More Louisiana students than ever are taking to online classes for their schooling

More Louisiana students than ever are taking to online classes for their schooling

As back to school time approaches for students in Louisiana, numbers are showing that more and more families are choosing to turn to online schooling as their provider of education.

Though virtual education used to be seen by many as reserved for post-high school classes, many parents are now opting to place their children in online schooling throughout their K-12 years.

Louisiana Connections Academy, a free public virtual charter school open to students from every parish of the state, is one of the many online schools in the state that is growing rapidly.

Last year, the school had over 1700 students enroll in the school, the most since it’s inception in 2011. This year the school plans to welcome in over 2000 students, making it one of the largest public charter schools in the state.

“More and more, families are starting to see the benefits of what online schooling can offer,” said Louisiana Connections Academy Lead Principal Glenda Jones. “We are like any other school in that we meet state curriculum standards, require testing accountability and offer students all the opportunities of clubs and field trips. But we also offer personalized tutoring, and flexible scheduling.”

According to a survey done by Connections Academy, 93 percent of the parents who enrolled their children into Louisiana Connections Academy gave the school an “A” or “B” grade; 49 percent of the parents noted that they chose online schooling because they “wanted a change from their traditional, local school”; 38 percent said online schooling offered their family “greater flexibility”.

Principal Jones remarked that a benefit of an online school compared to traditional one is that it can offer each child a personalized education that addresses their interests, learning pace and schedule. “

We work not only just for our students to graduate,” said Jones. “We work to ensure our students experience success after graduation, whether in college, trade school, or the workplace.”

The school has boasted a hugely successful graduation rate for its past senior classes. Their class of 2015 seniors garnered over $300,000 in scholarships from universities throughout the country.  

“Online schooling continues to grow just like technology continues to advance and we look to be leaders in the virtual education revolution,” said Principal Jones.            

Even as the year school year approaches, Louisiana Connections Academy encourages prospective students and parents to visit www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy.com to learn more about virtual schooling in Louisiana and see if it is the right fit for their child with a special schedule, special needs or just in need of a change.            

Parents can call the school about enrollment now at (225) 372-8389. The first day of class is Monday, August 10.  


MEDIA
Media - H. Harper or J. Barnes (504) 897-6110
Marketing/Parent Outreach Coordinator Shelly Centanni 504-875-5102    

ABOUT LOUISIANA CONNECTIONS ACADEMY (www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy.com)
Louisiana Connections Academy is the state’s leading provider of high-quality, free public online charter schooling for grades K through 12. Louisiana Connections Academy offers a superior, personalized education for students, offered by Louisiana certified teachers, with the freedom and flexibility of an online education that meets the state’s standards. As an online charter school, students access their lessons anytime, anywhere as long as they have the technology, tools and support of their family. Accountability for meeting high academic student performance is monitored by the non-profit charter board, Friends of Louisiana Connections Academy, Wade Henderson, President. The charter school is authorized by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to accept students from any parish in the state. 1750 students attended for the 2014-2015 school year. Principal Glenda Jones has expanded the school curriculum to include tutoring, summer school, dual enrollment programs and high quality electives. The school is headquartered in Baton Rouge at 4664 Jamestown Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Student field trips, graduation ceremonies, parent-to-parent events and school information sessions are regularly scheduled and promoted at the school website.