Free Online K-12 Public Charter School Seeks Students

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) – No tuition, no textbook rental fees and no classrooms.

That is the pitch from the Indiana Connections Academy, a virtual public K-12 charter school.

Indiana Connections Academy is based out of Indianapolis.

The school is a part of national educational organization named “Connections Academy“.

When questioned about test scores, the Indiana Connections Academy has only been open for one year, so test scores are not available.

However, Indiana Connections Academy 5th Grade Teacher & Marketing Director Cassie Pugh said nationwide, the virtual school has been test scores than traditional public schools.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Public virtual schools: A view from within

I have dedicated my career to public education, and today I am thrilled to be part of a form of public education that’s transforming lives: Indiana Connections Academy-Virtual Pilot School.

Indiana has started to answer the call from thousands of parents and students in the state who are looking for another public school option. Our school’s enrollment is at capacity, and we have maintained an extensive waiting list since August.

Students come to us for a variety of reasons — we provide full-time educational services to students with autism, cystic fibrosis, cancer and chronic pain disease. We also serve an Olympics-bound diver and students whose brick-and-mortar school was simply not a good fit.

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NEAL: Let’s embrace online learning

SOUTHERN INDIANA — As a classroom teacher, I’m not crazy about online schools. I like to think that I can challenge, question, excite and ignite students in a way no Internet program ever could. I’m also a realist. If Indiana wants to improve high school and college graduation rates, we must make education as flexible as possible. On-line learning is the way to do that.

On Aug. 23, the inaugural class will enroll in Indiana Connections Academy, an on-line charter school being offered on a pilot basis by the Indiana Department of Education for students in grades 1-8.

Pupils work at home under guidance from family mentors and on-line certified teachers, who can deliver interactive lessons to groups of students or individuals as needed. The students take part in extra-curricular activities, such as Internet chess clubs, and go on field trips with peers from the online community. It’s home schooling but with a standardized curriculum aligned to state proficiency requirements. As with other public schools, taxpayers foot the bill.

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Second virtual charter enrolling for fall

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Indiana’s second virtual charter school is taking applications for students in first through eighth grades.

Spokeswoman Pat Laystrom says Indiana Connections Academy Virtual Pilot School will serve about 280 students from around the state.

Students receive personalized learning plans but do their work from home. A certified teacher will work with them in live, online classrooms and by phone.

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