SALT LAKE CITY—Amid all of the traditional public school graduations where graduates walked across the stage, 122 students graduated May 22 in an interactive, live-streamed commencement from Utah Connections Academy, a statewide online public school for grades K-12. 

“We are deeply committed to fostering the growth and success of our community by shaping future generations,” said Dr. Mollie McBroom, Utah Connections Academy’s School Leader. “Our school is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom long after graduation. We know our students are ready to set out and truly make a difference in the world.”

Utah Connections Academy is an accredited, tuition free, online public school, authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board.

“There is a misconception that it is homeschooling,” said Meggan Hansen, Manager of School Counseling. “We follow the state curriculum. Students have a set schedule to meet the requirement for graduation.”

Hansen said they offer a career pathway program. “Students can graduate and go right into the workforce. We also have AP and concurrent enrollment classes.”

There are three pathways, she said. “We offer health sciences, computer and business classes. Typically a student starts in ninth grade to take all of the pathway classes but you can start later and still take some.”

The teachers are specialists, said Hansen. “Students get a certificate at the end. They can put that on a resume or show an employer that they have those skills.”

Students have a set amount of lessons, she said. “Some lessons they work on on their own or there are live lessons where they meet with the teacher. Everything is virtual. Some are whole group live lessons where they meet together with their classmates and teacher or in small groups or meet with the teacher individually to get questions answered or help.”

Hansen said students choose the online school option for a variety of reasons. “Some have had a bad experience at public school, have health problems, been bullied or have anxiety so they struggle to be in person. This gives them the opportunity to continue their education without having to go in person.”

Some students are athletes who travel a lot, etc., she said. “It’s hard to be in a class every day. This gives them some flexibility.”

“I moved from Arizona in my ninth grade year,” said Kaylee Abell who was among the graduates. “The weather was bad. It was hard to get out of bed and walk outside to go to school. It was cold but my house was comfortable and warm.”

Abell still participated in extracurricular activities at her home school, Woods Cross High. “I played basketball for three years,” she said. “I went to football games and other events. For me, I kept busy outside of school and I worked the past year at Starbucks.”

There were clubs and events at Utah Connections Academy too, said Abell. “We would meet up and go to field trips together. It was awesome.”

There’s a misconception that teachers are out of reach, she said. “It’s even more than at a regular school. We have the teacher’s email and phone number so we can reach them anytime. It’s nice and open for me.”

Abell received a concurrent enrollment transition scholarship from Salt Lake Community College and plans to attend there. “I’ll take my general education classes and then transfer to wherever I decide. I’m undecided on a major but I’m firm about getting a master’s and possibly going on further. I’m confident that I’ll figure out a major soon.”

In person school can be tough, said Abell. “The social aspect and other things. If you’re looking to get away from that I’d say try Utah Connections Academy.”