Connections Academy announced that it does not currently support any online public schools for elementary, middle, or high school students in Utah. The organization instead directs interested residents to Pearson Online Academy, an accredited, tuition-based online private school, for educational alternatives within the state.
Elementary School Programming
For students seeking public elementary education, Connections Academy offers tuition-free online programs for grades K-12. These programs are designed to provide a high-quality, accredited curriculum similar to homeschooling that aligns with both state and national standards. The curriculum utilizes dynamic text, engaging videos, and audio to help students gain fundamental knowledge and build lifelong skills.
In addition to core academics, the elementary program includes state-wide field trips, live lessons, and social events intended to help online students connect with teachers and peers. The curriculum also features dozens of wide-ranging electives and academic clubs. To support student success, the organization employs elementary school teachers who specialize in the online learning environment and utilizes virtual school technology designed to make learning more engaging and meaningful.
Middle School Educational Features
The organization also provides online middle school options that serve as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar public schools. These tuition-free programs aim to go beyond basic classroom knowledge by infusing social and emotional learning into the curriculum to assist with student maturity and preparation for high school.
Middle school students have access to flexible scheduling to help balance education with family life and extracurricular activities. The curriculum includes a variety of electives and academic clubs, alongside specialized instruction from teachers trained in online instruction. Like the elementary program, the middle school curriculum uses engaging videos and audio to motivate students to explore the world around them.
High School and College Prep
For high school students, Connections Academy provides an accredited curriculum designed to help students meet state graduation requirements while fostering resiliency, adaptability, and critical thinking. The high school program offers specialized courses for college-bound students, including Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and NCAA eligible courses.
To assist with post-graduation transitions, the high school program provides certified counseling services to help students prepare for either college or various career opportunities. Students also have access to flexible scheduling and diverse electives. The curriculum is designed to enhance social skills and emotional strength through engaging lessons in subjects such as math, science, and language.
Alternative Options in Utah
While Connections Academy maintains a presence in many states, its current list of supported public schools does not include Utah for any grade level. For families in Utah who require an online educational model, the organization suggests Pearson Online Academy as a private, tuition-based option that provides accredited instruction.
Core Instructional Goals
Across all grade levels, Connections Academy emphasizes the use of innovative virtual school technology to create an engaging learning environment. The organization states that its goal is to help students thrive by providing a curriculum that, while similar to homeschooling, is supported by specialized teachers and designed specifically for the digital classroom.
