Connections Academy

The 2020 school year started with so much uncertainty that I didn't have high expectations that our district could scramble to keep up with hybrid/virtual/in person and variations of them all. A couple of my daughter's (3rd grade) classmates were doing Connections Academy and I figured that it would be a more seamless year for her if we did that too. It has far exceeded my expectations. The curriculum is presented in a very thoughtful way that let's us communicate on a wide variety of subjects. The way that the program is designed makes it easy to keep up, work ahead, and work on our schedule. My daughter is in gifted and the project was great. The teachers communicate well and take time to get to know students. I'm strongly considering continuing through elementary school because my daughter has been able to learn so much more than in a brick and mortar school where there is no opportunity to work ahead or explore subjects at this depth.

I have two students that were straight A and B students, Now they're failing because this school wont grade work on time and they do not Participate in anyway to help the students. My daughter was in Beta Club and now she is failing. I'm really considering placing them back in regular school. I'm starting to dislike this school. I forgot to mention how much hard work they give kindergarden students, its ridiculous My 3 children are suffering all because of these lazy $#*! teachers.

Be careful of this school! Lots of technology problems and very little communication between the different departments. My son loses submitted lessons on a daily basis, which means wait on them to restore them, which they cannot do - or redo them! Puts him further and further behind and discourages his grades. Mark Reider is an awesome teacher there - one of the few that is dedicated and works to help in any way. So grateful we had him this year. But we can't get acknowledgement of the problem from anyone else there or any real help getting it fixed. The principal of the Arkansas school is completely out of touch with what is happening, and the IT department is nonexistent, unfortunately. The association of Arkansas Charter Schools says there is nothing they can do to help! This is where our tax dollars are going, Arkansas!

Don't waste your time! After getting all the enrollment paperwork done and sitting through a pre-enrollment meeting, for an hour, I got a phone call to let me know that my son would not be excepted this semester due to them not meeting the enrollment time. Then they proceeded to try and turn it around on me if this is how the school is run, I wouldn't want my child there anyhow. What a waste of time.So mad!

One of my kids graduated from Colorado Connections Academy and two more are currently enrolled. We have been very happy with the school, as the teachers are very dedicated and always available. The kids are able to go at their own pace and control whether or not they get overdue lessons. In fact, it is possible to change the lesson schedule to accommodate their own schedules. The quality of the curriculum is excellent and there are different levels of courses offered, such as Foundations, Standard, Honors, and AP. My kids are constantly challenged and engaged in a very positive way. There are many opportunities for social gatherings and events if you choose to participate. There are even different online clubs to join. Connections Academy has helped my kids learn about responsibility, accountability, and has provided them with the tools they need to be successful in this program and in life.

I would like to thank Connections Academy for all their input with our children. I'm so happy I found this school and my son accomplished more and his mental health progressed more thanks to all the attention given. I'm glad i was able to be part of this and i have referred family and friends as well. Wish all schools could be like this one.

I was not eager to take my child out of the social situations of in person schooling, but we decided it was up to her. Though in the beginning it was rocky, this past year has shown that it was a good decision. She is on honor roll and has straight A's. And she's becoming Involved in things that are important to her. I Believe that this was the right choice for my child.

My family travels for work, and we needed to take our son with us. We decided to give MOCA a try because of the flexibility. It has been a great success. Our son says he feels like he has learned more than he was at his in person school. My husband was concerned about his social interactions, but they have regular opportunities for him to get together and meet people in his own age group. He also has plenty of time to talk to his friends. Overall, it has been a very positive experience for us.

We were really nervous about doing an online Academy. We started the school year after covid started, and have thoroughly enjoyed our experience. As a parent I really enjoy being involved daily with what my child is learning. Also, my daughter has become an excellent independent learner. I think this is a good skill to have in life. This would be our second year in Connections Academy, and I don't see us changing that.

I'm a Senior in high school and I've been using Connections since 9th grade and it is simply the worst. They do not let you go at your own pace and when you ask them about that policy, they say that there's a due date on the assignments. Correct me if I'm wrong but that doesn't sound like 'at your own pace' to me. I understand that things have to be turned in to receive a grade, but you mean to tell me that I have a project, a unit test with essay questions, and several regular lessons with long book readings due by tomorrow? What logic is that? It seems that the go at your own pace policy only applies to those that are ahead. Also, even if they notice that you're falling behind, they won't give you any help, or the only "help" they give you is reminding you that you're behind. The many portfolio projects can be long and can even cost you money. I am honestly disappointed with my entire high school experience with Connections.

My son attended a brick and mortar school from Pre-K until half way through 4th grade. He had an IEP in reading. They were not giving him the right help and too many accommodations in the wrong subjects. We then had to deal with a racial teacher. I had finally had enough and moved him to Connections. After moving him to Connections they immediately helped us get settled in and review his IEP. We found that he had fallen further behind and now needed help in math and writing. They put him in online IEP classes. He now is receiving the correct amount of help he needs in math, reading and writing. We are so glad that we moved him. We can do it on our schedule and that works great since I still have to work while being a learning coach.

Location: Arizona Connections Academy

To the people having mental breakdowns about not getting out of the house, that's basically your fault because you can take a break or something yeah know.
And to the people who have over due work all the damn time, that sucks bro, but they give you 7 lessons a day and each lesson takes 1 hour or less and you shouldn't have all these over due lessons if you could organize your life.

I would say the school is good for you if you can keep it together, and you can organize your time well like most functioning young adults should.

When we started my daughter was struggling in public school and having ton of aniezty and failing so we decided to try the charter reach school ever since we put her in charter school she has been with less stress, more happier and the teachers are great always there to help or support your child this is her second year at charter school and we love how it fits around are schedule too

Location: Reach Cyber Charter School

I am so relieved to have found an excellent alternative to traditional brick and mortar public school. Connections Academy provides my children with talented teachers, a well rounded curriculum that is preparing my kids for college. I love the fact that they are able to learn at home in a safe environment free from the bullying and distractions that are so prevalent in a traditional brick and mortar public school.

Each teacher has their own way of submitting work. It's very confusing. Daughter is failing PE already. Takes 9 to 10 hrs a day of work most is technical issues I need to help and try to understand how to upload things for children. Will be complaining soon to dept of education.
Seems it would be better to homeschool and develop own curriculum.

I had been trying to enroll my son in Connections Academy for over a month. I'd sent in drivers license information and filled out the notarized document they requested and no contact or communication.
I turned in the immunization records from my childs pediatric clinic and I turned in his immunization records from his school. Those were denied without contact or communication.

When calling to try and figure out what could be done the communication was horrible, It's as if this school is going out of business and no one cares.

End of story. I had the correct information submitted but unfortunately the registration deadline has ended.

I feel like I dodged a bullet. This is not a company or school I would trust to help my child.

After 1 full month in, I would say the school is failing it students.
Issue # 1. Some teachers have never read the materials in the course (90% of which is reading text and watching very short videos), nor have they reviewed the test given at the end of text. I would never expect my students to take a test that I had not reviewed or created myself. Each Teacher can have over 500 students each. Though the teachers, so far, are very helpful the content that in presented and the manner in which it is presented is overwhelming in content and lacking in creating an environment where students can succeed.
Issue# 2. The teacher/student instructional time i. E. "live Lesson" consists of a shockingly short 30-50 minutes per wk! And available for questions 4 hr per week. It is my fervent belief that unless a child is gifted with photographic memory or a parent can spend 8 hours with your child teaching the lessons the student will not be successful. Hopefully things improve.

My 9th grader is just struggling with this Connections Academy Utah and it is awful. He struggles with everything - the computer system didn't work for 2 weeks, the English class is a joke - just not what I expected. If I could put him in "regular" school again I would. So not happy with them.

I am not sure how anyone considers this an education—— maybe an hour of live lesson per week per subject. They lie and misrepresent what they actually offer. Shameful—- I don't know how the department of Ed has not shut them down

This was the Best decision we made as family for our son. His teachers are very professional and supportive. They communicate with him and us as Parents. They are really great at helping my son succeed this far in his Academic Experience.

My child can not graduate this year due to Connection Academies lack of communication and misrepresentation. Most of the teachers sit at home doing other things like watch TV rather then answer their phone and BE A TEACHER! Their solution is pull your child out, they blame the child by saying "must not be a good fit" they REFUSE to take responsibility as educators! Do not be fooled by their lies! They costed my child and many others the graduation day these students worked so hard to achieve. When is America going to stand up for the future of our children? My child had dreams but this school taught him how to fail and that he should drop out and give up! You people should be ashamed of yourselves for calling yourselves "Educators".

This is my daughter's second year with INCA. I am so happy that I chose this school! The teachers' and staff are very helpful, and caring. My daughter has had some learning issues, and the teachers' have made a plan for her to get the help she needs to succeed. I would suggest this school to anyone!

Location: Indiana Connections Academy

Mnca is a wonderful school. We are able to work at our pace. We have enjoyed the virtual and in person field trips. They seems to offer something for everyone with the wide variety of options. The teachers are so warm and engaging with the students. My daughters teacher Mrs.Werner has taken the time to know each of the students in her class and is able to encourage them not only about academics but whatever interests them.