Connected Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

We plan to open in August with 250 students and then increase that number by 50 students each year until we reach a maximum of 500 students.

School opens on August 13, 2007. 

Yes, transportation will be provided from the high school within the attendance zone where the student resides to and from Connected Academy.

A charter school differs from a traditional school in that it may request waivers from certain state requirements relating to schools and, therefore, offer more flexibility in its curriculum and educational program.

The curriculum focus will ensure that all Fulton County Schools' 11th and 12th grade course requirements toward a college preparatory diploma are available to students.  Elective courses will be offered based upon student interest and the ability to integrate technology and project-based learning.  Electives will include, at a minimum, courses in music, world language and art.

The charter school leadership in conjunction with the Fulton County Schools Curriculum Department will assess the need for Career Technology or Dual Programs of Study in the second or third year of the charter's existence, based upon the characteristics of the student population.

Yes, as with all Fulton County Schools curricula, this will be rigorous with traditional and performance-based assessments.  We will offer all the courses required for a college preparatory diploma at Connected Academy.  Students who choose to take a course that is not offered on campus may opt to take it virtually or through distance learning.

The application process to Connected Academy includes an essay, recommendations, and interview giving students and parents information to determine if Connected Academy is a good fit.  We understand that it is not a solution for every student, however, we strongly recommend a commitment for one school year.  Connected Academy is on a 4X4 block schedule making it a challenge for students to change schools during the school year.

If Connected Academy closes students would return to the school in their attendance zone or apply for another charter school or magnet school.

Teachers will be hired by Fulton County Schools (FCS) according to FCS employee policies and procedures which includes having a valid Georgia Teaching Certificate.  In addition, non-certified personnel may be used as teachers for elective courses, or as guest instructors of field supervisors in all courses.  All such teachers will have multiple years of applied experience in their subject area. 

The schedule will be based on a 4X4 block, although teams of teachers will work together to provide more flexible scheduling as needed.  This will allow students to have larger blocks of time to complete projects and/or investigate solutions to problems.  Elective courses will be added to the curriculum as student-interest groups are identified and formed.  

Extracurricular activities including sports and clubs will be offered based on the interest of the student body. 

Students will receive grades following the Fulton County Schools high school grading policy and procedures.  Assessments will include rubrics used to grade project-based assignments.

Transportation will not be provided to internships.  However, internships in walking distance of campus and on public transportation will be available.

There are a number of other innovative, small charter schools around the country, however, Connected Academy is designed to meet the needs of students in Fulton County.  Research done with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members helped to identified needs specific to Fulton County students. 

Connected Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and will therefore be accepted by major colleges and universities.

This will not be possible; just as students who attend any high school can not participate with a team or club of another high school.  Connected Academy will offer a variety of unique activities for students based on their interests.  

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an alternative school as "a school with a nontraditional curriculum."  According to this definition Connected Academy is not an alternative school.  We teach the Georgia state standards for each content area.  We are unique in how the material is covered. 

No, the program at Connected Academy is very different from the program at Crossroads Second Chance where students with discipline issues are given a "second chance."

Connected Academy operate on traditional high school hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Connected Academy is a public school and provides a free education to any student living in the Fulton County School zone. 

Students will be scheduled with a teacher for each of their four classes.  It will be the students decision to take a class virtually or not.

We are looking for teachers with passion: for students, for the content they teach, and for education.  Teachers who are student centered and know how to create a dynamic learning environment.  Teachers who want to be part of a collaborative team and design project based curriculum. 

How will we select creative, innovative faculty who resound with talent?  An interview team will be assembled to observe teachers in action and conduct interviews.

Electives will be based on students interests.  The options are endless and we have the ability to hire experts in the field to teach elective classes.

At this point Connected Academy is not offering career technology courses.  However, if your student already had all of their career technology credits this would be possible.

Yes, Connected Academy students will participate in the student assessments mandated by state law including EOCT and GHSGT.  They will also participate in the student and stakeholder satisfaction surveys mandated by the Fulton County Board of Education. 

The Connected Academy will not discriminate against students on the basis of disability, race, creed, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status or for special educational services.  Provisions will be made to serve students with disabilities within the student population.

Fulton County School's Nutrition Department will provide for the Connected Academy's food service program.  We will comply with all federal, state, and local policies and procedures, and requirements for national school breakfast and lunch programs.  We expect to participate in the federal free and reduced price lunch program.