Oregon Connections Academy Welcomes Students Back with Future-Ready Opportunities
Enhanced College and Career Readiness offering and strong parent satisfaction scores highlight the start of the 2025–2026 school year for K-12 students at tuition-free online public school
On Sept. 2, 2025, Oregon Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school, serving students in grades K-12, welcomed new and returning students across the state to the virtual classroom, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year. Entering its fifth year, Oregon Connections Academy remains committed to providing a high-quality online education that balances academic excellence with essential life skills for success beyond the classroom.
Oregon Connections Academy Programs & Offerings
This year, Oregon Connections Academy is expanding its College and Career Readiness offering for grades 6-12, combining traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. Students will strengthen critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration and leadership, while also engaging in career exploration and networking opportunities that build confidence, foster connections and help them chart their future paths.
“We are proud to begin another school year with such a dedicated community of students, families and teachers,” said Janel Scurlock, school leader of Oregon Connections Academy. “This year’s expanded College and Career Readiness offering will help students explore their interests, challenge themselves and prepare for success beyond the classroom.”
With more than 1,000 K-12 students statewide, Oregon Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day.
Oregon Connections Academy Parent Satisfaction Survey
Students are returning to school shortly after the release of the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Oregon Connections Academy. According to the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:
- 95% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Oregon Connections Academy
- 95% of parents agree Oregon Connections Academy gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
- 95% of parents agree their child's teachers at Oregon Connections Academy are supportive
- 94% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Oregon Connections Academy
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is still open. Families interested in learning more about the Oregon Connections Academy’s flexible virtual learning approach are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student.
Survey Methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2024-2025 School Year survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26, 2025 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.
About Oregon Connections Academy
Oregon Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students across Oregon. Authorized by the Prairie City School District but overseen by its own governing board and school leadership, Oregon Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient.