Review of Connections Academy: This school is not good.
Thumbnail of user ryanc1774
1 review
6 helpful votes
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January 30th, 2024

I've been going to Connections (ARCA) for 3-4 years now, I'm in 9th-grade rn. The school is more worried about passing than anything else, they claim they care SO MUCH about the students, but they do not. If they did, they'd address the concerns that I brought up and not completely ignore them. They do not care about the students. I realized most reviews were made by parents, not students. Is it helpful to other parents? Yes, it is! But you need to also look at how the student feels. Most students I met (which was not a lot, because this school doesn't care about social interactions.) Does not like this school, most cheat because this school throws so much stuff at you. Lessons have many grammar errors, and the questions can be wrong, confusing, or have more than one correct answer, but you have to pick one answer anyway. If this school did what they claimed, I wouldn't be here. As a student with learning problems, I feel like the school does not care about me and many other students. They expect everyone to learn the same way. So if I had to say, this school NEEDS to be fixed and NEEDS to change for the better. I am going to leave after this year is over.

Edit: I want to add this. It matters from school to school. ARCA isn't good, no social interaction, no talking, nothing. At the time of making this, I was trying to do my work, but I needed to stop, there is just so much work. The weird thing is, I like reading, but for learning it's a no-go. I'm better off learning from someone talking to me, the normal school that I'm going to next year is good. No bullying, most people are nice, and it's in a really good area. If you are not good with in-person learning, your local public school is really bad, or you like being by yourself a lot, this school would be okay for you. It's just not for me. I felt like I needed to add this, so if you're fine with the stuff I said, then the school wouldn't be bad for you.

Location: Arkansas Connections Academy

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Connections Academy

Corporate Values

Overview

Connections Academy has a rating of 3.3 stars from 529 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Connections Academy most frequently mention public school, field trips, and live lessons. Connections Academy ranks 217th among Education sites.

  • Service
    56
  • Value
    49
  • Quality
    52

This company responds to reviews on average within 2 hours

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 92.3%
Positive
84
Neutral
1
Negative
6
How would you rate Connections Academy?
Business's Favorite Review

“Convenient, organized, prompt, reliable & friendly”

Martha F.
3/20/24

Best choice for our daughter, other than a charter school. Questions we had were all answered. Enrollment was easy. Teachers & Counselors are great to work with.The website for parents & guardians is easy to use. Our daughter is very happy choosing this school. Extra curricular activities outside the school have been creative. The variety of clubs vary & lots to choose from. Thank you for providing tjis online school service!

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Top Positive Review

“Happy with Connections Academy Education”

Izadora M.
3/20/24

I am a mother of two Autistic children. Connections Academy has not only been accommodating and patient during this difficult, yet exciting adventure. They've gone above and beyond at every chance possible to help us attain the foundation for a strong and hopeful future for our entire family. Thank you to the teachers and staff as well as the tech department for giving us your best efforts day after day.

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

connections academy (191) field trips (32) school work (19) school year (36)
Thumbnail of user adadawdaw
4 reviews
8 helpful votes
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October 24th, 2017

I currently attends this school! The teachers are fantastic and always respond within minutes! All these bad reviews are crap! NOT a school for someone who thinks that since theyre at home they just dont have school!

Thumbnail of user brytnil
1 review
5 helpful votes
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October 21st, 2022

I had my kids enrolled for 7 years. They expelled my 1st grader. A 6 YEAR OLD CHILD.The work curriculum is ridiculous. They aren't willing to work with you when life serves you difficult circumstances. Basically. Your child is a number. That's it. There are WAY more Options than this liberal quack job of a school.

Location: Arizona Connections Academy

* Connections Academy attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Brytni, We are so sorry to hear that you've had a negative experience with our school. Our students are our top priority, and we always want to see them succeed. We recognize that attending a virtual school can be challenging, but we always encourage families to reach out if they need additional support. While we are not able to discuss account-specific information publicly, we would be happy to put a staff member in touch with you if you wish to discuss the withdrawal of your student. Please send us an email at community@connectionsacademy.com if you'd like us to have someone reach out. Thank you. ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user ac485
1 review
30 helpful votes
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June 24th, 2019

These teachers started these kids with over 100 plus assignments past due. They were working day and night with unrealistic expectations, no social life, anxiety, those in sports had no time for sports, etc. They screwed up a whole year for my child. I'm pissed about it! Furthermore, they had untimely feedback, placed temporary zeros for those they said were hiding in the program. Yet every one else pays. Then in the end they give them a low balled grade they don't deserve. Having a masters and in being a doctoral program I know the quality of my child's work I was there side by side as a learning coach assisting. So I know their grading is full of bologna. They had all these kids on Improvement contracts for the assignments they placed them behind. It seemed racially targeted. They messed up her GPA. They will not see the last of this complaint! More parents need to complain. They shouldn't be getting paid to screw up our kids future when they are supposed to help pave the way.

Thumbnail of user justins943
1 review
11 helpful votes
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January 8th, 2022

This school has zero tools for the "learning coach" but if your child is failing it's entirely your fault according to their educators. You cannot limit the assignments your child has access to, you cannot send assignments back to your child to look at them again before submission, and once submitted the assignment can't be reset. Essentially if your child for whatever reason decides to blow through all the assignments in one night there is nothing you can do and nothing the school will do but fail them. I was told having three children in this program would be just fine as the school is the same as brick and mortar. Now I'm being told It's my fault because I'm the primary educator. There's a reason most of these reviews are negative. Do not put your child in this school.

* Connections Academy attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Justin, Although we strongly recommend that students have a dedicated Learning Coach who takes an active role in their students' learning, your students' teachers are their primary educators. I'm very sorry that you haven't felt that way, and I'd like to put you in touch with someone at the school who can help. Please send me an email at community@connectionsacademy.com and provide the email address you used to create your account or the first and last name of your students so I can access your account and have someone reach out to address your concerns. ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user michelleh2994
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

My son is 4th grader who loves all things sports, nature, playing video games and laughing with his friends. John has a rare medical condition that made it next to impossible to attend the "normal " brick and mortar school. He struggled to stay healthy and fell behind in his school work. Finding TECCA was the best gift. For our son, he gets to have the best teachers, friends, and curriculum all form the comfort of our home. His team of tea hers are dedicated and take the time to learn about their students and their needs. John is having a great year. We could not be happier!

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Michelle, We're glad to hear that John is doing so well at TECCA! We hope that he continues to thrive! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user hhuh
1 review
6 helpful votes
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November 26th, 2021

The school is overall good but can be stressful if you get the wrong teachers. The school didn't enroll my child until 4 weeks into the first day of school so they were very behind in lessons. The home room teacher is incredibly disrespectful, rude, and unhelpful. My child tells me they understand nothing from the lessons, and the feedback they get from their teacher is nothing but slander. Please pick a different school because this one is not it.

Thumbnail of user kimberlyk495
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hello! Thank you for your feedback. We are committed to providing a high-quality education for all students, and I am sorry to hear that wasn't your experience. We’d love to share your concerns with our school administrators. Can you please email us at community@connectionsacademy.com with your name and state as listed on the account and any specific details you’d like us to share? ~Kim

Thumbnail of user rickieg12
1 review
2 helpful votes
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April 11th, 2022
Verified purchase

My daughter wasn't doing so good in public school. We chose to come to an online school, to give it a try. She has been more focused, less distracted from everything around her. She excels in ways I didn't think possible. This is by far the best choice we ever made.

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Rickie, This is incredible to hear. We understand that some students excel in traditional brick-and-mortar schools while others need something different to truly thrive. We are happy that your daughter is doing so well at our school and hope she continues to succeed. Thank you for sharing! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user michelles3891
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

We started out with CA due to CoVid but our daughter has done so well we have agreed to let her continue! The teachers for the most part do sincerely care about our kids. So far anytime she's asked they've been more than willing to schedule extra time with her if needed. The only downfall that I wish would change is that the students closer to Greenville and Columbia get better opportunities to attend field trips etc due to distance. We are in the Charleston area and it seems our kids do not get any local opportunities to socialize- we did have a liaison to help organize meet ups but for whatever reason that never worked our.

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Michelle, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review! Can you please email us at community@connectionsacademy.com so we can forward your socialization feedback to the school administrators? Thanks again! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user margaretm151
1 review
16 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2017

So many assignments & portfolios, you will NEVER have time for ANYTHING else! I seriously don't know why they offer or arrange for field trips because you'll never have the time to go. They're usually at least 2 hours away or farther! If you happen to go there goes a complete day of doing assignments so you're now behind. Catching up is something you cant do! When i called the teachers for help all we got was a game of phone tag or they were on vacation and no one else could help! My son was on the computer 24/7! Up all night trying to finish assignments usually until 3 a.m.! My son went from A's and B's to some C's but mostly D's! If you care about your child DON'T, Just don't do connections! You will regret it. What a waste of time and energy! Couldn't even finish up with the semester because of all the expectations! My son has never been so consumed with assignments, portfolios, and basically just trying to navigate through the computer program/programs required.

Thumbnail of user graciea7
1 review
5 helpful votes
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June 3rd, 2019

Our only regret is not finding it sooner. Only complaint is that Texas law won't let them start in kindergarten. Love this school. My child was barely passing and being bullied in school so we put him in Texas Connection Academy and first year, and he is in distinguished honors.
Worked at our own pace, very flexible. And it is no more work then you get at regular school. People don't understand that they give many ways to learn and your child learns by doing what they need. So everything you see isn't done. You can do online, videos, workbooks, read etc. and do the work your child needs to learn. Workload is the only bad reviews I've read, and it isn't a lot, it's just presented in many ways, your choice.

Thumbnail of user robinh1142
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 26th, 2023
Verified purchase

Connections Academy has been everything for us. We have had the best experience. We can't say enough good about it. The teachers are just awesome and so very knowledgeable. All of the staff are so helpful. The platform is easy to use. The field trips that are offered are amazing. Thank you all

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Robin, We're so happy to hear that you have had such a great experience at our school. Thank you for your review! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user erican135
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 20th, 2022
Verified purchase

My daughter is a senior and the school took excellent are of her. Especially her English teacher. Reaching out to her when she needed really pushed her to finish. Would recommend this school to everyone who needs an at home environment

Thumbnail of user alexisc292
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Erica, Thank you so much for the kind words! We love to hear about the successes of our students, and it's even more exciting knowing that support from their teachers helped to drive that success. We wish your daughter the best after graduation! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user lisab1758
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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March 15th, 2022
Verified purchase

My daughter has anxiety to new changes. While she was in school in person, she came home with migraine every day. For me was frustrating.
I decided to put her in this program and now she is feeling much better about her anxiety. I like the great communication between the teachers and parents. I like the way they have to help students when they are back in homework. Everything is good. I recommended.

Thumbnail of user alexisc292
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Lisa, We're sorry that your daughter struggles with anxiety, but are very glad that we have been able to help with that. We hope that she continues to thrive at our school! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user quinnc44
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 1st, 2020

We really like Connections. This is our 3rd year. Some parts of online school were hard to get used to. That happens with any online school. Majority of the teachers are always helpful and eager to help. Online learning doesn't work for everyone and requires some dedication. I Think some people expect it to be easy. This program helps you stay on a schedule but have some freedom at the same time. I also know What my kids are learning. With some other reviews I feel like the Parent or Guardian or Learning Coach was expecting to be hands off. With Connections it's a group effort. Teachers and your kid and you. All 3 are needed.

Thumbnail of user kimberlyk495
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Quinn! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Parent involvement is important when it comes to online learning to ensure that your student is staying on track! Online school is an amazing experience for families, we love that you are able to help your student thrive in school! ~Regina

Thumbnail of user lynnam4
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

We have had our twins enrolled since they were in 6 th grade, they are now in 9 th grade and are excelling. We absolutely love this school. I also enrolled our oldest son when he was a jr at the time an now will be graduating this June! So exciting! All the teachers are great as well.

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Thumbnail of user alexisc292
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Lynna, Thank you for the praise! We're thrilled to hear that your students are excelling with us! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user cheefessb
1 review
9 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2019

They started my child 3 months late. She's a nonverbal autistic and only got an hour of speech therapy per week. The therapists are always switching up, so there is no way for a child to build any kind of relationship. They switched our case manager (the person responsible for organizing services) without notice. And now, they are prolonging giving me a referral to another school. All they care about is their funding... not your child.

Thumbnail of user alelih
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 16th, 2021

Homeschooling might not work for everyone however, we have had a fantastic experience with Florida Connections Academy. The teachers and staff are great and they act fast when you need something from them. The lessons are just about right for my learner and interactive. No plans of returning back to a brick-and-mortar school considering our amazing moments with FCA. We have all the control over her lesson time and if you are lucky that your learner doesn't need too much of your time, just like mine, bonus point!

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Thumbnail of user briaunnar
Bri R. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Aleli. Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Happy holidays! ~Bri

Thumbnail of user katiec675
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

Our experience with Connections Academy has been nothing less than a dream come true! From the very first phone call, to almost the end of our first year has been amazing. Everyone is kind, supportive, helpful, and there when you need them. The teachers go out of their way to make sure your child's needs are met and they are successful. Homeschooling keeps my child safe, and allows her the freedom to build connections and create friendships in the setting of our home. I would recommend this school to all parents! It has been a blessing! Thank you Connections!

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

We're so happy that we've been able to help provide your student with a safe learning environment, Katie! Thank you for your review! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user weedah
1 review
4 helpful votes
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February 27th, 2017

My two daughters have been enrolled (6th & 8th grade) since Sept. 2016, and they both love it. Yes, the workload is high, but it's possible to have flexibility if taking off and catching up during weekends and other holidays. Even if the amount of work is high but students soon catch up with the rhythm and know what is expected of them. Connecting with teachers is super easy too, again it's a matter of habit to pick up the phone or email them when we need something; they are very responsive. I haven't had any issues and both our daughters love it.

Thumbnail of user jessicad1912
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 29th, 2023
Verified purchase

My sophomore has a better GPA since starting than she had in years. The teachers are very accessible and compassionate. These instructors clearly love what they do and are very invested in my child's success. It feels wonderful to have such a great team on her side, finally.

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

This makes us so happy to see, Jessica! We're so proud of your student for increasing their GPA! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user michelleb577
1 review
8 helpful votes
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October 9th, 2018

This was defiantly not for my son... He ended up so depressed and hated it. Always confused and we always had issues with the lessons and no one would help or get back with you in a timely manner. This was a big mistake and I'm so glad he's back in regular school he's so happy and actually is having fun now!

Thumbnail of user sharonr1224
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 5th, 2021

My son was behind in public school and couldn't get enough time with teachers and little one on one. When he did it was with little results that stuck. He struggled with math and writing papers. At Ohio Connections Academy there are several EXCELLENT Math, Science, and English support options and effective supplementary computer programs! They have made a huge change in my sons education and confidence. I am not good at teaching writing or math so the additional help was a huge help. My son went from a D to B in one quarter and maintained it. Thank you for putting such an effective program together. My son actually likes going to school, likes his teachers, and his grades and education has consistently improved in Math, Science, and English. This is our 3rd year and we're staying.

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Thumbnail of user kimberlyk495
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

You’ve made our day, Sharon. There’s nothing we like to hear about more than a student who has rediscovered enthusiasm for learning. Tell your son to keep up that amazing work. We’re proud of him! ~Kim

Thumbnail of user sarahh2525
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 11th, 2023
Verified purchase

Our experience with MNCA has been an amazing one that will have us continuing next year. Mrs. Werner has gone above and beyond everyday to help with any struggles or questions we've had and has made this year one of the best, as my daughter also says, and she hopes that she will have more great years. Not only have we received help when needed but Mrs. Werner has made it fun, exciting, and enjoyable even when it was challenging. Everyday my daughter looks forward to Live Lesson because she loves the positivity, equal participation, and the familiar structure. We've had a great year and also recommended MNCA to many of our friends as well. I highly rate Mrs. Werner as being an outstanding teacher!

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Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for leaving your review! We love hearing that teachers like Mrs. Werner are having such a positive impact on their students. We hope that you and your daughter have a great rest of the school year and enjoy your summers! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user mildredd49
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 17th, 2022
Verified purchase

My son would get bored in other schools because he did not need a lot of verbal instructions as he prefer to read and work independently. Sometimes I wake up at 5am to find him reading the lesson for the day. My son is in the Gifted and Talented Program which he was already in before he enrolled in Connections Academy so we saw no decline in grades or enthusiasm.

Thumbnail of user alexisc292
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Mildred, We're so happy that you have found a school that works for your independent learner! We hope he continues to excel here! ~Alexis

Thumbnail of user mikeg1638
1 review
25 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2022

I would spend over 12 hours a day with my kid on assignments and was never ending. And never caught up. Some of the answers in Math were completely wrong. Imagine math is stupid. We spend over 50 hrs on it and it states we only completed 1 percent. A waste of time. I regret enrolling with the program, it's a big burden especially for young children to be expected. Especially when when assignments don't stop piling up. I don't see why the teachers don't reach out? I'm pretty much homeschooling my kid and someone is getting paid for it and giving them grades.

Location: Arizona Connections Academy

* Connections Academy attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

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Thumbnail of user alexisc292
Alexis C. – Connections Academy Rep

Hi Mike, I'm so sorry that you aren't getting the support that you need from your students' teachers. We do recognize that our school requires more parental involvement than a traditional brick-and-mortar school, but the teachers are the primary educators. Can you please send us an email at community@connectionsacademy.com with the email address used to set up your account or the first and last name of your students so we can have a staff member reach out to assist? ~Alexis

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From the business

Our tuition-free online public schools empower students to learn in a way that works best for them. From young dreamers to budding scientists, Connections Academy offers an online K-12 solution for all kinds of students. Our schools are inclusive, safe, and committed to giving each student the support they need to do their best and be prepared to succeed, no matter what the future holds.

Connections Academy offers online public school programs in 31 states. Although offerings vary by state, most schools serve grades K-12 and are open to students state-wide.

Business History

Twenty years ago, the first Connections Academy fully online public schools opened in Wisconsin and Colorado with a total of 200 students. Since that time, over one million students have experienced all or part of their K-12 education at a Connections Academy school. The launch of Connections Academy ushered in a new era in American K-12 public education, redefining our notion of education fundamentals like ‘school’ and ‘classroom.’ Equally groundbreaking: strengthening school choice options for families with access to a quality public education not bound by zip code and without walls or limits.

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Thumbnail of user kimberlyk495
Alexis C.
Typically responds within 2 hours

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