The Bennett Family

Angel, Amber, and Anita

Students who transfer from brick-and-mortar schools often speak of the dramatically different experience at Ohio Connections Academy. Angel, along with her sisters Amber and Anita, didn’t transfer from a traditional school, but from another online school. Yet, they also report that Ohio Connections Academy—and the opportunities it has provided—has changed their lives.

Taking College Courses – in 7th Grade!

Due to circumstances beyond her control, Angel arrived at Ohio Connections Academy in the middle of the academic year. Angel’s mother, Angelita, recognized that the experience could’ve been “stressful and frustrating,” but that everyone at the school made the transition easy. “All of the teachers [were] always accessible,” she said. They worked with the family to make sure Angel and her sisters settled in smoothly.

But as a highly motivated student, what Angel appreciated most was the school’s incredible educational opportunities. The curricular flexibility at Connections Academy enabled her to take additional, more challenging courses. In fact, she was only in seventh grade when she started attending classes at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).

By the time Angel graduated from Ohio Connections Academy in 2020, she had already earned two associate degrees (with honors!) in applied science and applied arts. She is currently a student at Ursuline College in Cleveland.

In Their Sister’s Footsteps

Angel’s academic accomplishments have served as an inspiration for her sisters. Amber and Anita also began taking courses at Tri-C. Like her sister, Amber graduated from Ohio Connections Academy in 2023, having already earned two associate degrees.

What’s next for Amber? “I want to be a licensed professional clinical counselor. So, for me, my educational career isn’t done yet. I want to go to Ursuline College for their master’s program in counseling and art therapy.” Amber plans to start classes in the fall and hopes to be a licensed professional clinical counselor by the time she’s 21.

Anita, currently a sophomore, has already earned three associate degrees by the spring of her freshman year.