Students and Staff at Colorado Connections Academy Kick Off the 2026-2027 School Year

Full-time, tuition-free online public schools welcome students in grades K-12 from across the state back to the virtual classroom

Englewood, Colo. - Colorado Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free online public school, recently opened its 2026-27, welcoming students in grades K-12 from across the state to a new year of learning in a virtual environment. 

“We’re excited to welcome our students and families back for another school year at Colorado Connections Ac said Bryan Hill, Executive Director of Colorado Connections Academy. “Our school is more than a place where students complete their coursework. It’s truly a community where students can build meaningful relationships, explore their interests, and grow with the support of dedicated teachers and staff. We’re proud to provide an individualized learning experience that helps each student build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to reach their goals.”

Colorado Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child’s Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide throughout the school day. 

Students are returning to school shortly after the release of the 2026 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Colorado Connections Academy. According to the 2026 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:

• 99% of parents agree the Colorado Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
• 97% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Colorado Connections Academy
• 97% of parents feel their children are making progress on their academic goals with Colorado Connections Academy
• 97% of parents agree their child's teachers at Colorado Connections Academy are supportive

Colorado Connections Academy serves approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 across the state. State-certified teachers foster meaningful connections through one-on-one support and live online class sessions. Students collaborate regularly with peers and have the opportunity to participate in in-person and virtual field trips, clubs, prom, and a traditional graduation ceremony.

“I like being able to work at my own pace and without distractions,” said Dustin Clutter, a ninth-grade student at Colorado Connections Academy. “I’m pretty busy outside of school taking care of our chickens, horses and cows, so having the flexibility to get my schoolwork done while also helping my family is important to me. If I get stuck, I know I can ask my teachers for help.”

A fourth-generation dairy farmer, Dustin helps his family care for their cattle, horses, and chickens while helping support his family’s farm and bakery business. which includes dairy  production, eggs and livestock. The work is a daily commitment that keeps him actively involved in the family operation.

Dustin has attended Colorado Connections Academy for five years and appreciates being able to work at his own pace and without the distractions of a traditional classroom. Math is one of his favorite subjects, particularly learning new formulas, and he says the school’s special education team and teachers have been an important source of support. 

Similar to Dustin, students choose Colorado Connections Academy for many  different reasons.  Virtual school can be a good fit for a variety of students, including those who are academically advanced, those who have struggled in a traditional school setting, and those looking for an educational environment that offers greater flexibility. Others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule, while some families choose online school because they live in rural areas or want an alternative to a traditional classroom setting.

Enrollment is still open for the 2026-27 school year for students in grades K-12. Families interesting in learning more about whether virtual school would be a good fit for their child can start with an online information session. You can learn more about the school or start the enrollment process at www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or by calling 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12 across the state. True to our name, we believe meaningful connections drive better academic outcomes, so we build a strong circle of support that unites students, families, and educators. We create a high-quality educational experience that helps keep students engaged in a safe learning environment. Beyond academics, our teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, partnering with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills needed to thrive in the real world by becoming resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology    

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2025-2026 School Year survey was conducted from January 14 to February 23, 2026 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.