The Efficacy of Online Schooling From Virtual School Principal

Wisconsin Connections Academy, a virtual public school for students in grades K-12, has served students with a quality online education for over 15 years. While the 570 enrolled students and their families express satisfaction with our school each year, general awareness and understanding about how virtual schools work, who attends these schools, and why, remains riddled with misperception. As the principal at Wisconsin Connections Academy, I am proud to share that a recent research study conducted by Pearson on Connections Academy virtual schools helps to bridge these gaps in understanding.

Many of our families are often asked questions like “Why would you decide to go to school online?” and “Why did you pick a virtual school over a traditional school setting?” This research identified the types of students who enroll in Connections Academy schools and the efficacy of the program on students’ academic achievement. It reinforced what we’ve known for years—that virtual schools such as Wisconsin Connections Academy serve a unique, highly mobile student population—while also showing that Connections Academy students can reach the same levels of achievement as offered at brick-and-mortar public schools serving similar students.

These mobile students enroll in online schools for a host of reasons, including those who are academically advanced or struggling, experiencing health problems or bullying, or seeking flexibility and choice. I’m reminded of Wisconsin Connections Academy students like Franki Moscato, a budding singer/songwriter, or graduate Samuel Langenfeld, attending UW-Green Bay to study Environmental Design.

Whether they’re athletes, entrepreneurs, or just need more one-on-one attention, our students graduate prepared for opportunities in a digital world. And, they even may be better positioned in Connections Academy schools than other virtual schools. That’s something I’m extremely proud of and will continue championing as our school nears two decades of serving students statewide.