Connections Academy
Pearson's network of tuition-free online public schools for grades K–12 in about 30 states, with certified teachers, LiveLesson classes and a parent Learning Coach. Pearson Online Academy is the tuition-based private version open to students anywhere.
What is Connections Academy?
Connections Academy is a network of tuition-free online public schools run by Pearson through Connections Education. Each school operates in one state, usually with a state or district partner, and serves students full time from home. As of October 2026 it has schools in about 30 states, and grades vary by school, with most covering K–12. Pearson also runs Pearson Online Academy, a private online school with tuition that accepts students anywhere.
How it works
Students follow the school's calendar, course sequence and attendance rules. Certified teachers lead LiveLesson sessions throughout the week, using whiteboards, polls, discussions and breakout rooms, and they grade work and make academic decisions. Between live sessions, students work through lessons on a platform that is open 24/7.
A parent, guardian or trusted adult serves as the Learning Coach. The coach sets routines, checks assignments, talks with teachers and keeps the student engaged. Young children need the most help, and support usually tapers as students grow more independent. Students must take their state's standardized tests, and the school arranges testing sites in the state.
What it covers
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Elementary | Full core curriculum with more live instruction and heavy coach support |
| Middle school | Core subjects plus electives, more independent work |
| High school | Core and elective courses toward an accredited public high school diploma |
Required books and materials are provided. In some states, families also receive a computer and a subsidy for internet access.
Who it's best for
Connections Academy fits families who want public school structure at home: teachers, live lessons, report cards and a diploma, without tuition. It works for students who need deadlines to stay on track. It is a poor fit if you want to choose curriculum, travel freely or skip state tests. In that case, look at online homeschool programs or accredited homeschool programs.
Pricing at a glance
The public schools cost nothing beyond supplies like printer ink and optional field trips. Pearson Online Academy lists full-year tuition of $5,450 for K–5, $7,050 for 6–8 and $8,250 for 9–12, with roughly 5% off for paying in full (as of October 2026).
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
If a Connections Academy school serves your state, you do not need funding. If you are weighing the private Pearson Online Academy, its tuition may be an allowable expense in some education savings account programs, such as Arizona's ESA; each program decides. Save it to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist to the programs open to your family.
How it compares
The main rival is K12, which also powers free online public schools; our Connections Academy vs K12 comparison covers the differences. Florida families also have free Florida Virtual School. If neither runs a school in your state, compare private options like Acellus or Liberty University Online Academy. See all online schools and the best online homeschool programs.
Who Connections Academy is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families in a Connections Academy state who want free online public school
- Students who need teachers, live classes and deadlines
- Families moving from brick-and-mortar school who want the same structure
Look elsewhere if
- Families who want homeschool freedom over curriculum and pace
- Parents who cannot coach a young child for much of the day
- Families who live in a state with no Connections Academy school
Connections Academy pros and cons
Pros
- No tuition, with books and materials included
- Certified teachers and regular LiveLesson sessions
- Computers and internet subsidies in some states
- Cognia accreditation for Connections Education
- Clear structure for students who need it
Cons
- Only in about 30 states, and you must live in the school's state
- State testing, attendance rules and deadlines apply
- Heavy Learning Coach role in elementary grades
- Less flexibility than homeschool programs
What’s included
- Tuition-free online public schools in about 30 states
- Certified teachers and live LiveLesson sessions throughout the week
- Required books and materials provided; computers in some states
- Parent or trusted adult serves as Learning Coach
- Connections Education accredited by Cognia
- Pearson Online Academy private option with full-time, part-time and summer school
How much does Connections Academy cost?
Connections Academy schools are public schools, so there is no tuition and required books and materials are included. Families pay for ordinary supplies such as printer ink and optional field trips; in some states they also supply the computer and internet. Pearson Online Academy, Pearson's private online school, lists full-year tuition of $5,450 for K–5, $7,050 for 6–8 and $8,250 for 9–12, with about 5% off for paying in full (as of October 2026).
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connections Academy public school | Free | Yearly | Free |
| Pearson Online Academy, K–5 full-time | $5,450/yr | Yearly | $454.17/mo |
| Pearson Online Academy, 6–8 full-time | $7,050/yr | Yearly | $587.50/mo |
| Pearson Online Academy, 9–12 full-time | $8,250/yr | Yearly | $687.50/mo |
Free trial: None. Public school enrollment follows each school's application process.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
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Connections Academy FAQs
Is Connections Academy free?
Yes. Connections Academy schools are tuition-free public schools funded by the state, and required books and materials are provided. Families pay for supplies such as printer ink and optional field trips.
Is Connections Academy accredited?
Yes. Connections Education is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), and many individual Connections Academy schools also hold regional accreditation through Cognia divisions such as SACS CASI.
Is Connections Academy available in every state?
No. It runs schools in about 30 states, and you must live in the state where the school is located. Families elsewhere can look at Pearson Online Academy, the tuition-based private school.
Is Connections Academy homeschooling?
No. It is a public school that students attend from home. Teachers direct instruction and grading, and students take state tests. Homeschooling is parent-directed education under your state's homeschool law.
Do Connections Academy students have live classes?
Yes. Teachers run LiveLesson sessions throughout the week with whiteboards, polls and breakout rooms. Younger grades spend more time in live instruction, while older students work more independently.
Does Connections Academy give you a computer?
It depends on the state. Some schools provide a computer and an internet subsidy, while others expect families to supply their own device, internet and printer.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: