Parents can get information about online K-12 academy

Nevada Connections Academy, a "virtual" public school, has generated a great deal of interest in advance of an information session to be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday at the Holiday Inn Express, 4055 N. Carson St., according to spokeswoman Michele Voelkening.

Online education is the fastest-growing trend in education, and continues to see rapid growth in Nevada. A recent study, "Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice" (2010), rates Nevada's as one of only 11 established online programs in the country. The results also found that during the 2009-10 school year, online school enrollment increased by 76 percent from the previous year (from 3,377 to 5,959 students), Voelkening said.

Nevada Connections Academy is a free virtual public school for students in grades K-12. The school supplies students with all of the necessary tools for the school year free of charge, including a computer, textbooks, science lab and physical education equipment. The school works like a traditional brick-and-mortar school with teachers and a principal. The school also hosts monthly field trips and other socialization events. The only difference is students attend from home, she said.

NCA is offering parents throughout Nevada the opportunity to learn more about the virtual public school during local information sessions, which allow interested families to meet with certified teachers, as well as with parents of children currently enrolled in the school.

Session participants will explore NCA's individualized learning approach, curriculum, the technology-enhanced learning environment and the enrollment process. Curriculum samples also will be available, and those attending will have the opportunity to get answers to any questions they may have.

During the session, participants will discuss the family's role in the education process through topics such as organizing the home for the most effective schooling environment and balancing time when more than one child is enrolled in the program. Participants also will learn how NCA's community coordinators arrange field trips and extracurricular activities for students and parents across the state as a means of education, fun and networking with others enrolled in the school.

For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010.