California Connections Academy Honors Inaugural Graduating Class

Ripon, Calif. (June 7, 2013) – California Connections Academy @ Ripon, a K-12 tuition-free virtual public school serving more than 280 students in Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties, graduated its first class of high school seniors on Thursday, June 6. The class of 2013 celebrated their successes alongside family, friends, teachers, school representatives during a graduation ceremony at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club in Ripon, Calif. Ripon Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Louise Johnson and California Connections Academy founding board Member Tim Batiuk also attended, and school principal Don Ogden addressed graduates.

Graduating students come from across the Bay Area and North San Joaquin Valley, including Modesto, Escalon and Stockton, and have a diverse range of passions and interests. For example, senior Alessandro Vasquez of Modesto, participates in local drama productions, most recently starring as Demetrius in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” while maintaining top grades throughout the school year. Graduates will go on to pursue higher education and careers in fields such as digital animation, music production and teaching.

“Our graduating seniors have embraced virtual education and shined in both their academic and extracurricular endeavors,” said Don Ogden, principal at California Connections Academy. “We are incredibly proud of our first graduating class and look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.” 

California Connections Academy, which opened its doors in August 2012, offers an innovative learning environment, providing benefits for students who want a flexible schedule and individualized attention.

The school’s state-certified teachers work with each family to develop personalized learning goals that adhere to the rigorous state education standards. In addition to a high-quality curriculum, students socialize through various school-sponsored events and field trips, clubs and activities and LiveLessons.

California Connections Academy’s juniors and seniors benefit from the school’s flexibility while exploring and applying to college. Many students have the option to mold their schedules to accommodate SAT studying and college visits or interviews. Throughout the last year, the school has organized field trips to various higher education institutions, including Stanford University, California State University, Sacramento and University of the Pacific. Students also take advantage of California Connections Academy’s diverse course catalogue, taking more AP classes and studying unique electives such as Juilliard e-learning music courses, sports management and criminal investigation.

For more information about California Connections Academy, please visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

About California Connections Academy @ Ripon

California Connections Academy @ Ripon is a tuition-free, high-quality, highly accountable virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 in Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education, which is accredited by AdvancED. The school opened in 2012 and is authorized under state law by the Ripon Unified School District. California Connections Academy provides students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an innovative curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. The combination of state-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, unique electives such as the Juilliard eLearning program, technology tools and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. For more information, call 209-253-1208, visit the school’s website or visit the teaching center located at 580 N. Wilma Ave., Suite G, Ripon, CA 95366.

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