This post is sponsored by Connections Academy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I know most of us never had virtual learning in our minds when we started to plan for a family. If I can speak for myself here, I was really thrown through a loop when we were expected to be both the parents and the teachers back in 2020. I was NOT prepared for that! One of the biggest challenges of that year was learning to adapt to distance learning with a then Kindergartener and Pre-K’er. For over 6 months, our boys were at home with us doing virtual schooling amidst the pandemic. The initial transition was a tough one, but I will say that I experienced first-hand the resiliency and flexibility we all had and part of me loved being able to see them learn together from home. That experience definitely gave us a lot of extra time together and I can definitely see why some families would choose to do schooling from home, especially in uneasy times like these. They also adapted to modern technology like little pros! I was so impressed.
Now, with the new school year beginning and so much uncertainty looming, many parents have been contemplating continuing their child’s education from home in order to keep consistency. Many school districts have no virtual learning programs in place in the event of another shutdown, which has led some families to feel confused about whether they should be homeschooling instead. Whether you are considering online learning because your family likes the freedom that it provides, or if your child’s needs or diverse schedules (sports, your family travels often, or you just need more flexibility in your days, etc.), there are other options out there for you! For those that are interested in distance learning for their child, Connections Academy is a great option.
What is Connections Academy?
Connections Academy schools are tuition-free, online public schools for students in grades K-12. Classes are taught from home by caring and talented teachers who are certified in their grade levels and subject areas. Every teacher has at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have a master’s or other advanced degree. With 47 schools across 30 states and over 100,000 students enrolled, Connections Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum and individualized support needed for successful virtual learning. Their teachers will guide your child’s education while keeping what you want, as a parent, in mind. One of the major things that I love about Connections Academy is that parents are not the teachers!
What are some of the benefits of choosing Connections Academy for online learning?
Connections Academy offers powerful online tools, like the learning portal, which helps parents, teachers and students stay connected and track shared goals. Their online model gives the flexibility to tailor individual learning plans to each student’s needs and strengths, allowing them to learn how they learn best. Students who graduated from Connections Academy say that full-time virtual school helped them become independent learners and skilled at time management, both of which are valuable in today’s workforce that is ever dependent on technology.
Connections Academy students can learn anywhere they have an internet connection. All required books and other materials are free. You only need to buy regular school supplies like pencils and notebooks. There are occasional optional field trips, but they are voluntary.
What kinds of curriculum do they offer?
Connections Academy recognizes that as students evolve, so will their needs. One of the main benefits of the virtual learning model is its adaptability and flexibility. Regular check-ins between teachers, students, and Learning Coaches means they will be able to adjust the student’s learning plan to keep them growing. While there are lots of opportunities for individualized learning, Connections Academy also offers opportunities for students to interact with each other and teachers through Live Lesson classrooms. Connections Academy is also accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Math, science, English and social studies are the core of the curriculum. For older students, there are plenty of options through Advanced Placement courses to earn college credits.
How will I know if online learning is right for my family?
A flexible schedule is one of the most common reasons that families consider online schools. Teachers and counselors at Connections Academy work closely with students and their families to create a flexible schedule that optimizes your child’s learning. Connections Academy allows students to take breaks as necessary and to complete assignments when it suits them best. With these options, they can learn at their own pace.
If you have any questions at all about Connections Academy, please leave them below and myself or someone from Connections Academy will do their best to answer them for you!
