Ohio Connections Academy Career Curriculum Receives National Recognition

Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) was recently awarded a bronze medal by Academic Innovations in recognition of the school’s implementation of the Career Choices curriculum. The full-time, public eschool is one of 5,000 schools nationwide to offer this curriculum, which works to help students achieve academic success while they also plan for their future careers.

According to Academic Innovations, the Ohio Connections Academy Career Choice program is engaging students in career exploration and evaluation, helping students set goals and explore the many career opportunities available after high school. The Career Choices program empowers students to discover their abilities and ambitions, develop needed attitudes and skills, and create a ten-year plan about their future.

Such career programs, says Academic Innovations, can help lower dropout rates and effectively prepare students to become self-sufficient adults. Since Ohio Connections Academy started using the curriculum five years ago, the percentage of first time 9th grade students earning enough credits to move into the 10th grade has improved from 82 percent to 91 percent.

“Nationwide, education programs are evolving to engage students in activities that get them to consider all their opportunities after high school,” said Ohio Connections Academy Superintendent Marie Hanna. “Whether a student goes on to college or chooses to enter the workforce right out of high school, it is increasingly important to provide students with the technical skills, knowledge and real-world experience to succeed.”

Ohio Connections Academy will be officially recognized for its program in July at Academic Innovations’ annual national conference in Los Angeles.

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines Ohio-certified teachers , a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education.

Enrollment for the Ohio Connections Academy 2017-2018 school year opens March 1st. Interested parents and students are encouraged to learn more at one of the many in-person or online information sessions offered by the school. Early enrollment is also encouraged, especially for families new to virtual school.