Minnesota Connections Academy News

  • October 19, 2022 – MNCA students and staff enjoy a fun day at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch.

  • September 1, 2022 – Minnesota families invited to learn more about full-time online school at Minnesota Connections Academy. Learn more in this Union-Times article.

  • August 4, 2022 – Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) student Camella Whalen talks about her resilient rescue horse Chicken and the local fundraiser to help pay for his medical bills. Learn more in this Isanti-Chisago County Star article.

  • July 11, 2022 – MNCA teacher Anna Best participates in Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators to learn how she can support Native students. Learn more through Minnesota Public Radio.

  • July 8, 2022 – MNCA seniors from St. Louis and Itasca are celebrated in this Hometown Focus article for graduating from high school.

  • June 24, 2022 – MNCA graduates Lewis Larson, Siri Koplin, and Ayriauna Richardson get special recognition in the Rochester Post Bulletin for obtaining their high school diploma.

  • May 3, 2022 – MNCA student Maliyah Momanyi is recognized as Student of the Month for her outstanding attitude towards learning. Learn more in the Woodbury Patch.

  • April 7, 2022 – MNCA student Adam Jacobson wins a silver medal and the 3M inventor award for his hydrogen car project at the Minnesota State Science Fair. Learn more in this WDIO-TV segment.

  • April 4, 2022 – MNCA students Taleen Ziedan and Melodie Pacheco are named Student of the Month. Learn more on Shakopee Valley News.

  • March 31, 2022 – MNCA student Samuel Fasil is awarded Student of the Month. Learn more on the Woodbury Patch.

  • January 26, 2022 – MNCA student Maelie Zadra is named Student of the Month for her love of learning. Learn more in the Mesabi Tribune.

  • March 15, 2021 – MNCA student council members commit to community service, provide organization Face to Face support during pandemic. Read more on the Saint Paul Patch.

  • November 28, 2020 – MNCA principal Melissa Gould and Falcon View Connections Academy student Austinna Gonzalez-Zaldivar talk about the benefits of a full-time online school in Star Tribune article.
  • June 6, 2020 – MNCA Principal Melissa Gould and student Isabelle Fowler comment on the benefits of online school in this Star Tribune article.
  • March 13, 2020 – MNCA Principal Melissa Gould and Assistant Principal Tung Pham share tips for parents and caregivers on KARE 11 for how their students can learn from home if their school is closed due to the coronavirus.
  • March 5, 2020 – MNCA student Montana Monet has big singing dreams and online school helps her achieve just that. Read her story on Sun This Week.

  • January 10, 2020 – MNCA student Mellisa Larson and Brianna Austin inducted into the National Honor Society and National Elementary Honor Soceity, respectively, as reported by Hometown Focus
  • December 9, 2019 – MNCA student Linae Larson is able to pursue astronomy and astrophysics courses despite chronic illness thanks to online education, read more about her amazing adventure on Richfield Patch

  • September 19, 2019 – MNCA graduate Elias Petri joins St. Bonaventure College males' swimming and diving group, as reported by St. Bonaventure Bonnies
  • August 22, 2019 – MNCA student Grace McCallum is in line to represent USA in the 2020 Olympics! Learn more about the elite gymnast's rise to international competitor in the County News Review
  • June 28, 2019 – MNCA 'legacy' student Isabella Rubietta graduates early from the online school and earns her Girl Scout Gold Award! Learn more on Saint Paul Patch
  • June 12, 2019 – MNCA celebrates accomplishments of over 390 graduates with the Class of 2019! Learn about local graduates in the Saint Paul Patch, Star News
  • May 23, 2019 – MNCA senior Kaitlyn Isaacson earns a Girl Scout Gold Award and a scholarship for her "You're Not Alone" campaign! Learn more about the project addressing adolescent anxiety in the Minneapolis Patch
  • May 13, 2019 – MNCA offers a safe, supportive learning environment for the Markert family. Learn more about their experiences with bullying, their switch to an online school in the Park Rapids Enterprise
  • May 8, 2019 – MNCA student Annalie Strong selected as one of 39 youth ambassadors for the Tourette Association of America, reports the Farmington Independent
  • May 6, 2019 – Five MNCA students perform in the upcoming Twin Cities Ballet original production, "Narnia: The Ballet"! Learn more on Burnsville Patch
  • May 5, 2019 – MNCA student Phillip Ingvalson takes home gold at Boston Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, reports the Echo Journal
  • May 3, 2019 – MNCA alumnae Noelle McNeill to graduate from Navy's Air Traffic Control school, reports the Fridley Patch
  • April 18, 2019 – MNCA student Catrielle Barnett wins two medals from the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, reports Saint Paul Patch
  • April 5, 2019 – MNCA National Honor Society students organize a service project field trip to make cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids organization, reports the Saint Paul Patch
  • March 15, 2019 – MNCA student Nygel Witherspoon uses the flexibility of online school to pursue his dream—becoming a professional cellist! Learn more about his journey and recent accomplishments in the Star Tribune
  • February 13, 2019 – MNCA student Nygel Witherspoon takes first at the 22nd Annual Sphinx Competition, reports the Minneapolis Patch
  • December 16, 2018 – MNCA students enjoy a field trip to Bemidji's AirCorps Aviation. Learn more in the Bemidji Pioneer
  • December 12, 2018 – MNCA students enjoy a service field trip to Feed My Starving Children. Learn more on Inver Grove Heights Patch
  • December 5, 2018 – MNCA student Daniel Myles co-authors a new book with his father! Learn more on the Saint Paul Patch
  • November 6, 2018 — MNCA Lynette Casebier shares her positive experience with online school in this Jordan Independent letter to the editor
  • October 29, 2018 — MNCA Manager of Counseling Stephanie Becker discusses National Bullying Prevention Month, tips for parents to help their students respond to cyberbullying. Learn more in the Sun Sailor
  • October 18, 2018 — MNCA student Kira Rose Smith-Ahles discusses diving into community organizing and founding her own group, The Closet, for LGBTQ+ people ages 21 and younger. Learn more in the St. Cloud Times
  • October 17, 2018 — MNCA student Bella Rubietta is on a mission to save the rusty patched bumblebee! Learn more about her Girl Scout Gold Award project and how she balances schoolwork with extracurricular passions in the Prior Lake American
  • October 13, 2018 — MNCA student Grace McCallum earns a spot on the 2018 USA Gymnastics Women’s World Championships Team! Learn more on KMSP
  • October 10, 2018 — MNCA hosts North Dakota State University, Valley City State University practicum students for online education experience. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • October 3, 2018 — MNCA families enjoy field trips to Split Rock Lighthouse and the Mystery Cave. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • September 24, 2018 — MNCA student Sara Magnuson uses the flexibility of online school to balance her education and theatre productions. Learn more in the Minneapolis Patch
  • September 13, 2018 — MNCA student Taelyn Albrecht uses the flexibility of online school to balance schoolwork with competitive dance, ballet, and a teaching assistant position! Learn more in the Edina Patch
  • August 2, 2018 — MNCA student Abigail Thelen discusses her experience at the online school, how a school project became a months-long passion to build an R2D2 model. Learn more in the Eden Prairie News
  • August 2, 2018 — MNCA Principal Melissa Gould answers ten common questions about online school and the variety of students that attend. Learn more in the Macaroni Kid EP
  • July 26, 2018 — MNCA families celebrate National Summer Learning Day all summer long. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • July 11, 2018 — MNCA student Gisselle Rueda Garza recently graduated as part of the school's Class of 2018. Learn more in the St. Peter Herald
  • June 29, 2018 — MNCA school leaders attend CA summer leadership conference. Learn more in the St. Paul Patch
  • June 15, 2018 — MNCA student Phillip Ingvalson earns bronze at World Jiujitsu IBJJF Championship. Learn more in the Pine and Lakes
  • June 8, 2018 — MNCA student Phillip Atkinson uses the flexibility of online school to compete globally in Jiu-Jitsu! Learn more from Phillip and his mom on KAWB-TV
  • June 1, 2018 — MNCA Student Council members lead field trip to Feed My Starving Children. Learn more in the Eagan Patch
  • May 16, 2018 — MNCA teacher Alma Mendez discusses her time at UMD with her sister in the UMN Duluth
  • April 5, 2018 — MNCA enrollment open for the 2018-19 school year. Learn more from Assistant Principal Dr. Robin Percival in the Minneapolis Patch
  • March 7, 2018 — MNCA student Isabella Rubietta performs in The Wall, the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota's original full-length rock ballet. Learn more in the Minneapolis Patch
  • March 1, 2018 — MNCA student and cellist Nygel Witherspoon takes top honors in the Schubert Club Competition for the senior high strings division. Learn more in the Minneapolis Patch
  • February 15, 2018 — MNCA student Phillip Ingvalson earns gold at the Atlanta Winter International Open IBJJF Tournament. Learn more in the Echo Journal
  • February 8, 2018 — MNCA student Phillip Atkinson wins two gold medals at 2018 Atlanta Winter International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Learn more about this student athlete in the Saint Paul Patch
  • February 2, 2018 — MNCA alumna Lexi Robinson and her horse Loki named Central States Dressage and Eventing Association Preliminary Level Champion. Learn more in the Herald Journal
  • January 24, 2017 — MNCA student Gregory Dina wins 1st place in Friends of Whitewater State Park 2017 Annual Photo Contest. Learn more in the Inver Grove Heights Patch
  • January 19, 2018 — MNCA student Gavin Nienaber performing in production of Leo Lionni's "Frederick". Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • January 16, 2018 — MNCA student Linae Larson's recipe selected in Super Bowl 52 Super Snack Challenge. Learn more in the Richfield Patch
  • December 15, 2017 — The flexibility of online school allows MNCA student Catrielle Barnett to pursue her passion of textile art—her art will be on display at the Youth Artist Fest in Minneapolis. Learn more in the Minneapolis Patch
  • December 8, 2017 — MNCA graduate Grant Rubietta earns Eagle Scout rank, highest achievement in Boy Scouts of America. Learn more about Grant in the Saint Paul Patch and Prior Lake American
  • November 27, 2017 — MNCA student Olivia Pierce participated in Miss Minnesota Teen USA pageant. Learn more in the Eagan Patch
  • October 18, 2017 — MNCA student and Jiu-Jitsu champion Phillip Atkinson discusses how the sport helped him gain confidence and open up a career path in the Saint Paul Patch
  • October 10, 2107 — MNCA student Kiersten Proehl uses the flexibility of online school to pursue a modeling career on the runway! Lean more about this aspiring model in the Prior Lake American
  • September 16, 2017 — MNCA alumnus Emily Schimnich awarded $1500 scholarship to Ridgewater College. Learn more in the St Cloud Times
  • August 23, 2017 — MNCA student Phillip Ingvalson earns gold medal at Brazilian Jiujitsu competition. Learn more in the Pine and Lakes
  • August 21, 2017 — MNCA teacher Emily Johnson discusses the Great American Eclipse on WCCO
  • June 29, 2017 — MNCA leadership team participates in annual summer retreat. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • June 15, 2017 — From elementary to high school, Connections Academy graduates among a new generation to complete academic journey exclusively online. Learn more in the PR Web
  • June 15, 2017 — Grant Rubietta graduates from MNCA. Learn more about Grant in the Minneapolis Patch
  • June 13, 2017 — Student Maria Carlson is among many MNCA graduates. Learn more about the online school and the graduating class of 2017 in the Oakdale Patch
  • June 12, 2017 — Minnesota Connections Academy celebrates the class of 2017 at an in-person commencement ceremony in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more in PR Web
  • June 11, 2017 — MNCA graduate Alexandra Robinson reflects on her decision to switch to online school in this Laker & Pioneer letter to the editor
  • June 6, 2017 — MNCA upcoming graduate Grant Rubietta will graduate at age 15! Learn more about the family and Grant's unique education journey on WCCO-TV
  • May 23, 2017 — MNCA upcoming graduate Alexandra Robinson writes a letter to the editor about her positive experience at the online school. Learn more in the Plymouth Patch
  • May 22, 2017 — MNCA Assistant Principal Brad Swanson congratulates the Class of 2017 in this Woodbury Patch letter to the editor
  • May 22, 2017 — MNCA Principal Melissa Gould congratulates students as they prepare for their in-person commencement ceremony. Learn more in the Saint Paul Patch
  • April 7, 2017 — MNCA student Maddie Carter uses the flexibility of online school to earn college credits! Learn more about the family's experience with online school for Maddie and her older brother in the Echo Press
  • April 2, 2017 — MNCA student Phillip Ingvalson earns silver at the 2017 International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation Pan Championship. Learn more about Phillip in the Pine and Lakes
  • March 29, 2017 — MNCA enrollment for the 2017-18 school year is underway. Learn more about MNCA in the Lakeville Patch
  • March 28, 2017 — MNCA student Kalli Rose Hedlund will compete in Miss Nisswa Scholarship Pageant. Learn more in the Echo Journal
  • February 17, 2017 — MNCA student Kiera Hudrlik and teacher Katie Stotko discuss the school's Valentine's Day volunteer trip to a local senior center, reports Owatonna
  • February 15, 2017 — MNCA students deliver Valentine's Day cards to assisted living residents, reports Saint Paul Patch
  • February 2017 — MNCA student Nygel Witherspoon receives a 1st prize and opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra after his performance at the School Music Auditions competition. Learn more about Nygel on Young People's Symphony Concert Association
  • January 26, 2017 — MNCA celebrates National School Choice Week, reports Apple Valley Patch
  • January 2017 — Learn more about MNCA graduate Sarah Abdon, one of only 15 statewide winners of the National Center for Women & Information Technology’s Women in Computing award, in Maple Grove magazine
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