MTS Minnesota Connections Academy (MTSMCA), Minnesota’s public, virtual charter school, announced today that an independent survey found nearly 90 percent of parents who have their children enrolled in MTSMCA gave the program a grade of either “A” or “B.” Plus, nearly 95 percent of parents said the overall Connections Academy program is excellent or good.
“I am proud of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, our dedicated faculty and staff, and the excellent education we provide for students throughout Minnesota,” said Melissa Nelson, principal of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy. “I am also pleased to report so many of our students closed out the year on a high note, with more than 92 percent of our parents indicating their children are satisfied with our program.”
According to the survey, in comparison to their child’s previous school, nearly 95 percent of parents and students are equally or more satisfied with Connections Academy. Parents also praise the high-quality curriculum, noting that the use of computer and learning management tools improve the learning experience, resulting in their child making unquestionable progress.
One parent elaborated on the benefits of regular interaction with state-certified teachers, saying, “I like the constant contact I have with the teacher. That way, if we run into a problem, we can fix it together. I don't have to wait until a parent/teacher conference to find out or find out after it is too late to fix the problem.” In fact, nearly 90 percent of Minnesota parents said they are satisfied with the amount of contact they have with their child’s teachers.
L.J. Shapiro & Associates, an independent market research company, created the questionnaire, asking parents to evaluate Connections Academy. Parents of all currently enrolled students were encouraged to complete the survey. Among the responding states, Minnesota had a 73 percent response rate, compared to the national average of 70 percent.
MTS Minnesota Connections Academy is a charter school program operated in partnership with the Minnesota Transitions School. The school opened in the winter of 2005 and will serve students in kindergarten through 11th grade for the 2007-08 school year. Students learn from home and receive guidance from both Minnesota certified teachers and a parent or guardian who acts as a “Learning Coach.” Additionally, families with students in sixth grade and above receive a computer, printer and Internet subsidy.
