Newton Citizen

Duluth -- Georgia's public virtual charter school will hold a special information session in Covington today.

The session for the Georgia Connections Academy is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at the Covington Hampton Inn, which is located at 14460 Paras Drive NE, off Ga. Highway 142, in Covington.

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free public school, and students from anywhere in the state may enroll.

It is a public school option that gives students the flexibility to learn at home with a curriculum that meets state education standards and offers a virtual approach to school studies.

Authorized by the Georgia State Board of Education, the school recently completed its first academic year, during which 700 kindergarten through eighth-grade students received instruction. All instruction comes from highly-qualified, state-certified teachers.

Next school year, rising eighth graders can continue their education at the Academy, since a full high school program is being added to the school for the upcoming academic year.

"Good things are happening in public education, and we're proud to be a leader in the future of great schooling in our state," said Academy Principal Heather Robinson. "We look forward to welcoming more elementary, middle and now high schoolers next year."

The school serves a wide range of Georgia students, including those who are significantly ahead or behind grade level, those who need a flexible schedule, those who learn at a different pace from their peers and those who need more individualized attention or live in isolated rural settings, according to the school. Homebound and previously home-schooled students also can attend the Academy.

"We've become a tight knit community school offering all the services and resources needed to create a well-rounded student experience with clubs, field trips, counselors and an involved network of families," said Robinson.

The school year begins Aug. 8 and ends May 24, according to its website.

Families seeking more information about the Academy can visit its website, www.GeorgiaConnectionsAcademy.com, or call 800-382-6010.

Online virtual information sessions also will be available for families who cannot attend an in-person session; more information is available on the school's website.