Online Academy Offers Georgia Students Different Educational Option

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The world of education is changing every day, and in a world driven by technology, there’s a relatively new option for students in the Peach State.

It’s called Georgia Connections Academy.

“It’s a choice,” says the academy’s Outreach Liaison, Laura Berry.  “I mean, not every single school works great for every single student.  Brick and mortar schools might work great for your student, but if your student’s not successful, if they’re not sufficiently challenged because they’re gifted, or if they’re not getting enough one-on-one attention, our school kind of works really well with that as an option.”

Wednesday night, parents attended an informational session at Fairfield Inn & Suites in north Macon.

The K-12 school is a public school, so that means it’s free.  The only requirements are that you live in Georgia and have Internet access.

Lessons are taught by real-life teachers with college degrees, and they’re all state certified.

They might be teaching over a computer, but they’re not distracted by typical classroom interruptions. 

Instead, the focus stays on teaching.

“So much of the time in so many of the schools, the teachers spend so much time trying to get attention and having to deal with a child who is not behaving,” says interested parent, Rodney Green.

So with all this time in front of the computer, what about developing social skills?

“I always explain to them that, guys, if we were lined up in the hallway, of course you would talk
to your friends about what happened in last night’s basketball game, or you would socialize somehow,” says online teacher, Darnell Johnson.  “So I give them the opportunity to do that while we do attendance.  Also, students get the opportunity to participate in the many, many field trips that we offer.”

Berry says the school’s purpose is to provide students more personalized and flexible learning.

“It’s going to work at their pace for their schedule and their lifestyle, but it’s also going to make sure that they’re getting a really great, quality education with teachers and technology working together.”

The school does have a 3,000 student limit for the 2013-2014 school year, and spots are going fast.

To get more information on Georgia Connections Academy, visit their website or call 1-800-382-6010.  You can also connect with the school on Facebook.