(openPR) - MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a free online school for K-12 students, continues to receive high marks from students and parents. In its 2007-2008 Parent Satisfaction Survey, Minnesota Connections Academy, a public school alternative that delivers top quality education to students in the comfort of their homes, received an “A” or “B” from more than 92 percent of parents.

MTS Minnesota Connections Academy families praised the cyber school’s academic rigor, program flexibility and the combination of the computer and learning management system to improve the learning experience, which ultimately results in the student making progress. Parents are also impressed with the Minnesota Connections Academy staff, with a 90 percent rating for responsiveness and a 96 percent rating for helpfulness.

The strong support from Minnesota Connections Academy families reflects the Internet school’s continued success, even as enrollment increases and Connections Academy serves more students than ever before. Impressed with the virtual public school program, nearly 96 percent of parents recommend Connections Academy to parents whose children aren’t enrolled in the program.

“A high level of parental involvement is a hallmark of Connections Academy, and the annual parent satisfaction survey encourages families and staff to engage in an active conversation about the program,” said Melissa Nelson, principal of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy. “We work hard to provide students with the best possible education, and are grateful that Minnesota Connections Academy families continue to give our program such all-around high marks.”

L.J. Shapiro & Associates, an independent market research company created the survey, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents of all currently enrolled students were encouraged to complete the survey. Among the responding states, Minnesota had a 69 percent response rate, compared to the national average of 57 percent.

Minnesota Connections Academy, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., combines state-certified teachers, high quality curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives, clubs and community experiences to create an individualized alternative to the brick-and-mortar classroom. The curriculum is aligned to meet or exceed Minnesota academic standards. Students also participate in state standardized testing.

Connections Academy is designed to meet the needs of students and their families who are looking for a unique public school option—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 the program. Connections Academy operates its full-time Internet school program in Minnesota through a partnership with Minnesota Transitions Charter School.

Families interested in free online school with some similarities to home schooling, but with the support of state-certified teachers and the accountability of public education are encouraged to learn more by calling 800-382-6010 or visiting www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

Wowza
2601 2nd Avenue South
Studio One
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Melissa Hillmyer
612-435-7103
melissa@wowza.biz

Connections Academy is a leading national provider of high quality, highly accountable virtual public schools in 13 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.