Virtual school hosts information session

Students in Petaluma can enroll in a different kind of school this fall, one that is free of cost and exists solely online.

The California Connections Academy @ North Bay, a tuition-free, virtual public school serving students in grades K-12, is hosting a free information session tomorrow at the Sheraton Sonoma County Hotel in Petaluma for families interested in learning about its online program and individualized approach to education.

The information session, which runs from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., will give families an opportunity to meet with academy instructors and staff and learn about the school’s program and curriculum. Topics will include how teachers interact with students in a virtual environment, personalized learning opportunities, college preparation, socialization and the use of technology.

Students in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Yolo counties can enroll in the program, which allows students to learn at home while still meeting state education standards. This alternative learning environment can benefit students who need a flexible schedule, learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention or live in rural settings, according to California Connections officials.

Statewide, virtual education is gaining momentum, with about 41,000 students in California enrolled in full-time online schools for the 2012-2013 school year, according to the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. California’s online enrollment was second highest in the country, after Arizona with 42,000 full-time online enrollments.

California Connections Academy @ North Bay is authorized under state law by the Middletown Unified School District. As a public charter school, the academy is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The academy’s inaugural class will begin the school year on Sept. 2.

California Connections Academy @ North Bay is one of four online academy branches, which include California Connections Academy @ Ripon, Central California Connections Academy and Capistrano Connections Academy.

For more information on the North Bay online academy, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit www.connectionsacademy.com. Families unable to attend tomorrow’s information session can find a full list of the academy’s online information sessions at www.connectionsacademy.com/california-online-north-bay/events.aspx.

(Contact Allison Jarrell at allison.jarrell@arguscourier.com)