Louisiana Connections Academy encourages parents to register right now for 300 vacancies

Louisiana’s top performing online charter, Connections Academy, encourages parents to register right now for 300 vacancies
Enrollment can apply to a “mid-year” switching if your child needs a new school right NOW or early application for 2017-2018 school year; all grades

Sometimes there is no avoiding one reality as you approach the middle of the academic year: Your child is in need of a new school.
         Take heart, said Louisiana Connections Academy Superintendent Lonnie Luce: It’s not uncommon.
         The good news is, there are 300 openings in grades K-12 right now at the top academic performing online charter school in Louisiana, and families are welcome to switch right now or go ahead and enroll for the 2017-2018 school year.
         “Changing to a online charter school is not just a change of venue, but a change of mindset,” said LACA Superintendent Luce. "But don't delay: Our vacancies fill up fast."
         According to LACA’s research, the top reasons for switching schools mid-year usually are:

• The student require or wants greater flexibility;
• The student wants a change from their local school;
• The student wants a safe learning environment.

“Whatever the reason for switching mid-year, the parent finds that their child is unhappy. It’s important to listen to and respect your child’s feelings, and provide reassurance,” said LACA Community Relations Director Shelly Centanni. “Taking time to explore what options are out there and clear communications about what a school change will involve helps the transition.”
         Louisiana Connections Academy is a K-12 school, and mid-year switches to the school are most likely to occur in the higher grades, said Ms. Centanni. In Louisiana, 2000 students are currently enrolled in Louisiana Connections Academy.
         “The format of online schooling eases the student’s adjustment period, and because learning takes place at the home computer, the physical transition is easier too for students and families,” said Ms. Centanni. She offered these tips for a mid-year transition:
 
1. Do your homework.
LACA offers an accredited program with a wide range of courses, and a proven curriculum developed by professional educators. Talk to parents with students currently enrolled at LACA. "We have a Parent program that will connect you with currently enrolled families to discuss your questions," said Ms. Centanni.
 
2. Plan Ahead
Research shows that students are more successful when they change schools at the beginning of a quarter or semester. Find out when the grading period ends in your child’s current school and when the new one starts. This is your target start date at LACA. Of course, sometimes life throws you a curve ball—like surprise job changes or family matters. In that case, guidance and enrollment officials at LACA can help you navigate the school switch smoothly, said Ms. Centanni.
 
3. Get Your Paperwork in Order
Check with enrollment officials at LACA for admission deadlines and a list of required documents, which could include:

• application forms
• transcripts
• birth certificate
• immunization records

 
4. Pay Attention to Transfer Credits
Many schools don’t mail fall semester report cards until the spring semester, making it tricky for some parents to prove course completion and to get students’ credits transferred. LACA will help parents navigate this situation.
 
5. Maintain an Open Dialogue
Easing a midyear transition doesn’t end once your child has all of his or her books and supplies and has started classes at LACA. Be sure to listen carefully and address your child’s questions and concerns, and communicate with school staff regularly. LACA teachers, counselors, and administrators are there to help, said Ms. Centanni.
 
Making the mid-year switch? Ready for more direct involvement your child's education? Visit http://www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy.com for more information and get updated online information session postings throughout the year.