Arizona Connections Academy Celebrates the Class of 2021

Gilbert, Ariz. – Arizona Connections Academy’s Class of 2021 celebrated their accomplishments with a drive-in graduation ceremony on May 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Phoenix parking lot. Arizona Connections Academy has served as a tuition-free statewide online public school for K-12 students since 2003. These graduates received a high-quality learning experience, uninterrupted by the pandemic, in a safe, virtual learning environment. In this year’s Connections Academy and Pearson Parent Pulse Report, 85% of parents agree that the use of technology for school will make their child more prepared for the demands of their future job, like teleworking or virtual collaboration.

“We give our students what they need to find success not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives. We’ve found that when students learn in a tailored way that works best for them they thrive and have developed the skills they need to adapt to an ever-changing world,” said Heather Noto, school leader for Arizona Connections Academy. “We know that our graduates are ready to take on the world and are so proud of their achievements,” she added.

Arizona Connections Academy’s graduating class has a wide variety of post-graduation plans. Among these plans, 62 percent plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college and 11 percent will enter the work force. Graduates are also choosing to enter a vocational trade school, the military or take a gap year.

Kylie Hunts-in-Winter has been a student at Arizona Connections Academy since the 7th grade. She is now preparing to attend Harvard University this fall after receiving a considerable scholarship. She will participate on the schools wrestling team and will study government, women studies and law. She has her sights set on becoming a lawyer, and her dream is to someday become President of the United States.

“If you are super busy, like me, and don’t have time during a traditional school day, you can do your work in the evenings or early in the morning,” said Hunts-in-Winter. “Arizona Connections Academy is a quality education and it’s important to work hard and stay focused.” Hunts-in-Winter has been in martial arts since she was three years old and started her own business called Zuya Martial Arts while in school.

Arizona Connections Academy is in its 18th year providing students a welcoming and distraction-free learning environment and serves over 3,500 students in grades K-12 across the state. The school offers learning plans that are flexible and can be uniquely tailored to match a child’s needs and abilities. Arizona 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 each student is unique. Arizona Connections Academy students are diverse and come from all different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.

Families interested in Arizona 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 enrollment process and view a complete list of events, visit www.ArizonaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-221-2720.

About Arizona Connections Academy

Arizona Connections Academy is a full-time, tuition-free, highly accountable public online school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. Arizona Connections Academy has been serving students throughout the state since 2003 and is authorized under state law by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. Arizona Connections Academy provides students with a safe, supportive learning environment and the flexibility to learn from anywhere there is an Internet connection. The combination of Arizona-certified teachers, award-winning curriculum, personalized instruction, technology tools, and socialization experiences offers families and children an individualized approach to education. For more information, call (800) 221-2720

or visit http://www.ArizonaConnectionsAcademy.com.