Connected Academy

What’s Up at the New Connected Academy?

Susan Caster, Principal

Is Connected Academy a private school? Connected Academy may have the small size and offer a personalized educational environment like many private schools, but we are a tuition free public school.  We are Fulton County School’s first system startup charter.   

How is Connected Academy funded? Like all public schools Connected Academy is funded according to the number of students attending.  We also have grants, equipment donations, and support from organizations including Dell Computers, Plato Learning, Promethean, Georgia Department of Education, and Georgia Power. 

Will there be additional costs to attend this school? No, Connected Academy is a tuition free public school. 

Is Connected Academy a branch of Milton High School? Connected Academy and Milton High School are two autonomous public high schools within Fulton County Schools.  And while it is true that we are housed in the school that was once Milton High School our programs is not connected.   

Is Connected Academy part of Independence High School? Who presently occupies the Milton Center?  Is this going to be a problem? Connected Academy is autonomous from Independence High School.  And although we are located in the same building, our program, schedule, rooms, and teachers are separate and independent.  In addition to these two high schools the Milton Center houses professional development and college courses offered by Clayton State and Perimeter College. 

Are you offering a college prep diploma and are you accredited? Connected Academy offers only a college prep diploma.  We are accredited as part of the Fulton County Board of Education.   

Is Connected Academy a Career Tech school? No, Connected Academy does not offer any Career Tech courses.

What are the Connected Academy school colors? Students will be involved in decisions relating to school colors.  Therefore, we do not have school colors at this time. 

Why should I come to a school with no organized sports program? You should come to Connected Academy in order to focus on innovative learning.  And although we do not have organized sports programs on campus, we encourage all students to maintain healthy lifestyles and to keep fit.

Why do students come to Connected Academy? Students come to Connected Academy for innovative project based learning, for a challenging relevant curriculum, and for a small personalized environment.  They are attracted by teachers who promote student led learning and collaboration. 

Why was this concept created? Connected Academy was created after a private research group determined that there was a need for a high school that focused on an instructional delivery model promoting real world application of content, hands-on project based learning, and collaborative teaching/learning. 

Are you still accepting student applications?  Yes.  We are accepting applicants until we reach our first year limit of 250 students.  Please contact Allison Edwards for information and to set up an interview at 770-667-2921 or EdwardsA@fultonschools.org.

What is your website address?  Our URL is www.connectedacademy.org or we can be found under charter schools on the Fulton County Schools website.

When will teaching staff be chosen?  Teaching positions in the core areas of math, science, language arts, and social studies have been filled.  Parents and students will have the opportunity hear a teacher’s perspective at an Information Night, Tuesday, April 24, at 7:00 pm at Connected Academy in the auditorium.  Teaching positions will be filled until the school is fully staffed. 

Will Advanced Placement (AP) courses be offered?  Yes. AP courses offered at other Fulton County schools will be offered at Connected Academy as face-to-face classes or through Georgia Virtual School (http://www.gavirtualschool.org/) or Fulton County Schools Virtual Campus (www.fultonk12virtualcampus.net).  All courses must have sufficient enrollment in order for classes to be taught face-to-face. 

As a parent how do I get involved?  Our school is fortunate to have motivated and supportive parents.  We are in the process of forming a PTO and LSAC.  We welcome parent involvement.  Please contact the principal (caster@fultonschools.org) and she will direct you to parent organizers.

Whom do I contact if I have questions or suggestions?  Dr. Susan Caster is the contact person.  Contact her by email at caster@fultonschools.org or by phone 770-667-2921.