Evidence highlights
Explore the Product Efficacy Report to understand more
70% of people
predicted more students will attend online schools than traditional schools within 10 years
88% of people
agreed that online learning will likely remain part of the student experience
2 states
shared detailed data so we could fairly compare Connections Academy and traditional school students
Researching Connections Academy
We published our first set of Connections Academy efficacy reports containing independently assured efficacy statements in 2018. We went on to build on that body of research, and updated our reporting with new findings in 2021.
Our latest study compared Connections Academy students’ state test scores in reading and math with students in traditional brick and mortar schools between the 2013-14 and 2018-19 school years.
We matched students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, followed them for three school years at the same school, and then compared them on state test scores in in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
The above finding about predictions for the future of online learning is based on the Pearson Global Learner Survey 2020, completed by 7,038 people aged between 16–70 years old across the globe.
PwC provided robust independent assurance over the integrity of the efficacy statements in the Connections Academy Product Efficacy Report 2018 and 2021.
Product Efficacy Report - 2021
A summary of relevant research, with selected statements independently assured by PwC
Product Efficacy Report - 2018
A summary of relevant research, with selected statements independently assured by PwC
Connections Academy Home
Discover how Connections Academy works and find your local Connections Academy school
Technical Report - Study 1
Details of a single piece of research
Technical Report - Study 2
Details of a single piece of research
Technical Report - Study 3
Details of a single piece of research
Parent Pulse report – 2021
A survey of American parents’ attitudes about online learning and hopes for the future of school amid the pandemic
Parent satisfaction survey – 2020
Attitudes and feedback from parents with children enrolled in Connections Academy schools
Online math learning impact study – 2018
Research into the impact of small-group synchronous discourse sessions in online math learning
Student activity data analysis – 2020
Explore findings from analyzing clickstream data from Connections Academy
20 years of virtual learning
Connections Academy schools have served more than one million K-12 students since opening their virtual doors in 2001. In the 2021-22 school year, 47 Connections Academy schools in 29 states served more than 100,000 K-12 students.
The launch of Connections Academy added a new tuition-free educational choice for American families with children who were not as successful in a typical classroom. Earlier K-12 e-learning initiatives had been limited to supplemental e-courses.
Connections Academy schools are recognized as quality K-12 virtual learning programs that focus on the whole child, delivering academic and social and emotional learning. This is reflected in student achievement and parent satisfaction - and in Connections Academy students continuing to thrive during the massive COVID disruption.