Pearson Announces Three New Connections Academy Full-Time, Online Public School Programs in Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, today announced three new Connections Academy virtual school offerings in Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri for the 2024-25 school year. Connections Academy provides a full-time, tuition-free, public school program that delivers a high-quality experience specifically designed for effective K-12 learning in a virtual environment.

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Pearson Announces Three New Connections Academy Full-Time, Online Public School Programs in Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri (Photo: Business Wire)

Pennwood Cyber Charter School will be available to K-12 students statewide in Pennsylvania, Connections Academy at Springs will serve grades K-10 in southern California, and Missouri Connections Academy will add another virtual school through a partnership with the Louisiana School District, serving grades 7-11 for the 2024-25 school year and expanding to grades 7-12 for 2025-26.

Ahead of their inaugural year, the programs have developed robust initiatives to create a learning environment where students receive what they need to be supported, engaged and academically successful. Each will have state-aligned curriculum, high-quality, individualized education, and services to support all students. Specifics of each program include:

• Missouri Connections Academy and Pennwood Cyber Charter School will benefit from Connections Academy’s extensive college and career course offerings for grades 6-12 that will combine traditional courses with industry-leading, career-focused options and access to education and industry partnerships.
• Programming for Pennwood Cyber Charter School will include partnerships with Drexel University's Goodwin College of Professional Studies and the Cook Center for Human Connection. Also, students will have the opportunity to earn digital credentialing badges through Credly, aligned with Pennsylvania’s Career Education and Work Standards. Credly is a Pearson business.
• Students attending Connections Academy at Springs will be able to tap into a broader network of schools in southern California to participate in field trips and other face-to-face activities.

“Families are looking to educate their children in flexible and personalized educational programs that mirror the evolving landscape for college, career and workplace environments,” said Lorin Thomas-Tavel, managing director of Pearson Virtual Schools. “Pearson’s support of these new school programs ensures students access to opportunities that provide enriching academic and co-curricular experiences designed to help them discover their passions, and master the curriculum and skills needed for success in life and career.”