
Student Spotlight: Fiona T.
Ohio Connections Academy senior Fiona Tsang was recently named a National Merit Finalist. Fiona is among approximately 16,000 high school seniors from across the country who will compete for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarship Awards worth nearly $20 million to be awarded in the spring.
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight: Fiona Tsang
Ohio Connections Academy senior Fiona Tsang was recently named a National Merit Finalist. Fiona, who lives in Cleveland, is among the approximately 16,000 high school seniors from across the country who will compete for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarship Awards worth nearly $20 million to be awarded in the spring.

In the News:
- Ohio Connections Academy Student Named National Merit Finalist | Cleveland, OH Patch
- Half state’s candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars from Bay Area | mercurynews.com
Ohio Connections Academy senior Fiona Tsang was recently named a National Merit Finalist. Fiona, who lives in Cleveland, is among the approximately 16,000 high school seniors from across the country who will compete for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarship Awards worth nearly $20 million to be awarded in the spring.
Fiona enrolled in Ohio Connections Academy in the fall of 2021 after she moved to Cleveland to attend the Cleveland Institute of Music Young Artist Program where she plays the cello. She said attending the online public charter school has given her the flexibility to manage her high school academic responsibilities around the music program schedule.
“Attending Ohio Connections has made it possible to start pursuing a more professional study as a classical musician while continuing my other academic interests,” she said.
In being named a National Merit Finalist, Fiona said she was excited to learn the good news as it validates all the hard work she has put into her academics and music.
“I was very excited to learn about being named a finalist and it really encourages me to continue my hard work as I move on to the next academic level,” Fiona said.
After her high school graduation in the spring, Fiona plans to continue to study music at a four-year college or university next year. She will be auditioning for music programs at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University and Julliard among others.
In addition to her music and academic work, Fiona also actively volunteers her time to support the Bridge Road International Youth Group where she has taught several classes including geometry, music theory and creative writing for middle school students and helped with training sessions for new teachers. She also helped create several videos to showcase what students and teachers accomplished through the courses.
Currently Fiona is serving as the co-president of the organization and is tutoring an elementary student who also plays cello. For her contributions to the community through her time, actions, talents, and dedication Fiona was awarded the Ohio Connections Academy’s Community Service Recognition Award in 2022.
“The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy would like to congratulate Fiona for this outstanding recognition,” said Marie Hanna, OCA Superintendent. “With her academic excellence, her talents as a classical musician and outstanding service in her community, Fiona is an extraordinary student leader, and we wish her continued success as she moves on to college.”
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Change is everywhere. At Ohio Connections Academy, we’re helping students see change as an opportunity—so they can thrive in the world that lies ahead.
Our tuition-free online public school offers students in grades K–12 a safe, engaging environment where they can learn in the way that works best for them. Not only will your child gain the knowledge and confidence they need for assessments like state standardized testing, they’ll build fundamental life skills they need to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As their learning coach, you’ll be by their side, supporting them along the way.
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SEE HOW A TYPICAL LESSON WORKS FOR STUDENTS:
4th Grade Plant Structures - Sample Lessons
4th Grade Science
Plant Structures
Connections Academy 4th Grade Online Learning Unit | Plant Structures
2 min video
In this unit, Connections Academy online students explore how plants have adapted to their environments, diversifying and changing to thrive in all kinds of locations. Guided through a series of individual lessons that use dynamic text, video and audio, students enhance their critical thinking skills and their ability to make connections in the world.
3rd Grade Social Studies - Sample Lessons
3rd Grade Social Studies
The Environment
Connections Academy 3rd Grade Online Learning Unit | The Environment
2 min video
In this unit, Connections Academy online students take a virtual journey around the world, learning how geography and climate come together to create our environment. Guided through a series of individual lessons that use dynamic text, video and audio, students increase their understanding of science and why it matters to their life today and the world of tomorrow.
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There’s no better feeling than watching your child thrive. At Ohio Connections Academy, we give you the opportunity to be your child’s learning coach so you can be a part of their successes. Here’s what other parents are saying about the experience.
93%
Of parents agree the curriculum is high-quality.
95%
Of parents agree their student is satisfied with the Ohio Connections Academy program.
96%
Of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of teachers at Ohio Connections Academy.
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