Arizona Connections Academy Class of 2022 Earns More Than Half a Million Dollars in Scholarship Awards

Full-time, tuition-free online public school recognized 162 graduates in traditional graduation ceremony

Gilbert, Ariz. – Arizona Connections Academy’s Class of 2022 celebrated their accomplishments with a traditional graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Eastmark Park. Arizona Connections Academy has served as a tuition-free statewide online public school for K-12 students since 2003. Arizona Connections Academy Class of 2022 represents a highly diverse and accomplished group of students. Each graduate received a unique and tailored education experience, with an award-winning curriculum.

“We equip all of our students with the support they need to fully thrive, in both school and beyond. Whether our students plan to attend college or join the workforce after high school, our goal is to help strengthen their mind and their character, so they are prepared for the world ahead,” said Heather Noto, school leader for Arizona Connections Academy. “Our students have the opportunity to take Honors and Advance Placement classes, as well as Career and Technical Education courses,” she added.

Arizona Connections Academy’s graduating class has a wide variety of post-graduation plans. Among these plans, 45 percent plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college, 15 percent plan on vocational training, and 21 percent will enter the workforce. Graduates are also choosing to enter the military or take a gap year.

Sasha Mishler, an Arizona Connections Academy graduate, earned the Lumberjack Scholars Award from Northern Arizona University. During her time at Arizona Connections Academy, Sasha was able to complete the Medical Assistant program at East Valley Institute of Technology. She plans to jump into work as a medical assistant and will be off to Northern Arizona University in the fall to study nursing. Sasha has always been passionate about the medical field, as her mother has medical issues.

Sasha credits the flexibility Arizona Connections Academy provided that allowed her to kick off her career in the medical field. “The advice I’d have to give those new to online school is to stay on top of your work, it adds up quickly,” Sasha says. Sasha has already worked 100 hours at Dignity Health. Her days often consisted of school work in the morning, then training for her medical nursing course, and more school work when she returned home. Her dream is to work as a nurse in a hospital.

Arizona Connections Academy is in its 19th year providing students with a welcoming and distraction-free learning environment and serves more than 3,500 students in grades K-12 across the state. The school offers learning plans that are flexible and can be uniquely tailored to match a child’s needs and abilities. Arizona 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.

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Arizona Connections Academy students are diverse and come from all different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while some are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.

Families interested in Arizona Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. To learn more about the enrollment process and view a complete list of events, visit www.ArizonaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.

About Arizona Connections Academy

Arizona Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Every day, we create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call (800) 382-6010 or visit https://www.ArizonaConnectionsAcademy.com.