Students and Staff at South Carolina Connections Academy Kick Off the 2025-2026 School Year

Tuition-free online public school starts new school year with strong parent satisfaction and expanded College and Career Readiness offering

COLUMBIA, S.C., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving more than 5,000 students statewide in grades K-12, welcomed new and returning students to the virtual classroom for the 2025-26 school year. Now in its 18th year, South Carolina Connections Academy continues to deliver a high-quality online education that emphasizes both academic excellence and the fundamental life skills students need to thrive beyond the classroom.

This year, students in grades 6-12 can benefit from an expanded College and Career Readiness program. The school will integrate traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences, and marketing, helping students develop durable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.

"We're excited to welcome new and returning students back for a great year full of learning and growth," said Josh Kitchens, executive director of South Carolina Connections Academy. "We're especially excited about the expansion of our College and Career Readiness program, which will offer students even more opportunities to build real-world skills and explore future pathways."

South Carolina Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day.

"When my parents first enrolled me in South Carolina Connections Academy in 4th grade, I didn't understand why – but now I do," said 10^th grade Aiken resident Shayna Kelch. "It's a supportive online school where I've been able to grow and get involved. My siblings are enrolled, and it's reassuring knowing we're all learning in a safe environment from the comfort of our home. I've had chances to join the National Junior Honors Society, be part of the leadership team, and even attend in-person events with friends I've met in class. It's helped me become more confident and feel more connected."

Students return to school as results from the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience, show continued high levels of approval from families:

• 98% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at South Carolina Connections Academy
• 98% of parents agree the South Carolina Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
• 98% of parents agree their child's teachers at South Carolina Connections Academy are supportive
• 96% of parents feel their child is making good progress at South Carolina Connections Academy
• 96% of parents would recommend South Carolina Connections Academy

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is still open. Families interested in learning more about the South Carolina Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information, please visit www.SouthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

About South Carolina Connections Academy
South Carolina Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Authorized under state law by the Charter Institute at Erskine, we create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. South Carolina Connections Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accrediting division of Cognia, formerly AdvancED. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.SouthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2024-2025 School Year survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26, 2025 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.

SOURCE Connections Academy