Utah Students Begin New School Year with Utah Connections Academy

Salt Lake City, Utah – As the 2024-2025 school year begins, students are gearing up to return to their back-to-school routines. Among these students, include those who recently logged on to online school with Utah Connections Academy. This tuition-free online public school serves students across the state of Utah, including those from INSERT CITY/COUNTY HERE. New this school year, Utah Connections Academy students in grades 6-12 will now have access to an expanded College and Career Readiness offering designed to help them pursue their passions and prepare for the future.

“We are beyond excited to see what lies ahead with the 2024-2025 school year. We have so many aspects to celebrate throughout the year and back-to-school is a major part of that. We look forward to the year ahead as our students enjoy our class offerings, electives, exciting new college and career readiness courses, school clubs, field trips, and so much more,” said Erin Taylor, school leader at Utah Connections Academy. “Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our graduation rate of 91%, which surpasses the state average. Additionally, we’ve grown our team by hiring more dedicated teachers to better support our students. We’re excited to continue building on this success as we head into the new school year.”

Lessons at Utah Connections Academy are designed to create academic growth while helping students build fundamental life skills. This approach gives students a unique, well-rounded experience. Utah Connections Academy combines traditional courses with industry-leading, career-focused options, and real-world interactions to help students gain confidence, develop the right skills, and earn industry credentials coveted by employers. Students can hone essential skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership and have access to partnerships like Credly, The Home Depot, and the SEMI Foundation.

Utah Connections Academy provides a high-quality personalized education to meet each student’s needs. Using accessible technology, Utah Connections Academy connects parents, teachers, and students to the virtual classroom from home or anywhere there is an internet connection. Families also benefit from the flexibility of creating their schedule and ensuring their student’s learning environment is safe and stimulating. Utah Connections Academy’s parents have the opportunity to be a part of their child’s learning journey throughout the school year.

Lori McCurdy, Utah Connections Academy parent and Learning Coach, enrolled her son D’Neigh McCurdy in Utah Connections Academy after he was being bullied. They tried several other education options from homeschool to charter school, and ultimately found success with Utah Connections Academy after a friend recommended the school. “Utah Connections Academy teachers make all the difference. They are amazing and supportive. Any time I have questions, they are awesome and encourage him to feel that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. His teachers always send email reminders, which I appreciate, and he does too, it makes him feel a lot better,” she said about their experience.

D’Neigh McCurdy, a 10th grader for the 2024-2025 school year, loves being able to create his own schedule and appreciates the flexibility. His favorite subject is history and he’s looking forward to taking the Introduction to Law Enforcement and Psychology courses this year, as his dream is to go into law enforcement. His advice when it comes to successfully kicking off the school year online is, “Reach out to your teachers, set your schedule, pay attention to when LiveLessons are, and talk to your classmates.”

Utah Connections Academy is in its 14th year providing students with a welcoming and distraction-free learning environment and serves approximately 1,000 students in grades K-12 statewide. The school offers flexible learning plans tailored to match a child’s needs and abilities. Utah Connections Academy’s state-certified teachers work hard to foster meaningful connections by providing individualized student attention and a positive, engaging learning environment. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions.

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and students at Utah Connections Academy represent a diversity of backgrounds and education histories, ranging from those who are academically ahead or struggling in a traditional school setting to those who experience health challenges or bullying.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-25 school year. Families interested in Utah Connections Academy 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. To learn more about the school or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.UtahConnectionsAcademy.com or call 833-591-0251.

About Utah Connections Academy
Utah Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, accredited online public school for K-12 students. Authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board, Utah Connections Academy offers 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 gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 833-591-0251 or visit www.UtahConnectionsAcademy.com.
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