This case study examines Central California Connections Academy (CenCA), a free public virtual K-12 school. CenCA offers a personalized online education through state-certified teachers. It aims to serve a diverse student body, including those seeking an alternative to traditional schools. The document details CenCA's mission, structure, accreditation, curriculum, student demographics and activities. An evaluation of CenCA's website is also provided. Attempts to interview school administrators were unsuccessful. The conclusion is that CenCA provides a well-rounded education for motivated students seeking flexibility.

1. Virtual School Case Study:
Central California Connections Academy
Whitney Treichler
EDTC650
Dr. Allen Grant

2. The Virtual Schools Movement
Virtual schools are becoming more prevalent in
today’s technology-dominated world. They can offer
a wide-range of classes to students who want an
alternative to a brick-and-mortar school. They can
be found at all grade levels, from Kindergarten
through twelfth grade. This Case Study examines
one such online institution, Central California
Connections Academy, and all that it has to offer to
its students. The school's mission, organizational
structure, regulatory environment, scope of
offerings, and student body will be detailed. An
evaluation of the school’s website will also be
included.

3. About CenCA
Connections Academy offers free public education to K-12 students
around the United States. Approximately 40,000 students are
enrolled nationwide.
Central California Connections Academy (CenCA) is for K-12
students located in Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties.
Since 2006, it has been authorized as a charter school under the
Alpaugh Unified School District.
According to their website, they offer:
– A challenging, K–12 curriculum developed by leading
education experts.
– Instruction from state-certified teachers experienced in online
instruction.
– Support from trained counselors, principals, and
administrative staff.
(Connections Education LLC, 2013)

4. CenCA’s Mission
The mission of Central California Connections
Academy is to leverage 21st century education
resources on behalf of students who need a more
personalized approach to learning to maximize
these students’ potential and meet the highest
performance standards.
This mission is accomplished through a uniquely
individualized learning program that combines the
best in virtual education with very real connections
among students, family, teachers, and the community
to promote academic and emotional success for
every learner.
(Connections Education LLC, 2013)

5. Regulatory Environment
CenCA is accredited by the Schools Commission of
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges,
one of six regional accrediting organizations for
higher education institutions recognized by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the
United States Department of Education.
Connections Academy is a division of Connections
Education, which is accredited by AdvancED.
AdvancED is an organization representing 27,000
public and private schools and districts across the
United States and in 65 countries worldwide.
(Connections Education LLC, 2013)

6. Organizational Structure
 CenCA operates through a contract with Connections
Academy, LLC. It is governed by an independent Board of
Directors.
 Current school administration includes a superintendent,
interim principal, assistant principal, manager of counseling
services, and counseling staff.
 The teaching staff includes state certified teachers and
support staff.
 Learning coaches, who are usually parents, provide support
and guidance at home to students.
 Community coordinators are learning coaches who work with
teachers and parents to plan special events and field trips.
(Connections Academy, 2013a)

7. Teaching & Learning at CenCA
Click on the icon to learn
more about:
Students
Teachers
Parents
Curriculum
Technology
Community
http://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=1702&l=1

8. Teaching & Learning at CenCA
 To understand the “typical” day for a
Connections Academy student, view this video.
 Lessons can include Live Learning Sessions
where teachers and students interact through
written communication and video/audio
connections.
https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/l8DHDYU4m0o

9. Scope of Offerings
Elementary School (K-5)
 Focus on reading, writing and math.
 Additional instruction in science,
social studies, technology
and physical fitness.
 Optional electives and clubs.
Click here to see information about the second grade
curriculum.
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-central-chool/home.aspx

10. Scope of Offerings
Middle School (6-8)
Instruction deepens understanding of
science and social studies topics.
Work with content-specific teachers.
Variety of electives and clubs.
Option to earn high school credits.
Click here to see information about the Math and Language
Arts Curriculum for grades 6-8.

11. Scope of Offerings
High School (9-12)
 English, math, science and social studies are the
main subjects, but electives like yoga and web design
allow for additional enrichment.
 Career Technical Education courses allow students to
explore career options.
 Honors and Advanced Placement classes available.
 Advisory teachers help develop Personalized
Learning Plans that will prepare students for the
future.
Click here to see information about the Science Curriculum for
grades 9-12.

12. Student Body
Connections Academy strives to meet the diverse needs
of K-12 learners, such as:
 Students who want an alternative to home schooling
or a brick-and-mortar school
 Struggling students who might be losing interest in
school
 Gifted and talented students who need acceleration
 Students who have busy schedules because of
sports or other activities
 Students who constantly move
 Students with health problems

13. Student Body
Learn about:
Actress Ashley Argota’s experience with
Connections Academy.
Skaters who needed an alternative to a
brick-and-mortar school.
A student who was struggling in a
traditional school.

14. Student Body
Student Enrollment by Race (School Year 2011-12)
(Ed-Data Partnership, 2013)

15. In the News
Read articles and watch videos about the great things
happening at CenCA:
 “A New York music education experience from Porterville”
 “Celebrating Earth Day with Central California Connections Academy”
 “Keeping Your Child Motivated for School On Set”
 “Online school offers flexibility, convenience”
 “Alternative Education”
 Awards & achievements for California Connections Academy Schools

16. Evaluating CenCA’s Website
For a full evaluation of CenCA’s website and online
resources, watch this YouTube video.
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-central-school/home.aspx

17. Interview Attempts
Communication Log:
Tuesday,
June 25
Emailed following staff at CenCA:
Richard Savage - Principal
Shana Hollman – Special Education Director
Mia Hardy – Manager of Counseling services
No response
Thursday,
June 27
Emailed main email address for Connections
Academy
(info@connectionseducation.com)
Email forwarded to
Central Connections
Academy office with
no response
Monday,
July 1
Left voicemail at CenCA’s Administrative Office No response

18. Conclusions
Students attending CenCA
receive a well-rounded
education. With parental support and the motivation
to learn, K-12 students can find success at this
school. The programs they have in place to support
both accelerated and struggling students
demonstrate their commitment to personalizing
education for every student. There are varied and
diverse classes to choose from and a supportive
community to rely on. Central Californians who are
looking for an alternative to a brick-and-mortar
school should explore what CenCA has to offer.

19. References
Avila, Ester. (2011, September 7). Alternative education. Recorderonline.com. Retrieved from
http://www.recorderonline.com/news/alternative-49992-education-springville.html
Avila, Ester. (2013, March 22). A New York music education experience from Porterville. Recorderonline.com. Retrieved from
http://www.recorderonline.com/news/new-56486-kindergarten-central.html
California Connections Academy Schools. (2012). What makes us a quality choice for your child’s education? Retrieved from
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/School_Quality_Handouts/071212_PRESS_READY_CalCA_Quality_Handout.pdf
Connections Academy. (2011, August 8). Virtual school: A day in the life of a connections academy family [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp_oV3L45Sk
Connections Academy. (2013a). Central California Connections Academy 2012–13 school profile. Retrieved from
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/School_Profile_PDFs/1213_CenCA_School_Profile.pdf
Connections Academy. (2013b). Connect engage achieve: Connections Academy 2013-2014 program guide. Retrieved from http://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=1702&l=1
Connections Academy. (2013, February 20). LiveLesson session: Inside the online classroom [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l8DHDYU4m0o
Connections Academy. (2013, April 22). Celebrating Earth Day with Central California Connections Academy [Video file].
Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwCzqQv5FtQ&feature=youtu.be
ConnectionsAcademy1. (2009, October 26). Online learning: Helping dreams become reality for competitive athletes [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY30ZgTL1_c
ConnectionsAcademy1. (2011, May 12). Online learning with Ohio Connections Academy [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH0Ue8c-Fk0
ConnectionsAcademy1. (2011, June 20). On the set of Bucket & Skinner with online high school graduate Ashley
Argota [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go1Sno9WdnI&feature=c4-overview&list=UUb1gOkCa7AJCSNyi9Cc1lhQ
Connections Education LLC. (2013). Central California Connections Academy. Retrieved from http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-central-school/home.aspx
Ed-Data Partnership. (2013). Executive summary school accountability report card, 2011-12. Retrieved from http://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-central-school/our-
school/home.aspx
Luiz, Joseph. (2012, September 22). Online school offers flexibility, convenience. The Sentinel. Retrieved from
http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/online-school-offers-flexibility-convenience/article_7d6b549e-0455-11e2-950d-001a4bcf887a.html
Wheeler, Mary. (2012, September 19). Keeping your child motivated for school on set. Backstage. Retrieved from http://www.backstage.com/news/keeping-your-child-motivated-school-set/