Inspire Connections Academy Opens Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Inspire Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free statewide online public school, is now enrolling for the 2024-25 school year, and students in grades 6-12 will have access to an expanded college and career course offering this fall designed to prepare them for a future they’re passionate about.

Inspire Connections Academy’s expanded offering combines traditional courses with industry-leading, career-focused options to help students develop the right skills, gain real-world experiences, and make industry connections to feel confident and prepared for their unique future.

Students can work with their school counselor to explore and identify a career path that is right for them and opportunities that can support that path. This can include making connections and engaging with several industries and higher education partners and student organizations.

They’ll also focus on developing essential skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Inspire Connections Academy has been serving students online for the past 19 years and currently serves more than 1,300 students across Idaho. Each year, a parent satisfaction survey is conducted, and this year’s survey found that 97 percent of parents agree that their student is satisfied with the Connections Academy program.

With the new school year ahead, Inspire Connections Academy is also thrilled to present its new school office, located at 9550 West Bethel Court, Boise, 83709, where staff can host in-person clubs and events. The new office will also feature a library and STEM lab - where students will have access to a 3D printer, environmental science kits, rocket kits, coding robots, and more.

“There is a true connection that can be made with students online. It’s not the same as in a traditional brick-and-mortar school where you see students every day - but it can be just as deep a connection with phone calls, live online sessions, and now more opportunities to meet in person at our new office in Boise,” said Kenny McAlister, Inspire Connections Academy’s school leader.

“We are a tight-knit community and do a great job communicating with parents, and students. We’re always looking for ways to increase our engagement, connection with the community, and build stronger relationships with our students and families,” he added. The school offers learning plans that are flexible and can be tailored to match a child’s needs and abilities. Inspire Connections Academy’s state-certified teachers work hard to foster meaningful connections by providing individualized student attention and a positive, engaging learning environment. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions.

”Inspire Connections Academy is teaching me to be more independent. It’s easy to stay on track with my schedule and keep everything together. I know when I need to get my assignments done and can easily see what needs to be completed if I need to catch up. I can plan out when I’ll do my schoolwork and then take care of my animals and run my Rodeo Queen business,” said Ainsley Erwin, an 11th grader at Inspire Connections Academy.

Erwin currently serves as a 4H State Officer and travels the nation serving as a representative for Idaho, most recently attending the National Dairy Conference in Wisconsin. Being in online school gives her the freedom to travel for 4H and take care of her own animals - two horses, two calves, goats, chickens, ducks, and a rabbit.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-25 school year. Families interested in Inspire Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend online information sessions and in-person enrollment fairs to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. In-person enrollment fairs will be held: May 1, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Frontier Ice Arena located at 3525 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID where students can skate and learn about the school. Another will be held on June 3, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Inspire Connections Academy’s office located at 9550 West Bethel Ct., Boise, ID.

To learn more about the school or to begin the enrollment process, visit www.IdahoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.Staff at the local Boise office can be reached at (208) 322-4002.

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