Georgia Connections Academy (GACA), a statewide tuition-free K–12 public virtual school, increased student test participation, as well as achieved a higher average score than any other Georgia virtual school, while performing on par with the state average.
“It is rewarding to see the hard work of our teachers and students reflected in the recently released scores of the college admission tests,” said Executive Director Robinson. “We are incredibly proud of our students and are so pleased that our 2015 SAT scores show higher academic performance than any other virtual charter in Georgia.”
More than 18,000 K-12 students were enrolled in a statewide virtual public school in Georgia in the 2013-14 school year, according to the latest Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning. Approximately 4,000 K-12 students attend GACA, which added its high school program in the 2012-13 school year.
The GDOE announced that state SAT scores increased in 2015, while national score averages dropped. Though a similar analysis is not yet fully available 2015 ACT scores, GACA also performed well in this college entrance exam, achieving a composite score on par with the state, announced Executive Director Robinson.
“The classroom is changing. Education is no longer one size fits all—it is about learning through a style and pace that is tailored to an individual student’s strengths, weaknesses and needs,” said Executive Director Robinson. “Students enrolled with Georgia Connections Academy benefit from flexibility in terms of pace and scheduling, an award-winning curriculum, specially trained, state-certified teachers, as well as individualized lesson plans. Georgia Connections Academy provides a high-quality public education to a child in any county, whether in a rural area in the southern part of the state or the urban neighborhoods of Atlanta.”
Additionally, Executive Director Robinson said there are unique opportunities to for high school students to accelerate their learning and course rigor through dual enrollment programs that complement and enhance the Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered at virtual charter school.
“Why not graduate high school with college hours already completed so they can study in their career field even sooner? The lines between high school and college are increasingly blurred for advanced learners—that’s why these scores excite me,” commented Executive Director Robinson.
In Georgia, 76.9 percent of students from the class of 2015 took the SAT—a total of 72,898 students. Of that group, 39.8 percent were underrepresented minority students, up from 38.8 percent in 2014 and 38.1 percent in 2011. Georgia high school graduates who take a college test are likely to go to college and 80 percent of those who enroll will choose a Georgia university, according to GDOE.
About Georgia Connections Academy
Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) is a tuition-free, high-quality, highly accountable statewide public virtual school that serves students in grades K–12. The school is authorized by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, and all Georgia Connections Academy students participate in the award-winning national Connections Academy program that combines resources from leading publishers with cutting-edge yet easy-to-use technology and hands-on materials. Georgia Connections Academy 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 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. Georgia Connections Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accrediting division of AdvancED. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or http://www.GeorgiaConnectionsAcademy.com
