Jennifer Pinkston
Learning Coach
Jennifer Pinkston is a Learning Coach for her four daughters, Savannah, Brianna, Jenna, and Mollie, at Tennessee Connections Academy. Jennifer has been impressed with the school’s learning curriculum, dedicated teachers, and the program’s flexibility. She shares more about her family’s story below:
About Our Family
I have four children, and they all have separate interests. My 16-year-old, Savannah, wants to possibly enter the medical field or work for the FBI. She plays the piano and loves writing letters to friends, family, and whomever she feels inspired to uplift with her notes of kindness. My 14-year-old, Brianna, wants to join the Air Force and become a K-9 handler. She loves everything about animals and is a phenomenal dog trainer. She spends most of her free time with our lab and is currently attending competitive obedience classes with her. My 12-year-old, Jenna Leigh, and ten-year-old, Mollie, are avid softball players and cross country runners. They have both been state qualifiers! Mollie also plays basketball and the guitar.
We love everything outdoors. Connections Academy enables us to explore the outdoors and enjoy camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, swimming as a family. My girls will sometimes work ahead so that we can take a day to spend doing the things we love.
Why We Chose Tenneessee Connections Academy
Our previous homeschool experience had no structure, accountability, or approved curriculum. My high schooler was the reason we pursued Tennessee Connections Academy. Not only is it tuition-free but it’s also fully accredited with teachers, a curriculum, and accountability. My daughter was concerned she wasn’t learning what she needed to in order to graduate high school if we were to continue using our previous program.
I absolutely love Tennessee Connections Academy because the curriculum is both challenging and fun, and the material is presented so that any type of learner is able to achieve success.
— Jennifer
Our Online School Experience
Tennessee Connections Academy is a structured but flexible system. There are multiple opportunities to achieve success, and the time spent learning with Tennessee Connections Academy is considerably greater than the time that was allotted in their traditional brick-and-mortar school.
The teachers are an important factor, especially for my high schooler. She is a very studious and diligent student. Before we joined Connections Academy, we didn’t have the benefit of teachers, as I was the only instructor. I would grade her assignments, as well as provide feedback. My daughter was often left wondering if my feedback was enough. She absolutely needs the teacher feedback to feel her work is sufficient.
Tennessee Connections Academy has provided her with confidence in a meaningful, at-home educational experience. For this, I am grateful. I love that the teachers are fully invested in each student’s subject mastery. I am in constant contact with my children’s teachers both through WebMail and LiveLesson® sessions. There are a few teachers who have also given me their phone numbers to stay in touch.
I love the ability to see at any moment how my students are performing and what they may need help with. Not only am I able to visually see the grades for my children, but I’m also able to hear them talk about what they’re learning. The positive feedback from their teachers shows my children are mastering their work.
Tennessee Connections Academy is preparing my children to be successful in all areas in relation to a career. They will leave school as better readers, notetakers, test-takers, summarizers, investigators, scientists, mathematicians, problem solvers, communicators, and so on. I am pleased with the computer skills, knowledge, and information my children have already learned. My children will be more well-rounded with the information that has been provided to them at Tennessee Connections Academy.
Favorite Learning Coach Activity
The experiments that my children have been able to do are most memorable to me. The excitement on their faces and the devotion to these experiments show me that they do, in fact, love learning if provided in a fun way. What separates these experiences from others is that these times included my children saying, ‘We wouldn’t be able to do this in public school because . . .’ At these times, my heart is happy that we found Tennessee Connections Academy!
Advice for Interested Families
Tennessee Connections Academy is intense and not for everyone, but despite this, parents should know that it takes time to get in the groove and get comfortable with the format and assignments. Patience is key, and they should know that their child will be getting the best education to prepare them for the future. The teachers and administrators are so invested in the success of each student. They offer assistance and make themselves available to students in order to achieve this success. I know that my children will be successful in college because of the curriculum at Tennessee Connections Academy.
