Michigan Connections Academy Kicks Off Open Enrollment for 2012-13 School Year

Michigan Connections Academy, a virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 from across Michigan, has opened enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year.

Michigan parents and students can learn about Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) in a series of free, in-person and online information sessions across the state. Each session gives parents, students and others an opportunity to learn more about the online public school.

For information on times and locations for the in-person and online information sessions, visit http://www.connectionsacademy.com/michigan-school.

At the information sessions, parents will have an opportunity to learn about the Connections Academy curriculum, and explore the program. They can also interact with Michigan Connections Academy representatives and parents. For those unable to attend an in-person information session, real-time online sessions with a school representative are available.

Prospective students and their parents can also learn about Connections Academy via many social networks.  Families may follow Connections Academy on Facebook and Twitter, watch videos on YouTube and read Virtual Learning Connections, the Connections Academy blog for families interested in supporting K-12 learning from home.

Michigan Connections Academy Principal Bryan Klochack encourages families considering virtual school to attend an information session because virtual education, while a great choice for many families, may not be a good fit for some. 

“Virtual school requires parents to make a commitment to be involved in their child’s education,” Klochack said.  “At our information sessions, we let families know what they can expect in the virtual school setting, and what it takes to succeed. We want students to thrive at Michigan Connections Academy, and understanding how it all works is essential.”

This year, three new specialty academies will be available during the program for students who have exceptional talent in the performing arts, competitive sports, or math and science.  Open to qualified Connections Academy students, the Performing Arts Academy, the Sports Academy and the Math and Science Academy, offer enriching experiences, networking opportunities, and specialty-focused coursework—including NCAA-approved courses for student athletes.

All Michigan Connections Academy students will be able to select a number of new courses including:  Digital Arts; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Engineering Design and Game Design; and AP World History.

In-Person Information Sessions

Okemos
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Okemos Conference Center
2187 University Park Drive

Saginaw
Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m.
Hampton Inn and Suites Saginaw
2694 Tittabawassee Rd.

Grand Rapids
Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Airport 5401 28th St. Ct. SE

Farmington Hills
Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Courtyard Detroit Farmington Hills
31525 W. 12 Mile Rd.

Mount Pleasant
Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m.
Comfort Inn and Suites and Conference Center
2424 S. Mission St.

Kalamazoo
Tuesday, May 01, 6:30 p.m.
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
100 W. Michigan Ave.

Dearborn
Tuesday, May 08, 6:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
600 Town Center Dr.

Ann Arbor
Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express Ann Arbor
600 Briarwood Circle