(openPR) - Willmar area families looking for an alternative to traditional bricks-and-mortar schools are invited to attend a free information session hosted by MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free virtual public school program.

The event will be held Thursday, July 24, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Willmar Public Library, 410 5th Street SW in Willmar. With the addition of twelfth grade for the 2008-’09 school year, the program serves all students across the state, K-12.

Event attendees can speak with faculty and explore the school’s customized learning approach, its high-quality curriculum and unique technology tools. Enrollment counselors will be on hand to answer questions and help families complete the enrollment process, if interested. Families interested in learning at home with support from Minnesota-certified teachers and the accountability of an accredited public school are encouraged to attend. The event is free and child friendly. Reservations are not required, though families may register at www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

Minnesota Connections Academy creates an individualized alternative to a bricks-and-mortar classroom by combining state-certified teachers, high-quality curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives and clubs, and community experiences. The program’s curriculum combines textbooks from leading publishers with cutting-edge, yet easy-to-use, technology resources and hands-on materials. Learning from home, students work closely with their parents, or other “Learning Coaches,” along with state-certified teachers, using detailed daily lesson plans personalized to meet individual student needs.

Minnesota Connections Academy is designed to meet the needs of students and their families who are looking for an alternative to the conventional classroom — those who need a flexible schedule, learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention or live in isolated rural settings. Homebound and previously home-schooled students can also thrive in Connections Academy’s program. Connections Academy operates its full-time virtual public school program in Minnesota through a partnership with the Minnesota Transitions Charter School.

For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

Wowza
2601 2nd Avenue South, Studio 1
Minneapolis, MN 554048
Melissa Hillmyer
612-435-7103
melissa@wowza.biz

Connections Academy is a leading national provider of high quality, highly accountable virtual public schools in thirteen states operated in partnership with charter schools, school districts, and state departments of education. Connections Academy schools deliver top-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences to create a supportive and successful environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. In Connections Academy’s unique Personalized Performance Learning® approach, students use daily lesson plans and curriculum materials provided by Connections Academy. Teachers develop a learning plan for each student, whose progress is tracked through a proprietary, web-based Learning Management System. In 2008-09 Connections Academy will serve students in Arizona, California (Southern and Central), Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri (through the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program), Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin. In 2008-09 Connections Academy will offer grades K through 12, though some schools do not offer all grades. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit Connections Academy online.