Oregon Connections Academy Celebrates 102 Graduates
Leading tuition-free online public school honors seniors from across the state during commencement ceremony on June 8
PRAIRIE CITY, ORE. (June 8, 2024) – Oregon Connections Academy, a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12, celebrated the school’s 102 graduating seniors during a commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 8 at Scio High School in Scio, Oregon. Students, family, friends and school administrators from across the state gathered to honor the Class of 2024.
“It’s been a true joy watching these students as they’ve grown in their personal and educational journeys,” said Janel Scurlock, principal of Oregon Connections Academy, "As educators, graduation is a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to our students with celebration and pride and watch as they prepare for a new adventure. The Class of 2024 is ready to tackle any challenge ahead and I am confident they will do so assuredly and skillfully.”
Oregon Connections Academy’s graduating class consists of students from many cities and towns across Oregon, including Astoria, Bend, Klamath Falls, La Grande and more. Among the graduating class, nearly half plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 17 percent plan to enter the work force, 15 percent plan to pursue vocational training and others plan to take a gap year or are undecided.
Graduating alongside her peers is 18-year-old Savannah Schwabenland, a senior and resident of Creswell. “Although I only attended Oregon Connections Academy for my senior year, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. The structure of online learning has allowed me to thrive in school with the help and support of my teachers,” said Schwabenland. “After switching to Oregon Connections Academy, the flexible schedule allowed me to improve my time management and organizational skills while balancing my personal life and hobbies.”
Oregon Connections Academy currently serves more than 1,000 students in grades K-12 across the state, providing each student with continuous support of state-certified teachers who are dedicated to helping students reach their maximum potential. Teachers at Oregon Connections Academy work closely with students to deliver a rigorous curriculum while tailoring instruction to match students’ needs and learning preferences. This approach fosters meaningful connections between educators, students and families, which encourages students to take the lead in their educational interests. Oregon Connections Academy provides a comprehensive school experience through opportunities to build fundamental life skills and coursework emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.
Students attending Oregon Connections Academy benefit from the ability to work at their own pace and from the personal attention they receive from teachers to stay motivated and engaged. Oregon Connections Academy students also have access to several advanced courses and a flexible schedule to explore extracurricular activities.
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for students in grades K-12. Families interested in Oregon Connections Academy 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. For more information on Oregon Connections Academy, please visit Oregon Connections Academy or call 833-591-0251.
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 building fundamental life skills, 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. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit Oregon Connections Academy.