Lafayette Connections Academy Welcomes Students for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
On August 18th, 2025, Lafayette Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free virtual learning pod serving students in grades 4-12 in Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana area, kicked off the 2025-26 school year this month. Operated as part of Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy (LRCA), the school is entering its second year supporting families with a high-quality, fully established online curriculum.
Lafayette 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.
“The back-to-school season is an exciting time for change and growth, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming numerous new and returning faces to the virtual classroom,” said Tara Carr, school leader at Lafayette Connections Academy. “Our growing team of dedicated teachers and administrators is prepared to help each of our students achieve academic success and build meaningful, lasting connections with their fellow classmates.”
Lafayette 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 Lafayette Connections Academy. According to the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:
- 100% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Lafayette Connections Academy
- 100% of parents agree the Lafayette Connections Academy program prepares their child for future success
- 100% of parents say they feel supported by their Lafayette Connections Academy teachers and school staff
- 98% of parents agree their child is making good progress at Lafayette Connections Academy
- 98% of parents agree the Lafayette Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
In addition to core curriculum, middle and high school students will have access to the school’s College and Early Career Readiness program. This offering integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. The program equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.
As a public virtual learning pod, there are no fees or tuition to attend Lafayette Connections Academy, and all students are required to meet the same academic standards and take the same state tests as traditional brick-and-mortar public school students. Beyond the virtual classroom, students have opportunities to engage in in-person field trips and participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, athletics and interest-based events, fostering both learning and community connection.
Lafayette Connections Academy is available to students in the parishes of 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 and West Feliciana.
Enrollment for Lafayette Connections Academy for the 2025-26 school year is still open. Families interested in learning more about the Lafayette Connections Academy’s flexible virtual learning approach are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school 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 Lafayette Connections Academy
Lafayette Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free virtual learning pod for students in grades 4-12 residing across the southern Louisiana parishes of 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 and West Feliciana. Part of Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, the school program uses a proven core model of virtual learning, the nationally recognized Connections Academy program. Launched in 2024, Lafayette Connections Academy creates 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 will 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.