(openPR) - Students enrolled in the free online school, Connections Academy, get a year’s worth of school supplies delivered right to their homes. The comprehensive “school year in a box” includes textbooks, science materials, a computer, and more.

BALTIMORE, MD, August 5, 2008 – Getting back-to-school supplies takes on a whole new meaning for families with students enrolled in Connections Academy virtual public schools. Just before school begins, they get a back-to-school special delivery: a school year in a box, delivered right to their homes.

Each year, students enrolled in Connections Academy look forward with great excitement to receiving their back-to-school boxes of learning materials. Connections Academy gives students everything they need, including computers, textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs, microscopes and other science equipment, art materials, even jump ropes and other physical education supplies.*

“Our kids can’t wait for their Connections Academy back-to-school boxes to arrive,” observed Trish Sevits of Colorado Springs, who has two children enrolled in Colorado Connections Academy. “Opening up the big boxes is almost like opening birthday gifts – it’s very exciting and a positive way to start the school year. The kids just love it and I love to see their enthusiasm about school.”

The back-to-school boxes, while very comprehensive, are just one small part of the free online school. Connections Academy’s certified teachers and their relationships with the students and families, coupled with a rigorous, high-quality curriculum, really define the Connections Academy school experience, and contribute to students’ academic success.

Connections Academy virtual public schools combine state-certified teachers, a standards-aligned curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives and clubs, and community experiences to create an individualized alternative to the bricks-and-mortar classroom.

All Connections Academy students participate in the nationally accredited Connections Academy program that includes a curriculum combining high quality textbooks from leading publishers with cutting-edge, yet easy-to-use, technology resources and hands-on materials. Learning from home, school students work closely with their parents, or other “Learning Coaches” and state-certified teachers, using detailed daily lesson plans personalized to meet individual student needs.

Accountability is central to Connections Academy’s mission and all students enrolled in the public internet school must meet the same levels of accountability and complete the same state standardized tests as students at traditional public schools. Connections Academy schools serve a wide range of students, including those who are significantly ahead or behind in the classroom; students who benefit from highly individualized instruction; or who want a flexible school schedule. The school also appeals to previously home-schooled students and students who, for a variety of reasons, are better served outside the traditional classroom.

*Supplies provided differ for each Connections Academy school and for each grade.

www.ConnectionsAcademy.com
Connections Academy
1001 Fleet Street, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202

MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Bazin
(609) 247-0275
PublicRelations@ConnectionsAcademy.com

About Connections Academy
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 www.ConnectionsAcademy.com