Ohio State Board of Education Recognizes Ohio Connections Academy

Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) was recently recognized by the Ohio State Board of Education for earning an “A” on every value-added measure included on its 2014-15 state report card. OCA was named among the winners of the State Board’s first annual “Momentum Awards” which is intended for schools and districts that exceed expectations in student growth for the year.

Any Ohio school or district is eligible for the Momentum Award if it receives straight A’s on all Value-Added measures on the report card. The school or district must have at least two Value-Added subgroups of students, which include gifted, lowest 20 percent in achievement and students with disabilities. OCA was the only online charter school and one of the 165 schools, out of the 3,400 in Ohio, to receive this distinction.

In a letter sent to OCA administrators, Thomas Gunlock, State Board of Education President wrote that as one of the first winners of the award, OCA is “part of elite group of schools that are demonstrating that children of every background and ability level can achieve.”

Marie Hanna, Superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy attributed the school’s success to the dedication and hard work of its teachers.

“We are very proud of our program and proud of this recognition,” Hanna said. “This recognition validates the efforts of our teachers who provide a personalized and highly innovative education experience for our students so that they have the best opportunity for academic success.”

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online virtual public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines 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 2016-2017 school year is currently open. 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.

For more information on the Ohio State Board of Education’s “Momentum Awards” and to access a list of the schools that received recognition visit http://education.ohio.gov/Media/Media-Releases/State-Board-of-Education-of-Ohio-Awards-High-Perfo#.VzyOrJErKUl