Inspire Connections Academy hosts traditional commencemet ceremony

Monday, June 24, 2024
Graduates from Inspire Connections Academy

Full-time, tuition-free online public school proudly recognizes the Class of 2024 graduates

Boise, Idaho – Graduates from Inspire Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free, online school for students in grades K-12 across Idaho, received their hard-earned diplomas in a traditional graduation ceremony at Boise State University’s ExtraMile Arena on June 2 at 2 p.m. This Class of 2024 was recognized for hard work, determination, and academic accomplishments. Among these graduates, hail several from the Elmore County, including:

Jennika Keith (Mountain Home), Daniel McCallum (Mountain Home), Kade Proffit (Mountain Home), and Michaela Aulbach (Glenns Ferry).

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2024 and help commemorate such an important academic milestone,” said Kenny McAlister, school leader at Inspire Connections Academy. “We know that we’ve equipped our new graduates with the knowledge of being accountable, understanding time management, and being advocates for themselves. We are excited for them as they forge ahead and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in their future endeavors,” he added.

Inspire Connections Academy’s graduating class has a wide variety of post-graduation plans. Among these plans, 44% plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college, and 21% enter the workforce. Other graduates are choosing to join the military, pursue vocational training, or take a gap year. The Class of 2024 also earned around 1.29 million in scholarships and awards.

Inspire Connections Academy offers a high level of flexibility, allowing students and families to structure their day in the best way for them. The increased flexibility opens many possibilities, whether students want more time to work on projects, practice a sport, volunteer in the community, or do other activities.

Among the Class of 2024 is Inspire Connections Academy graduate Michael Hall, who has been with the school since the fifth grade. Michael found that the online environment gave him the structure he needed to succeed in his educational journey and the flexibility to run cross country and track through his local school district. Virtual school also allowed Michael to pursue his passion for playing the guitar and gave him the time to participate in the Program for Talented Youth at Vanderbilt University. Michael, a first-generation college student, also earned college credit in high school through Inspire Connections Academy’s dual enrollment program.

“With public school, there’s a rigid schedule that someone else made for you. At Inspire Connections Academy, my schedule was based on how my life worked,” said Michael. “Being in online school teaches self-responsibility and general time management because it’s all on you.” Michael received a university grant and is headed to the University of Southern California (USC) to pursue his dream of becoming a Neuroradiologist and running on the USC intramural cross-country team.

Inspire Connections Academy serves more than 1,200 students in grades K-12 across Idaho. The school offers flexible learning plans tailored to match a child’s needs and abilities. Inspire Connections Academy’s state-certified teachers work hard to foster meaningful connections by providing individualized student attention and a positive, engaging learning environment. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions.

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, and students at Inspire Connections Academy represent a diversity of backgrounds and education histories. They range from those who are academically ahead or struggling in a traditional school setting to those who experience health challenges or bullying.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-25 school year. Families interested in Inspire Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend information sessions to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. An enrollment fair will be held on June 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Inspire Connections Academy's office for families to learn more as well. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.IdahoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 833-591-0251.