The Mission of CONNECT Academy is to provide a high-quality, personalized online learning experience that empowers students across our state to take ownership of their education so students are prepared for college and career success.

The CONNECT Academy launched in Fall 2024, serving students who enroll in Missoula County Public Schools. The CONNECT Academy is an online academy for grades 6-12, designed to serve students with needs that may not be met by an in-person school.

The CONNECT Academy Charter School will provide a flexible and innovative virtual 6-12 grade school for Montana residents. By providing an accredited online public school option, students can access a wider range of courses and instructors than may be available at a single traditional school. The online format allows for innovative teaching methods and individualized support for each student. Students will have access to a variety of education pathways including AP, CTE Courses, Work Based Learning opportunities, and credit recovery. This charter has set the goal to be a fully competency based program by year 5. 

Online learning options have proven to be essential for students and families, as evidenced by the extensive public comment received by the MCPS School Board. CONNECT Academy aims to extend the reach of this robust and inclusive learning model to students in communities around our community, regardless of location or life circumstances, and to continue to refine and improve the model to achieve a truly personalized, competency-based learning model that levels up educational opportunities across Montana. We believe this charter option will increase access to high quality and rigorous learning for students across the state, as well as credit recovery opportunities and accelerated pathways that allow each student a personalized path to graduation. 

This program will aim to be proficiency-based, allowing students to work at their own pace within the curriculum. There will be teaching staff dedicated to this academy and available to meet with students in-person as needed.