New Executive Director Joins South Carolina Connections Academy

South Carolina Connections Academy announces the appointment of Amanda Ebel as executive director of the tuition-free online public school, which serves more than 3,000 students in grades K-12 throughout South Carolina. In this position, Ebel will lead a robust staff of dedicated teachers and administrators, working closely with K-8 principal Jennifer Selix and high school principal Joshua Kitchens.

Ebel brings 12 years of experience in the public, private and virtual education sectors to her new role at South Carolina Connections Academy, which started its sixth school year on Aug. 19. She first joined the school in the 2009-2010 school year as a high school English teacher. She went on to serve as the high school assistant principal, and became the high school principal in 2011.

“In my four years at South Carolina Connections Academy, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and evolution of the school and the many families we’ve served,” said Ebel. “I’m passionate about helping families find the individualized approach to education that works best for them and watching their students succeed. I’m honored to be leading this school and look forward to the year ahead.”

Prior to joining South Carolina Connections Academy, Ebel taught seventh grade English and coached field hockey at a middle school in Los Angeles, Calif. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of California, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in English education from the University of Georgia. Ebel is replacing Allison Reaves who was recently promoted to serve as a director of schools for Connections Academy.

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 AdvancED. The school gives students a flexible learning environment with a diverse and challenging curriculum. Students in all grade levels socialize through group labs, clubs and activities; school-sponsored events and field trips; and LiveLesson®—online classroom—sessions where students can communicate with peers and teachers in real time. South Carolina Connections Academy also offers a number of college-focused classes including ACT prep, Career Technical Education (CTE) courses and courses that are eligible for college credit. Students also have access to Juilliard eLearning courses, innovative new online music courses developed in partnership by Connections Education, Connections Academy’s parent company, and the world-renowned Juilliard School.

There is still time to enroll in South Carolina Connections Academy for the 2013-14 school year. For more information, please visit the school’s website—www.SouthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com.

About South Carolina Connections Academy

South Carolina Connections Academy is a tuition-free, high-quality, highly accountable virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. 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 AdvancED. The school opened in 2008 and is authorized under state law by the South Carolina Public Charter School District. The combination of state-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, unique electives such as the Juilliard eLearning program, technology tools and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.SouthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com.