Georgia Connections Academy offering mid-year switching option to families

As the New Year is upon us for some there is no avoiding one reality: Your child is in need of a new school.

Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) Principal Heather Robinson is encouraging families to explore virtual charter schooling, which is one of the public education options available for students in every county of the state, particularly if a student is unhappy or under-performing. GACA is currently enrolling students in grades K-8 who are interested in making a mid-year schooling switch.

“Sometimes students need a break from the traditional brick-and-mortar setting and find that a virtual public charter school can help them catch up or take a break from the day-to-day peer pressures of school,” said Principal Robinson. “We provide a change of mindset.”

“We welcome mid-year enrollment,” said Board President Alisa Hug. “Let us show you what great opportunities we offer every child in Georgia.”

Georgia Connections Academy is the highest performing Georgia virtual school on SAT and ACT measures, according to Principal Robinson.

She said the top reasons for mid-year switching are:

· The student require or wants greater flexibility;

· The student wants a change from their local school;

· The student wants a safe learning environment.

More than a quarter of a million American students in grades K-12 get their education virtually. In Georgia, 4000 students are currently enrolled in Georgia Connections Academy.

To switch mid-year, a parent will need to plan ahead and Principal Robinson offers these tips:

1. Do your homework. Make sure the school offers an accredited program with a wide range of courses, and a proven curriculum developed by professional educators. Talk to parents with students currently enrolled in the school. GACA has a Contact-a-Parent program that will connect interested students with currently enrolled families to discuss the school and answer questions.

http://www.connectionsacademy.com/our-program/school-community/contact-a-parent.aspxhttp://www.connectionsacademy.com/our-program/school-community/contact-a-parent.aspx

2. Plan Ahead. Research shows that students are more successful when they change schools at the beginning of a quarter or semester. Find out when the grading period ends in the child’s current school and when the new one starts. Use this info to set a target start date for the new school. Of course, sometimes life throws you a curve ball—like surprise job changes or family matters. In that case, guidance and enrollment officials can help navigate the school switch smoothly.

3. Get Paperwork in Order. Check with enrollment officials at Georgia Connections Academy for admission deadlines and a list of required documents, which could include:

application forms, transcripts, birth certificate, immunization records, other state-specific paperwork.

4. Pay Attention to Transfer Credits. Many schools don’t mail fall semester report cards until the spring semester, making it tricky for some parents to prove course completion and to get students’ credits transferred to the new school. Parents facing this situation should check with their new school’s enrollment counselors to find out what other, alternative paperwork they can supply, and then they should request it from the previous school.’’

5. Maintain An Open Dialogue. The parents’ role in ensuring a smooth mid-year transition doesn’t end until their child is enrolled in the new public school, has all their books and academic supplies, and has started classes.

Making the mid-year switch? Visit http://www.georgiaconnectionsacademy.com for more information and updated online information session postings throughout the year.