Newton Citizen

ATLANTA — Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, Georgia students in kindergarten through 12th grade will have a new public school option that delivers public schooling to students online.

Georgia Connections Academy, Georgia's first statewide, full-time, virtual charter school for K-12 students, was recently approved by the Georgia Charter School Commission and will begin enrollment in spring2011 for the 2011-12 school year.

GACA's administrative office and teaching center will be based in the Atlanta area.

GACA will combine Georgia-certified teachers, a standards-aligned curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives and clubs and community experiences to create an individualized alternative to the bricks-and-mortar classroom, according to the company.

All GACA students will participate in the nationally accredited Connections Academy program that combines high quality resources from leading publishers with technology and hands-on materials.

"Georgia Connections Academy has been nine years in the making, a shining tribute to the hard work, commitment and determination of all those who helped make it happen," said Stephanie A. Reid, GACA board president. "K-12 students in need of non-traditional routes to academic success now have an excellent virtual option in GACA. Georgia families can count on GACA to provide a total educational experience that leads to superior student academic performance and readiness for college, career and life. We're thankful for the Commission's unanimous and glowing approval of our charter application — it was a long time coming.

We see it as a tremendous vote of confidence in our board and the quality of our educational program."

Families seeking more information about Connections Academy can visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010. Informational meetings will take place throughout the state starting in early spring 2011.