Maine Connections Academy is a free online proram for grades 7‒12. This is a unique program that combines the strong parental involvement of homeschooling, professional expertise and accountability, and a flexible learning environment. Maine Connections Academy provides the tools and support students need to learn in an online setting. Learn how to enroll.
Families choose Maine Connections Academy because they trust us to give their children a unique, personalized school experience where students can learn and grow.
Maine Connections Academy provides a complete, full-time education for children—one that includes all the core courses, electives, and social opportunities 7‒12 students need. Caring teachers specialize in online learning and work with parents. Together, they set individual goals and ensure that students learn. Maine Connections Academy prepares children for a bright future—whether that includes college, technical training, or career readiness.
Maine 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 state and course.
** Availability of computer equipment and Internet access varies by state.
Although Maine Connections Academy and homeschooling have some similar attributes, Maine Connections Academy is not homeschooling. Maine 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.
Visit the enrollment page for more information.
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.
Maine Connections Academy is authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission and overseen by an independent, non-profit local Governing Board composed of Maine residents. Maine Connections Academy contracts with Connections Education for its curriculum and other services, much in the same way traditional brick-and-mortar schools contract with companies for services for transportation, curriculum/textbooks, technology, food services, etc.
Complete this form to request an official school transcript. Fax or mail this form to MCA. If you have any questions, please contact us.
For graduates who need a diploma verification, or educational records for employment, background screening, self, or other purposes. Maine Connections Academy utilizes the National Student Clearinghouse to confirm high school diplomas. This service complies with FERPA regulations, is accessible 24/7, and provides immediate results. Please visit the National Student Clearinghouse to submit your request.
Maine Connections Academy’s board is uniquely accountable to the public because it has signed a contract explaining how the school will operate and the results it will achieve with the Maine Charter School Commission (a government-endorsed authorizer). If the school does not produce the intended results, the authorizer has the power to work to immediately fix the school or, if necessary, close the school.
Maine Connections Academy is a virtual public charter school, and just like any other public charter school, funding is based on the charter school funding formula which includes attendance during the school year. As a virtual public school, Maine Connections Academy will provide the highest quality education to students and responsibly budget all taxpayer money. Maine Connections Academy’s budget is developed and approved under the Governing Board’s direction and oversight. The school has a Maine based CFO who reports to the Board and oversees the day to day finances of the school.
Maine Connections Academy is a virtual public charter school and a great option for a wide variety of students including those who need a flexible schedule (like athletes, actors, students with medical conditions), learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention, live in rural settings or are simply not thriving in the traditional brick-and-mortar environment for one reason or another. Just as traditional school is not the best fit for every student, online school is not the best for every student—but there are many families who want and need this option for their student(s). Given the rigorous curriculum, students who are self-motivated and attend daily are most successful in the program.
All Maine Connections Academy students are required to take the same Maine state assessments as traditional school students. Maine Connections Academy is a public school offering high-quality curriculum that is aligned to Maine state-standards.
The Governing Board hired all Maine-based and certified teachers for the core curriculum courses. Teachers are specially trained in online learning and the majority work from the school’s teaching facility in Scarborough.
Maine Connections Academy students and teachers will connect real-time via synchronous online lessons called LiveLesson® sessions, where teachers provide direct instruction. Additionally, teachers will communicate regularly with students and families via phone, Webmail messages, message boards and at school events.
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 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 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. 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.
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!
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 the following:
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.
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.
Local schools serve one district. Connections Academy serves students from multiple districts statewide. Not all districts statewide accept the same documentation.
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 check the status of your documents by visiting the Enrollment Portal. 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 (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.
In order 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 via fax or mail.
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 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. Younger students spend approximately 15–30%, middle school students spend about 50–75%, and high school students spend about 80–90% of their school day working on the computer.*
* 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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