Missouri Connections Academy Recognizes Local Students

Willow Stevens of Spanish Lake and Jason Scola of Saint Louis, were recently named among Missouri Connections Academy’s (MOCA) Students of the Month for December in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the virtual classroom.

“Our students of the month demonstrate leadership and an extraordinary commitment to learning while serving as strong role models for their peers,” said Lynsie Hunt, School Leader at Missouri Connections Academy. “The members of our faculty and staff are proud to give these virtual classroom leaders the recognition they deserve.”

Willow, a sophomore, and Jason, a senior, at the statewide, tuition-free, online public school were both nominated by their teachers. As a Student of the Month, Willow and Jason will each receive a certificate of achievement and be profiled in the Missouri Connections Academy student newsletter and the school’s social media platforms. Each month during the school year, MOCA will recognize students in grades K through 12 who are excelling in the virtual classroom.

According to Willow’s mother Alice, when the pandemic forced schools to close and students had to learn online almost overnight, both of her children excelled in the virtual classroom. They loved the independence and the ability to set their own schedules, so they made the decision to enroll in Missouri Connections Academy.

“Willow has brought up her grades and has maintained a 3.8 grade average,” Alice said. “She is done with her assignments by four o’clock and not doing homework until late at night like she was in public school. She loves it.”

Jason came to Missouri Connections Academy this year to be in a flexible learning environment that enabled him to work at his own pace. His father, Mark, said the support the teachers provide the students leads him to believe they truly enjoy being there and doing what they do.

“Missouri Connections Academy affords more opportunity for us to work together with some structure towards a common set of goals,” Mark added. “It’s a semi-self-paced learning environment that requires family involvement and is flexible.”

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Missouri Connections Academy come from different backgrounds and choose full-time online school for various reasons. Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a safe learning environment.

Missouri Connections Academy is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. A complete schedule of events as well as more information about Missouri Connections Academy is available at www.MissouriConnectionsAcademy.com or by calling 1-(800) 382-6010.