Louisiana Connections Academy, an online, tuition-free K-12 public charter school held an information session for prospective students and their parents on Thursday. Connections Academy has schools in 26 states, the Louisiana branch of which has operated for two years and has 1,200 students currently enrolled.

Similar to other charter schools, Connections Academy offers students an alternative to traditional public or private schools, only in a virtual environment.

“A lot of people ask what virtual education is, and it’s not about sitting in front of a computer all day long,” said Shelly Centanni, Parent Outreach Coordinator and Kindergarten Teacher for Louisiana Connections Academy. “We have a rich mix of activities that our students do. In addition to their textbooks and laptops that they are given to be used while they are with us, they’ll also be sent art kits, things they’ll need for physical education classes. The curriculum is top notch, and our technology is on the cutting edge.”

Centanni said the school which gives its graduates a state diploma is dedicated to tailoring education to each individual student. For instance, a junior high student will begin the school day at 6 a.m., taking classes such as Chinese, math, language arts and horseback riding, while a high school student will begin at 9 a.m. and might take Advanced Placement art history, calculus and chemistry.

“Our elementary school students spend a majority of their time in school offline. In middle and high school, we’re trying to make sure we’re getting our students college ready, so they have more interaction with their teachers with online lessons and are able to contact them and ask them for help whenever it’s needed,” Centanni said.

All of the school’s teachers are Louisiana-certified and work in a central location in Baton Rouge where they are on hand to chat one-on-one with students online or by phone.

“When I worked in a brick and mortar school, I knew my students, but I didn’t know them personally. As a teacher at Connections Academy, I know my students, I know their families, I even know their pets. We’re really involved with our students, and not just with their academics but with the whole student. All of our teachers are really passionate about what we do,” Centanni said.

Open enrollment for the program for the 2013-2014 academic year began on March 1 and those looking for more information can call the school at 225-372-8389 or enroll online at www.connectionsacademy.com/louisiana-school/enrollment/home.aspx.

(mgnonline.com)