Connections Academy at Springs welcomes new students to inaugural school year

New virtual public charter school program for Southern California families begins 2024-25 academic year for K-10 students.

Aug. 20 marked the first day of the inaugural school year for students and staff at Connections Academy at Springs, a new tuition-free online public charter school program. Across the California counties of Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego, enrolled students in grades K-10 logged on for their first week at the new virtual school.

The school operates in partnership with Springs Charter Schools, a network of public charter schools in Southern California, and offers families the nationally recognized Connections Academy program and award-winning curriculum.

Connections Academy at Springs combines California-certified teachers, a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum, technology tools and social engagement to create a student-focused online learning experience. The online public charter school program provides students access to core classes and engaging electives, as well as virtual clubs, field trips, events and activities throughout the year. The flexible schedule also allows students time to play sports, explore art, volunteer or pursue their passions outside of the virtual classroom.

This week, Connections Academy at Springs also celebrates its newly appointed school leader, Laurie Campbell, who officially assumed the role on June 4. With more than 20 years of experience in school administration, Campbell brings a proven track record of enhancing educational experiences and outcomes for students. Prior to joining Connections Academy at Springs, Campbell served as principal of a charter school program in California for independent study and virtual school students.

“We are thrilled to kick off Connections Academy at Springs’ first academic year and extend a warm welcome to all our students embarking on this innovative educational journey,” said Campbell. “Our commitment is to provide a flexible, engaging and high-quality learning environment that prepares our students to thrive both academically and in the modern world. Our program, designed by online education experts, offers a level of personalization in the curriculum not found in traditional brick-and-mortar schools. It is truly a unique option that will benefit families across California, and we look forward to our first year serving them.”

Connections Academy at Springs will serve a maximum of 500 students in grades K-10 during its first year and expand each year to serve additional grades and students. As a public school program, there are no fees or tuition to attend Connections Academy at Springs and all students will be required to meet the same academic standards and take the same assessments as traditional public school students.

Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is still open to K–10 students in California counties of San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial. Families interested in learning more about the Connections Academy at Springs’ flexible virtual learning approach are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information about Connections Academy at Springs, please visit http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-springs-online-school or call (951) 252-8800.

About Connections Academy at Springs

Connections Academy at Springs is a unique, tuition-free, online public charter school program for K-10 students residing across Southern California in Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. In partnership with Springs Charter Schools, the school uses a proven core model of virtual learning, the nationally recognized Connections Academy program, which is accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Connections Academy at Springs creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students will gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, visit http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-springs-online-school/.

About Springs Charter Schools

Springs Charter Schools are tuition-free, public schools of choice serving more than 10,000 Southern California students and their families. Many Springs parents choose to homeschool full-time or participate in online-supported programs, while others choose two to five days per week of a blended model that includes classroom instruction with homestudy components. Springs serves TK-12th grade with student center locations in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Orange counties while additionally serving students virtually in Inyo, Imperial, Kern, and Los Angeles counties. Springs Charter Schools’ administrative offices are located at 27740 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590. Phone: (951) 252-8800. Website: http://www.SpringsCS.org/.