INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy Kicks Off First Day

Boise, Idaho. – Students across Idaho are in the back to school mindset and many are getting everything in order before their first day. Over 1,025 students with INSPIRE the Idaho Connections Academy are doing the same, however, instead of walking through classroom doors they will be logging on virtually for their first day of school on August 19, 2019. The flexible online learning option is desirable for many Idaho families, 51% of whom cited this as an important reason for considering INSPIRE Connections Academy in the recent annual parent satisfaction survey. Students and families have been turning to INSPIRE Connections Academy for fifteen years, since the school opened in 2005.

“Through the years it has been an absolute honor to watch our students thrive with our personalized approach to learning. I’m excited to celebrate the accomplishment of beginning our fifteenth year as we welcome our students for the new school year,” said INSPIRE Connections Academy School Leader, Karen Haines. “There are a variety of reasons why Idaho families turn to the unique education option at INSPIRE Connections Academy. They may want to be more involved in their child’s learning, have schedule flexibility, need a different approach to learning, or a supportive environment.” she added.

Families across the state use INSPIRE Connections Academy’s personalized learning process to achieve both academic and personal success. Below are highlights of some of the students who have found success and are enjoying school’s first day their way:

Hannah Chulack (Eagle, Idaho) – Hannah is going into her senior year at INSPIRE Connections Academy. Hannah has been writing songs since she was six, and she has recently started composing. She enjoys playing both the guitar and ukulele. She appreciates having teachers who take time to help her be the best she can be. Hannah has medical issues as well, and has said that whenever she has a bad day dealing with daily pain she goes to a LiveLesson and her teachers cheer her up. You can listen to one of her songs here.

Alloric and Conrad Schlekeway (Idaho Falls, Idaho) – When Alloric (4th grade) was a toddler he was already recognizing words. When kindergarten came around, his family wanted to find a school that would allow him to work at his own pace and be tailored to him. When his brother, Conrad, was ready for school, his family had no doubt he would thrive at INSPIRE Connections Academy. The boys enjoy taking karate classes outside of school. They’ve also been involved with the school’s First Lego League team, applying STEM concepts with their peers. They attend field trips and holiday parties throughout the year.

Colton Higby (Meridian, Idaho) – Colton is going into his senior year at INSPIRE Connections Academy, after being a student with the school since the 4th grade. Colton is currently working towards earning his Eagle Scout ranking with the Boy Scouts of America. He plans to complete his project at the end of September and will be helping the American Legion archive historic documents. Also, this summer he was a crew leader for a 90 mile hiking trip over the span of ten days.

The online learning environment can be a great fit for many types of students. This includes those who need increased flexibility, those ahead or behind in the classroom, students who need more individualized attention, or those who live in rural areas. INSPIRE Connections Academy believes educational technology works best when it makes learning more relatable, meaningful, and fun. As a public school, there are no fees or tuition to attend and all students are required to take the same state assessments as traditional public school students.

Starting this year, INSPIRE Connections Academy is now offering an alternative education program called Empower Connections Academy. This program is being offered to current INSPIRE Connections Academy students who may benefit from alternative programming and meet Idaho’s at-risk eligibility requirements.

INSPIRE Connections Academy’s individualized approach to learning combines state-certified teachers, an award-winning curriculum, technology tools and socialization opportunities. Teachers and students work together in a supportive environment to help students meet their academic goals. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through LiveLesson® virtual classroom experiences. INSPIRE Connections Academy also offer many ways for students to meet and learn together, through in-person field trips and online clubs, and special events.

Enrollment for the 2019-20 school year remains open for students. To learn more about the enrollment process and view a complete list of events, visit www.IdahoConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.

About INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy

INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy, is a tuition-free, high-quality, highly accountable statewide public online school serving students in grades K–12. Authorized as a charter school by the Idaho Charter School Commission, INSPIRE is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), an accrediting division of AdvancED. INSPIRE provides students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere there is an Internet connection and with an innovative online school curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. The combination of Idaho state-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, unique electives, technology tools, and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.IdahoConnectionsAcademy.com.