For some Louisiana students, back to school starts online

Like many students in the state of Louisiana, Andrew Broussard is getting ready to head back to class. But instead of catching a bus, the 8th grader will be taking a different route.

Andrew will stay right at home and log on to his computer as a student of Louisiana Connections Academy, a free public virtual charter school open to students from every parish of the state.

It’s a back-to-school routine Andrew has followed for two academic years, since he became a completely virtual student.

Virtual public schools, like Louisiana Connections Academy, deliver public education in the comfort of the student’s home, or wherever a student has Internet access. Like all public schools, Louisiana Connections Academy is tuition-free and meets all state standards, but for students like Andrew, it adds flexibility to their school schedule and provides a curriculum where he can learn at his own pace.

Andrew is heavily involved in his church and participates daily in community service and youth activities like the Youth Band and Youth Choir. His mother, Theresa Broussard, wanted her son to receive a high quality public education, but needed flexibility to manage their family church schedules. Louisiana Connections Academy was a perfect fit.

“For our family, we chose LACA because our son needed to go at his own pace in a less distracting environment,” said Mrs. Broussard. “As well, our family now shares a closer bond thanks to the extra time we get to spend together.”

Mrs. Broussard says she’s so happy with her son’s experience at LACA that she plans to enroll her daughter in the virtual school. LACA Principal Shuanessy Matthews says the school plans to welcome 1800 students this year and notes that virtual schooling is becoming a viable option for families throughout the state.

“Our school tailors students’ studies to their abilities and interests, and students can work at their own pace,” said Principal Matthews. “Like many of our students, Andrew will log back into his full school schedule this month with the comfort of knowing he can handle all his youth activities and community outreach. LACA propels his education rather than hinders his passions.”

Mrs. Broussard also notes how LACA has helped her son grow. “Andrew has grown in maturity over these past two years, and has taken ownership of his education,” she said. “He loves school and strives for good grades.”

As Andrew gets ready to log back into school, he is thankful for what virtual schooling offers to students like him.

“I can’t wait to log back in to school because I am looking forward to reconnecting with my teachers, going on field trips, and a lot more” he said. “I can’t wait for all of it!”

Even as the year school year approaches, Louisiana Connections Academy welcomes 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.

Principal Matthews said there is still room in all grades K-12 at Louisiana Connections Academy, and invites parents to call the school about enrollment now at (225) 372-8389. The first day of class is Monday, August 11.