1 ABOUT OUR SCHOOL Our History Commonwealth Connections Academy is an accredited, public school serving students in grades K-12 from across the state of Pennsylvania. Our students come from urban, suburban, and rural communities. The school was founded during the 2003 04 school year as a K-8 school. The school s first 12th grade class graduated in June 2009. Our Mission Through our individualized service, instruction, and dedication to achievement, we provide an opportunity for all students to competently meet personal and community goals, overcome challenges, and share their passion for success with future generations. OUR PROGRAM Commonwealth Connections Academy includes a four-year comprehensive high school program with an enrollment of over 4051 students. Here are some important facts about the program: Commonwealth Connections Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA). CCA has been conducting annual Graduation Ceremonies since 2009 for our graduating seniors. They are attended at locations throughout the State during the month of June. The school has 373 certified/ licensed professional staff. Of those, 209 have earned advanced degrees and all are highly qualified. School is in session 180 days between the months of September and June. Students are able to earn up to 8 credits during the school year. The typical course load is 6 classes per semester. Continued on page 3 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION: Chief Education Office (CEO): Dr. Maurice Flurie III Chief Operations Officer (COO): Thomas Longenecker Principals: Anthony Rusnak (11-12) and Vince Harper (9-10) Assistant Principal(s): Daniel Ladislaw (12), Tim Butler (11), Ken Grove (10), Jim Alex (10), Michael Schatz (10) Jeff Geisel (9), Kerry Wiest (9) Director of Pupil Services: Cheryl Frishmuth Manager of Career Guidance: Brian Comegna (10/12) Coordinator of College & Career: Kim Rogusky (12) Counseling Staff: Stacey Roman (11), Sarah Campbell (11), Meghan Tavani (10), Emily Kreiger (9), Rachel Lavelle (9) Learning Support Advisors: Mary Cote (11-12) and Jake Ramsey (9-10) SAMPLING OF UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES Students in the Class of 2014 earned total college scholarship awards in the amount of $3,376,030.00 and were accepted to the following colleges: Albright College, Alvernia University, American University, Anderson University, Antonelli Institute, Arcadia University, Art Institute of Philadelphia, Ball State University, Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania, Bay Path College, Belmont University, Bethany College, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bucknell University, Bucks County Community College, Butler County Community College, Cabrini College, Cairn University, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Catholic University of America, Champlain College, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Philadelphia, Continued on page 4 Commonwealth Connections Academy CEEB Code #396082 ConnectionsAcademy.com 2014 Connections Education LLC. 1426 N. 3rd St., 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17102 Fax: 717-651-0670 717-651-7200
2 COURSE OFFERINGS Commonwealth Connections Academy s core curriculum is geared toward preparing students for college and beyond. Students have access to AP, Honors, College Preparatory, and Basic programs. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, in which they can earn dual high school and college credit by attending post-secondary institutions. AP course offerings include: Art History, Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. Government, and U.S. History. Honors course offerings include: Algebra I and II, American Government, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Earth Space Science, Marine Science, English 9 12, Geometry, Physical Science, Pre-calculus, U.S. History, and World History. GRADING SCALE Student transcripts reflect weighted grades if the student took Honors or Advanced Placement courses. The numerical grading scale is as follows: Grade Numerical Percentage Non- (Honors) A+ 98 100 4.00 4.50 5.00 A 92 97 4.00 4.50 5.00 (AP) TESTING STATISTICS ACT school averages for 2013 14: Math... 21 Reading...24 English...23 Science...22 Writing... 7 Composite...23 SAT school averages for 2013 14: Math...481 Writing...470 Critical Reading... 515 Combined... 1466 AP results for 2013 14: 25 students took exams in 17 subjects. Students scored a 3 or higher on 72% of these exams. A- 90 91 3.67 4.17 4.67 B+ 88 89 3.33 3.83 4.33 B 82 87 3.00 3.50 4.00 B- 80 81 2.67 3.17 3.67 C+ 78 79 2.33 2.83 3.33 C 72 77 2.00 2.50 3.00 C- 70 71 1.67 2.17 2.67 D+ 68 69 1.33 1.83 2.33 D 62 67 1.00 1.50 2.00 D- 60 61 0.67 1.17 1.67 F 0 59 0.00 0.00 0.00 Transcript Abbreviations CO Course completed EN Scheduled in section IP Active in section PC Student has completed course and teacher is finishing grading WF Failing grade at time of withdrawal from course WP Passing grade at time of withdrawal from course. Please view all of our high school courses
3 CLASS RANK POLICY Class rank is calculated twice each year, at the conclusion of each semester. Class rank is based upon the student s cumulative weighted G.P.A. for all high school courses, including transfer courses. HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL VISITATION College representatives are invited to connect with our students through web conferencing technology. Two weeks notice is greatly appreciated so that we have time to notify students. For more information about setting up a web conference session, please contact Kim Rogusky at krogusky@connectionseducation.com Continued from page 1 One semester class equals one-half of a high school credit. Students who have taken high school level courses while in middle school may have been granted high school credit. Summer school is offered in a variety of subject areas for credit recovery and enrichment. CCA offers many clubs and activities, including Adventure Club, Lego Robotics, and National Honor Society. CCA sponsors the South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and the Southern Pennsylvania Scholastics Writing Awards. CCA offers Conservatory Programs in STEM and Arts and Humanities. These programs provide individualized, hands-on career opportunities to high school students. Real World Design Challenge team has been a top 4 finisher in Pennsylvania every year since 2008. In 2011, finished in 1st place among 70 teams in Pennsylvania and won a national merit award. In 2012, 2013, and 2014 finished 1st in Pennsylvania and 2nd place nationally in 2012 and 2013. 1st place for Best Cyber School and Best Charter School and 2nd Place for Best Academic Tutoring in 2013 by Central Penn Parent Magazine. 12th grade student selected as one of the Best and Brightest during 2013 school year. CCA took first place at the 76ers Sports Marketing Career 2013 Seminar. Three CCA students won Aspirations in Computing Award for Women during 2013 and 2014. French and Spanish Honors Society students placed 3rd in Lebanon Valley College s Foreign Language Competition. 9th grade student won first place in the 2013-14 SchmidtKramer Attitudes Essay Contest. 12th grade student awarded full scholarships to Ivy League schools. CCA began an 8th-12th grade Career Planning course in 2013. 4 CCA high school students earned 2nd place in the Hershey Garden Design Challenge.
4 Continued from page 1 Concordia University, Corban University, Delaware County Community College, Delaware Valley College, DeSales University, Drexel University, DeVry University: Fort Washington, Duquesne University, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Eastern University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Elizabethtown College, Elmira College, Elon University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ferrum College, Fordham University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Frostburg State University, Full Sail University, Geneva College, George Washington University, Hagerstown Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Immaculata University, Indiana State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, King s College, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Lackawanna College, Lancaster Bible College, La Roche College, La Salle University, Lebanon Valley College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Liberty University, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lord Fairfax Community College, Loyola University New Orleans, Luzerne County Community College, Lycoming College, Manor College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mary Baldwin College, Marywood University, Messiah College, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville University, Montgomery County Community College, Mount St. Mary s University, Northampton Community College, Norwich University, Nyack College, Pace University, Pasco-Hernando State College, Peirce College, Penn State Berks, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Mont Alto, Penn State Schuylkill, Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Philadelphia Biblical University, Philadelphia University, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Point Park University, Reading Area Community College, Regent University, Robert Morris University, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, Rosemont College, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Saint Joseph s University, San Jose State University, Seminole State College, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, South Hills School of Business and Technology, St. Edward s University, St. Vincent College, Susquehanna University, Syracuse University, Temple University, Texas State University: San Marcos, The Citadel, University of California: Merced, University of California: Santa Cruz, University of Hartford, University of Maryland: College Park, University of Maryland: Eastern Shore, University of New Haven, University of the Pacific, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, University of South Carolina, University of St. Thomas, University of Utah, Valley Forge Christian College, Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, Villanova University, Virginia Union University, Washington & Jefferson College, Waynesburg University, Wesley College, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Westminster College, Widener University, Wilkes University, York College of Pennsylvania, Youngstown State University
5 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 24 Carnegie units of credit are required for graduation. Specific requirements include: Area/Subjects # Units for Graduation Language Arts 4 Math 3 Science 3 Social Studies 3 Health 1 Physical Education 1 Technology 1 Humanities & Arts 2 Other Electives 6 Total 24 FUTURE PLANS FOR THE CLASS OF 2014 Plan % Two-year plan 14.4 Four-year college 22.4 Employment 42.5 Vocational training 12.2 Military 2.4 Other 2.2 Unknown 3.9 Total 100