page to learn more about accommodations for students.
Teachers and Learning Coaches work closely together to create a unique learning environment and to set goals for their students’ learning. Teachers use an individualized approach to learning throughout the year called Personalized Performance Learning® (PPL), which allows them to evaluate the needs of a student and customize accordingly.
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.
Visit the enrollment page to get started!
Students are placed in courses that are the best fit for them based on their academic records.
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.
Check the enrollment page to find the following:
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.
You will have access to our learning 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.
Connections Academy school programs operate like any other public school. Therefore, our school programs 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.
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 you complete your application and your student’s course placement has been determined, you will be provided with access to Pearson Online Academy. Do not withdraw your child from your previous/local school until you and the student have received your login credentials and the student is ready to learn.
If you move after you complete the enrollment process, you can change your information by logging into Pearson Online Classroom (formerly known as Connexus®). On your caretaker homepage, click on the "Change Contact Information" link. Or, you can notify the student’s teacher who can submit the change for you.
Yes! Any student interested in online learning who meets the state and program requirements is eligible to be enrolled in Lafayette Connections Academy.
Just like in a bricks-and-mortar school, the most successful students have parents who are involved in their education. We recommend that a parent or other trusted adult serve as a Learning Coach to support the student’s learning. Each family does this differently, and the role largely depends on the age of the student. For instance, students in high school are encouraged to work more independently, whereas elementary-age students will need more support while completing lessons. Some of the ways families may support learning include providing daily structure, communicating with teachers, and helping students stay on track.
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.
Yes. We understand the importance of students and parents interacting with others in the program and in the community. There are a number of opportunities for you to take part in activities, both online and in person. Community coordinators and school staff plan field trips, special projects, and group meetings with other families in your area. Online discussion groups and the private email system allow you to communicate with other students or parents from all Connections Academy schools.
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.
The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies by grade. Middle school students spend about 50–75% of their school day working on the computer, and high school students spend about 80–90%.*
* Time on the computer may vary based on the use of print textbooks or online textbooks. The availability of print textbooks varies by state and course.
Students and Learning Coaches do not need advanced computer skills to attend Connections Academy. Through our Learning Coach Success series, parents are given the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions on subjects about anything from becoming acquainted with technology, to where to find resources in Pearson Online Classroom (formerly known as Connexus®), our education management system. We also provide a technology literacy program that aids students in developing 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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Sample Schedules
Sample Lessons
Student Stories
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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.
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.
