Connections Academy has a rating of 4.2 stars from 555 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 45th among Education sites.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
Hi Michelle, We're glad to hear that John is doing so well at TECCA! We hope that he continues to thrive! ~Alexis
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Hi Lynna, Thank you for the praise! We're thrilled to hear that your students are excelling with us! ~Alexis
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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!
Hi Aleli. Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Happy holidays! ~Bri
Transferring from brick and mortar to connections has been great for my daughter. Being able to still have classmate interaction and the teachers being on LiveLesson and also study hall. She has flourished and I can't wait to see what this next year will bring.
This warms our hearts, Sunni! We're so happy to hear that your daughter is thriving at our school! ~Alexis
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.
Our first year on an online platform. We transferred from traditional school to online at the start of 7th grade. Our child has so much more free and family time! She is so much happier and Honor roll!
We're thrilled to hear that your student has had such a successful first year at our online school! Thank you for sharing, Kim! ~Alexis
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.
This makes us so happy to see, Jessica! We're so proud of your student for increasing their GPA! ~Alexis
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!
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.
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
Answer: Work at your own pace is the biggest lie out there. Supplies are usually quick to arrive though.
Answer: That is a very good question Dee. We were drawn in with that promise as well. They use exampmes of child athletes and child actors (at least they did when we were going through their website looking for schooling options) as examples of how flexible their program is but we found it to be a very different experience.
Answer: Do not put your child in this program i hate it i switched to connexus i could get more time in the gym and work out i used to spend five hours in the gym in normal school but now im only limited to one hour a day because i have so much work.the teachers never respond and its horrible they dont help me and when im at gym they call then i cant i pick up so they call my parents who are at work and will get in trouble if on there phones. I hate tis school and everyone in it and your kids will to so DO NOT DO IT! 1111
Answer: Attendance is more important to the school keeping it's Charter, than making sure a student is truly on track academically. The School has no communication skills, which is why it probably attracts lazy teachers.
Answer: I find that people take the time to vent about bad experiences rather than take the time to write reviews for good experiences. If things are working, why scour the internet for reviews. Every kiddo/parent will have a different experience with Connections Academy. Like any school program, it's not going to be right for everyone, not everyone will like a teacher, or administration or class... It's a rigorous school, not a homeschool program with lots of flexibility and curriculum that can be changed. It's working for my 7th grader, but it is hard and we wouldn't be enrolled if he didn't have me to sit by him 80% of the time. Otherwise he's getting an excellent education in Oregon and we love the teachers.
Answer: Yes, you can do you your at any time. I start at 5:00am and finish at 11:00am.
Answer: Maybe once a month. The student might get a phone call from his or her homeroom teacher on a monthly basis. Other than that, unless you or the student contact the teacher individually, then the interaction is done as a whole in the Live Lesson rooms. And so much outside stuff goes on during Live Lessons, the students do not get a lot out of them.
Answer: Hi Tina, Teachers schedule LiveLesson sessions (usually one per subject per day), and other work is done independently. Teachers are available outside of the virtual classroom for more support if needed. Outside of the LiveLesson sessions, work is done independently, and students can typically complete their schoolwork any time of the day, any day of the week. ~Alexis
Answer: Hi Malorie, Teachers schedule LiveLesson sessions (usually one per subject per week), and other work is done independently. Teachers are available outside of the virtual classroom for more support if needed. In general, there is no set time to log in outside of the LiveLesson sessions, so students can typically work any time of the day, any day of the week. For information specific to the school(s) in your state, please email us at community@connectionsacademy.com. Thanks! ~Alexis
Answer: Hi Monique, Many students with special needs thrive in online school. Can you please email us at community@connectionsacademy.com so we can connect you with the Special Education team in your state and also provide you with additional eligibility information about the school(s) in your state? Thank you! ~Alexis
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