Connections Academy vs. Other Online Schools
byConnections Academy
Online school can be a great choice for all kinds of students. But with online learning booming and more options becoming available all the time, how do you find the school that’s best for your child’s goals and your family’s needs?
While conducting your search, you’ll likely come across Connections Academy®, K12, and Time4Learning, among other schools. At first, these options may seem similar. However, once you compare Connections Academy versus K12 and Time4Learning versus Connections Academy, you’ll find plenty of differences.
So, what is the difference between Connections Academy and K12, Time4Learning, and other online schools? It all comes down to the wide number of benefits Connections Academy offers—and all the ways we can help your child thrive.
With over 20 years of experience providing online learning, Connections Academy has helped set the standard for K–12 online school. More so than other online schools, Connections Academy is able to meet all of your child’s and your family’s needs, from tuition costs to the structure of the day-to-day educational experience. Here are the five most important benefits:
1. Connections Academy Has No Tuition
The Connections Academy cost is hard to beat: it’s tuition-free! Each Connections Academy-supported school is approved to operate in its state and is considered part of that state’s public school system.
2. Connections Academy Is Designed by Education Professionals
A good online school isn’t a traditional school streamed over the Internet. It’s an entire system of learning specifically designed to be online.
Supported by Pearson, the world’s learning company, Connections Academy is designed to take full advantage of online technology and empower students to learn in the ways that work best for them. Bringing together synchronous and asynchronous learning along with certified teachers, student clubs, in-person field trip opportunities, and more, Connections Academy provides an environment that allows students to develop the academic and life skills they need to succeed in the world ahead.
3. Connections Academy Meets High Standards
Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education, which is accredited by Cognia, a global leader in educational accreditation and certification. Additionally, many of the Connections Academy-supported schools are accredited by one or more of six regional accrediting organizations for higher-education institutions, and all meet the state standards for the state in which they’re located.
As impressive as all that is, it’s just the beginning. Each Connections Academy school also employs state-certified teachers who are specially trained in online education. This makes them highly adept at connecting with students and meeting individual needs, whether a student requires extra support or is seeking new challenges like honors, Advanced Placement® (AP®*), or dual enrollment.
On top of that, Connections Academy students can study world languages, engage in unique electives, and embrace numerous other opportunities to explore their passions and develop their talents and skills.
Not surprisingly, parents have taken notice, and the reviews for Connections Academy are strong. According to a 2020–2021 parent survey, 94% of Connections Academy parents agree that the school’s curriculum is high-quality and 93% are satisfied with the Connections Academy program.
4. Connections Academy Is Flexible Enough to Meet Your Needs
Flexibility is one of the main reasons why parents choose online school for their children. In some cases, students are young athletes, artists, or entrepreneurs who follow schedules that are incompatible with traditional school and, therefore, need a more flexible option. But the flexibility offered by Connections Academy doesn’t only benefit students in unique situations. It can benefit every student who enrolls.
Unlike online schools that mirror the schedules of traditional public schools, Connections Academy gives students a lot more freedom to learn in the way that works best for them. While LiveLesson® sessions occur at specific times, students can complete most of their daily work at the time of day that fits their learning style. Plus, they can spend more time on subjects that challenge them and less time on subjects they can master quickly.
Connections Academy also provides flexibility in the curriculum itself through individual learning plans. Working in collaboration with teachers, parents, and the student, Connections Academy puts together a tailored learning plan that takes into account each student’s unique strengths, the obstacles they face, and their goals for school and life.
Thanks to the level of flexibility Connections Academy offers, students can experience learning that works for them while developing important skills like responsibility, perseverance, and adaptability. It’s a style of learning that helps them succeed now and in the future.
5. Connections Academy Will Be by Your Side
One of the most significant differences in online school versus traditional school is the amount of parental involvement. In a traditional school, you are rarely involved in your child’s day-to-day learning, but online school gives you the chance to be there throughout their school day. Not all online schools make sure parents are equipped to be their child’s Learning Coach. Connections Academy, on the other hand, offers an entire slate of resources to ensure parents are not just comfortable as Learning Coaches, but are empowered to provide the support their child needs.
Plus, parents and students can reach out to teachers whenever they need additional support. Whether it’s a small question about a specific assignment or a larger concern about a lesson or project, Connections Academy teachers are available to provide the guidance and one-on-one attention students need to learn and grow.
In addition to teachers, Connections Academy staff and counselors are also on hand to provide support with wellness counseling, college guidance, and more. Students at Connections Academy often learn from home but they are never alone. There are even plenty of opportunities to socialize with peers both online and in-person.
Enrolling in an online school can provide your child the learning environment they need to thrive. But it’s important to know the differences between the various options so you can answer important questions like: Is Connections Academy or K12 better? And: Which school is the best fit for my child?
At Connections Academy, students of all types can find the opportunities they need to nurture their strengths, overcome their challenges, and prepare for success throughout their lives. To learn how your child can start attending an online school this year, check out our article “5 Reasons It’s Not Too Late to Transfer to Online School.”
*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
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