Editor’s Note: Oregon Connections Academy Begins Enrollment for Upcoming 2026-2027 School Year. Educating our children is a wild road most of the time. Not all kids fit on the main highway; in fact, a good percentage do not fit the public school model well. Having had 5 kids in the system and having coached 100s, I know how being the two left-footed kid works… not very well.
An educator once told me in an IEP meeting that “we do the best we can- our model really works for about 60% of the kids. The other 40% are either beyond our teaching levels or do not fit our model at all. This is the best advice I can give you- do what works best for your child”. Like most parents, we tried a lot of options- Home School, private school, various charter models, virtual schools- and PCC for early High School graduation. The Oregon Connections Academy is a school and model that has worked for so many students and parents, too. With districts like Forest Grove seeing 30% of students just not show up at all right now due to ICE or other pressures, this is an important option. So, The Herald is glad to share this press release from the tried and true school, based in Prairie City, Oregon, on the John Day River! The school is home to 1,500+ students from around Oregon, making it a large school district in our State. And yes, most of them are remote, which is the key reason it works for so many. Here is the rest of that story! Check them out right here – maybe this is a great fit for your child?
Press Release
Oregon Connections Academy Begins Enrollment for Upcoming 2026-2027 School Year
High-quality, tuition-free online public school offers personalized learning experience, college and career readiness courses to students across Oregon
PRAIRIE CITY, Ore. (Feb. 3, 2026) – Oregon Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving K-12 students statewide, is now enrolling students for the 2026-27 school year. Oregon Connections Academy offers a flexible, high-quality learning experience through its established online education program, serving more than 1,500 students across Oregon.
Oregon Connections Academy provides a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establishes meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are involved in the educational journey as their child’s Learning Coach, while partnering with their child’s teachers, school counselor, and other dedicated faculty.
“At Oregon Connections Academy, we recognize that every student learns differently,” said Janel Scurlock, principal of Oregon Connections Academy. “Our program supports families seeking personalized learning experiences with strong teacher support – whether a student needs a customized learning plan, flexible pacing or is eager to explore college and career readiness coursework. We give each learner the opportunity to grow in the way that works best for them.”
Oregon Connections Academy continues to offer its College and Career Readiness program for middle and high school students. The program integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. This program equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections, and find direction to prepare for their future. Through its program, students have access to course offerings from industry-leading partners like Coursera, Credly, and The Home Depo Path to Pro.
Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, including those who are academically advanced or struggle in a traditional school setting, as well as those who may be experiencing health challenges, bullying, or live in rural areas. Others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open for grades K-12. Families interested in Oregon Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if a virtual school is the right fit for their students. For more information about Oregon Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.OregonConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.
About Oregon Connections Academy
Oregon Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. True to our name, we believe meaningful connections drive better academic outcomes, so we build a strong circle of support that unites students, families, and educators. Authorized by the Prairie City School District but overseen by its own governing board and school leadership, Oregon Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that helps keep students engaged in a safe learning environment. Beyond academics, our teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, partnering with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills needed to thrive in the real world by becoming resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.OregonConnectionsAcademy.com.
