Texas Connections Academy’s Class of 2024 Earns More Than $4.3 Million in Scholarships and Awards
Leading full-time, online public school celebrates graduates from across the state
HOUSTON, Tex. – Texas Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school, celebrated its 960 graduating seniors at an in-person ceremony at the NRG Arena in Houston. Students from across the state were honored by school administrators, teachers and family members during the in-person commencement ceremony.
Among the speakers at the ceremony was valedictorian Sterling McDowell of Sulphur Springs. Sterling has attended Texas Connections Academy since third grade and joined the school due to the limited opportunities offered in the local schools in her small town with a population of 16,000. Sterling excelled academically at Texas Connections Academy and was able to pursue other interests including competitive dance.
In her commencement speech, Sterling encouraged her fellow graduates to make their mark on the world and closed her speech by saying, “As we all go out into the world in the coming days as graduates, I ask you to own your label and to never be afraid to claim your space.” Sterling will be attending Georgetown University to study political science with a focus on public policy and hopes to one day wear the label of congresswoman.
More than half of the graduating class plans to attend a two- or four-year college including, Auburn University, Baylor University, Princeton University, Texas A&M, University of Illinois, University of Texas, West Point, and the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. Additionally, 12 percent plan to pursue vocational training, 11 percent plan to enter the workforce, and others plan to serve in the military or take a gap year.
“At Texas Connections Academy, our students are challenged academically, and we also help prepare them for the real world,” said Darla Gardner, executive director of Texas Connections Academy. “Whether they choose to continue their education or join the workforce or military, these students have the resilience that they need to succeed.”
The graduates and their families chose the full-time, tuition-free, online school for students in grades 3-12 across Texas for a more personalized and flexible education that enabled them to thrive academically while working in an environment that served them best.
At Texas Connections Academy, students have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and flexible scheduling that facilitates a hands-on approach to their individual and unique educational journey. Those who enroll in the school join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.
Enrollment for Texas Connections Academy's 2024-25 school year is currently open for grades 3-12. Families interested in Texas 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 or to begin the enrollment process, visit or call 1-833-591-0251.
About Texas Connections Academy
Texas Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 3-12. Operating as an approved Houston Independent School District (HISD) External Performance Contract Campus and accredited through HISD, Texas Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers help to build fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students determine how they learn best. At Texas Connections Academy, 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 information, visit Texas Connections Academy or call 1-833-591-0251.