Connections Academy review

Connections Academy is the first place to check if you want an online high school that costs nothing in tuition. Its schools are public, so state tax dollars pay for the education, and Connections Academy says there are no hidden costs. The program provides certified teachers, virtual classrooms for group lessons and 1:1 support, and the textbooks, workbooks and project materials each course needs. Connections Education is accredited by Cognia, and many of its individual schools also hold regional accreditation. The catch is availability: you can only enroll if your state has a Connections Academy-supported school, and the cost page points families in other states to Pearson Online Academy, the tuition-based private school from the same company. Families pay for standard supplies, optional field trip fees and internet service, and whether a computer or internet subsidy is included depends on state rules. Because it is a public school, expect state standards and the school's own enrollment windows.

Who it is for

families who want a free, accredited public option

Price

Tuition-free in states with a Connections Academy-supported school; families pay for basic supplies and internet.

Connections Academy is tuition-free and aligned with state educational standards.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Tuition-free, publicly funded education in states with a supported school
• Certified teachers plus virtual classrooms for peer learning and 1:1 support
• Physical and digital textbooks, workbooks, literature and project materials included
• Connections Education is accredited by Cognia
• Technology and internet subsidies vary by state and school

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No tuition, because state tax dollars fund the school like any public school
• Strength: Course materials such as textbooks and workbooks are provided
• Strength: Many Connections Academy schools also hold regional accreditation
• Weakness: Only available where a Connections Academy-supported school operates in your state
• Weakness: Families still pay for supplies, optional field trips and internet service
• Weakness: Public school rules mean state testing and enrollment calendars apply

Key facts

• Tuition: Free (public school)
• Accreditation: Cognia (Connections Education)
• Teachers: Certified
• Availability: States with a supported school

Where it ranks

Connections Academy is No. 1 in our Best Online High Schools verdict.