Mallory's Online School Experience
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mallory’s family needed a more flexible schedule. They found a new way forward at Oklahoma Connections Academy.
Day in the Life of Mallory
Staying at Connections Academy® beyond COVID-19
When COVID-19 upended life for so many students, Mallory’s family had a big decision to make. A longtime dedicated gymnast, Mallory’s daily practice time with her gymnastics club was changed to 11:00 a.m. to reduce contact among gymnasts. That meant she had to attend an online school. But which one?
Mallory’s parents wanted to enroll her in a school specifically designed for, and deeply committed to, virtual learning. And they wanted a school flexible enough for Mallory to have the freedom to pursue her gymnastics passion.
After carefully weighing their options, they enrolled her in Oklahoma Connections Academy, where she graduated from high school.
School Schedule
- 6:30 a.m. — Wake up and prepare for the day
7:30 a.m. — Gymnastics training
2:30 p.m. — Log in to Pearson Online Classroom and begin schoolwork
7:00 p.m. — Spend time with family
Type of Learner
Flexibility Needs
Mallory's Story
Getting support whenever it was needed
"The first month or so, there was a learning curve, but I got through it quickly. The most helpful thing was the orientation call from my homeroom teacher. It was clear that even though I wouldn’t have the teacher there with me like in a brick-and-mortar school, they would be there for me whenever I needed support. And all my teachers were.
At Connections Academy, I felt like I was in the driver’s seat of my education.
I had lots of control over the order and pace of my school day. I often knew my grades immediately or very soon after completing my work. And I was able to get help when I needed it from teachers and counselors."
A school designed to fit students’ needs
"Some aspects of going to Oklahoma Connections Academy were great bonuses, like doing my schoolwork in the comfort of my own home with my dog and fridge close by! I could also ‘bring school’ with me if I needed to travel or if I wasn’t home for the day. Connections Academy fit me, and it fit my lifestyle and schedule.
With the changes in COVID-19, I could have returned to a traditional school—but I decided to stay at Connections Academy.
I’m glad I had the experience of a brick-and-mortar school, but I decided to continue there. I could take the same classes I would otherwise have been able to take, and from great teachers. I learned a lot from the lessons, assignments, and face-to-face sessions with teachers, but I could stay focused, work hard, and do it during the times I had available."
Flexibility everyone can appreciate, especially a gymnast
"All the flexibility, independence, and ability to go at a faster pace worked really well with my gymnastics training and competition schedule. I worked hard to succeed in school, and I worked hard to succeed in gymnastics. Being a student there was helpful because it allowed me to pursue both of those goals. I loved being a student at Oklahoma Connections Academy!"
Daily School Schedules
Explore the Possibilities
Every student has their own hopes and dreams—and their own challenges to overcome. At Connections Academy, we make it possible for all kinds of students to succeed in school and move closer to their biggest goals, no matter where they are now.
How Connections Academy Works
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Parents and Guardians as Partners in Learning
As a Learning Coach, you have the opportunity to give your child a level of support and guidance that no one else can. You get to watch them learn, progress, and succeed.
Learn more about your role as Learning Coach, including all the ways we’ll support you along the way.