South Carolina Connections Academy, an online public school serving students in grades K-12, began its 2022-2023 school year August 16 under the new leadership of Alicia Hughes, who was recently appointed executive director of the virtual school. South Carolina Connections Academy serves about 6,800 students and more than 250 staff members across the state. Recently, the school received excellent marks from the parents of currently enrolled students in its 2021-22 Parent Satisfaction Survey.
Hughes has more than ten years of teaching experience with both in-person and virtual learning. Before working at South Carolina Connections Academy, Hughes graduated from Winthrop University with a bachelors in secondary education. From there she attended the University of Georgia to earn her masters. From 2010 to 2013, she taught social studies at South Carolina Connections Academy. She then became the school’s assistant principal, after earning her master’s in administration from American Public University. In 2019, Alicia became the high school principal before being elevated to executive director this summer.
“I’m honored to serve as South Carolina Connections Academy’s new executive director and welcome so many new and returning faces to ring in the 2022-23 school year,” said Hughes. “We are looking forward to this next chapter where we will continue to empower students to maximize their learning experience and grow together as a community.”
With a flexible, non-traditional learning environment, students receive an individualized approach to learning with courses that go beyond academics and help develop social and emotional skills to prepare students for life after school. South Carolina Connections Academy has a dedicated team of educators who are specially trained to support students and set them up for success in a virtual environment. Like many brick-and-mortar schools, South Carolina Connections Academy facilitates opportunities for students to connect in person on field trips and through online extracurriculars like clubs and other interest-based activities.
Students head back to class on the heels of the school’s recently released 2021-22 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with South Carolina Connections Academy. According to the survey results:
• 97 percent of parents agree their children are satisfied with the program.
• 97 percent of parents agree their children are making good progress.
• 96 percent of parents agree that the curriculum is high quality.
• 96 percent of parents would recommend South Carolina Connections Academy to parents whose children are not enrolled in the program.
Enrollment for the 2022-23 school year is still open for families interested in learning more about the school’s flexible virtual learning approach. For more information about South Carolina Connections Academy visit www.southcarolinaconnectionsacademy.com.