When my son was in 1st
grade at a brick and mortar school, he had a terrifying experience that would
shape the way he felt about learning. He came home with bruises on his stomach
after a group of five 2nd graders knocked him down on the playground
and took turns kicking him. The school
did nothing to the students responsible but made my son feel badly about what
had happened. After that day, my son hated school and I worried about my son’s
safety. To me, that is not how a child’s learning experience should go.
Two
years ago, as we considered various educational opportunities, we came across Commonwealth
Connections Academy (CCA) while researching online public schools on the internet. We
were impressed by the various clubs and activities, numerous field trips, and
wide array of elective courses. Not once, have I regretted our decision to
enroll with Connections Academy. They have truly been a blessing in our lives.
My timid son has come out of his shell and looks forward to visiting friends
during field trips.
The
staff, from enrollment to teachers and learning support to computer
technicians, is knowledgeable and friendly. When I requested testing for
learning disabilities, my request was dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Throughout the entire process, I knew they had my son’s best interests at
heart! I have also found the teachers to be accessible and quick to respond to
questions. They allow my son the extra time he needs to complete assignments
and have worked together with me to find ways for him to express his thoughts
in ways in which he excels.
The
flexible schedule is another invaluable part of the Connections Academy
learning experience. It allows us to take a break when my son gets frustrated
with a lesson or to switch to another subject for awhile. As someone who has
pain on a daily basis from fibromyalgia, it allows me to be a part of my son’s
learning experience without having the stress of lesson planning and
documentation for the state that would be necessary for homeschooling. I also have a very active voice in my son's education, which is extremely important to me.
It
is the professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to their students and
ensuring that the students have the tools they need to learn and grow that
continues to keep us with CCA. Thank you, CCA for your dedication to quality education
that allows children to soar! We look forward to the years ahead as we continue
to be a part of the CCA family!