California Connections Academy at Capistrano

Posted: April 20, 2026

Be aware this school is no longer associated with Pearson's Connection Academy. It has been renamed California Online Public School. Although much of the staff has remained the same, the online platform is no longer as streamlines as Connections Academy. The school began its descent in 2020 when many new teachers were hired to deal with the influx of covid kids. My oldest started this school back in 2010 and it was wonderful. We saw only great improvements through the years as my two younger children also entered. By 2021, the school became very impersonal and the "flexibility" began to wane. Right now my child is doing state testing. This will last for five days, two hours per day in addition to normal lessons. The calendar is not modified to accommodate testing. Kids are expected to deal with it. They were also given the option to "get ahead" during spring break (BREAK) in order to stay on top of things. Be aware, this school is not flexible. They are not family oriented and do not put the kids first.

Posted: April 20, 2026

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Posted: January 27, 2025

Connections Academy arbitrarily withdrew my student after just four days of enrollment due to incomplete introductory assignments. Despite receiving only one warning email on the second day, I was not informed of the official withdrawal until 13 days later. The school has since denied me access to my child's account, preventing me from verifying if the assignments were actually incomplete. This decision, made by my child's math teacher rather than administrative personnel, has caused significant disruption and stress for our family. The lack of communication, transparency, and fairness in Connections Academy's handling of the situation is deeply troubling. Their communication practices are inadequate, and their policies on assignment completion and withdrawal lack transparency and fairness. Additionally, the school must ensure parents have access to their child's account and educational records at all times. The arbitrary withdrawal has compromised my child's education and highlighted the need for urgent improvements in the school's administrative practices and policies. Sharing our experience aims to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for better practices and policies in online education.

Posted: January 27, 2025

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Posted: July 31, 2023

Horrible enrollment process with no confirmation of acceptance months after (an insane amount) of papers was verified. I was finally told they could not guarantee placement and to "hang tight" at the end of summer when regular school is about to begin. I now have to enroll my son in regular school just in case and have him start over in the wrong grade due to missed summer school classes. Do NOT recommend it unless you have a year to plan.
If you want to secure placement for next semester, go elsewhere.

Posted: July 31, 2023

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Posted: March 2, 2023

I am a current student at Connections Academy. It is overall the worst school ever. I cannot explain how much work they give you. It builds up making it really hard to turn it assignments on time. They give you 4 or 5 assignments a day but even just 1 assignment have over 20 pages with extra links to extra assignments. The teachers are always nice but try to push you to finish your work even when you have 4 or 5 portfolios from other classes to do. The worst thing is that the art teacher had yelled and made a dramatically rude email to all the students in our class saying our art work was horrible and he had never seen anything so bad. Just by reviewing what type of teacher would say something like that, i would definitely not reccommend anyone to put their child in this school. This school says you will have field trips and meet and talk to other students, when you cannot even do that. There is no way to talk to anyone at Connections Academy except for the teachers. I honestly have had the worst year of my life. It is very depressing and alone to have to do loads of work and be pushed to do it, Especially when you have strict parents who want you to do good but every assignment is like 2 points so if you miss the portfolio that is 50 points then your grade will go to a 0. Also, you cant finish a assignment from a class until your done with the one before that. That truly has messed me up and caused me to fail my 7th grade year. I really hope that for the sake of your child that you see this and don't put them in connections academy, because it is very depressing and the worst school out there.

Posted: March 2, 2023

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Posted: October 2, 2022

I was a student at California Connections Academy for a year and that year was the most depressed I had ever been in my life. I had no interaction with other students, only a couple of teachers bothered calling to check in and see how I was doing, and they didn't do anything to help students succeed or exceed in school. Overall, if you're considering this for your child, if your child is anti-social or doesn't prefer interaction with students, then by all means enroll them here, but if you prefer a more guided program with support, look elsewhere.

Posted: July 31, 2022

Let me just tell you. This school is amazing. I'm a student here and honestly? The bad reviews are so not true. This school deserves 100/10. The teachers here ACTUALLY care about us students. I transferred to this school because of harassment and bullying from an in person public school. Every one of my teachers are amazing at teaching. I'm serious. When I have kids, this is where they are going to go to school. I've had the best experience here but unfortunately this is my senior year. I wish I started sooner. A HUGE thank you to all of the staff. You all are absolutely amazing. Mr.Manuel, Ms. Powell, Mr. Leal. You made this an amazing experience. Mr.Manuel is my Homeroom teacher and also was my Psych teacher. Thank you for being there for me when I had questions. Thank you for helping me through school. You deserve the world. So do all of the staff. All I can say is thank you so very much. BY FAR THE BEST SCHOOL EVER!!!!!

Update: I’ve now graduated! I wish I knew about this school sooner. My life would be so much better. Literally everyone there wants the best for you. Anything you need, they are willing to sit and listen. I genuinely can’t even begin to tell you. I was harassed at my other school and transferred here. Parents/Guardians!!! If you ever come across this, please sign your kiddo up. I was able to work on not only my mental health, but my physical health as well. I’m a business owner and also have a full time job at a Lab. Connections understood the position I was in. I was able to grow as a student AND as a business owner. Beyond grateful! I make a promise… when I have kiddos of my own, this is the school they will go to.

Lots of parents are concerned about online school and how it may be easy or not equivalent as an in person school. Trust me, it took a lot of convincing with my parents. It’s the same, but online. And plus there isn’t bullying or harassment. Just a safer place for those who don’t feel safe at public in person schools. If you’re thinking about it, do it!

Anyways sorry for the LONG review. I still have so much to say but not many people will get this far in the review. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I am so sad that I have to say goodbye to this school but it has helped me succeed in life. Thank you.

Posted: July 31, 2022

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Posted: March 19, 2019

Posted: March 19, 2019

Posted: March 19, 2019

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Posted: March 19, 2019

This school is great I have had a good experence I got the best teachers they are really helpful,Kind teachers I have been learning a lot of this this is a school where I could finally feel safe.

Posted: March 19, 2019

Some of the teachers do their best to help on home work they are really kind.

Posted: March 19, 2019

Posted: July 10, 2017

Sschool has a strong anti cyber bullying policy.

Posted: July 10, 2017

Since the student is at home already, all work is homework. The teachers constantly encourage the students to stay on task with daily lessons via email and phone.

Posted: July 10, 2017

Teachers constantly email and call the students to check in and make sure they understand the lessons. They also respond quickly to emails and phone calls when questions arise.

Posted: July 10, 2017

The school and parents work closely together so building the character of the student is done by a variety of different clubs and field trips.

Posted: July 10, 2017

The school has several different activities and field trips throughout the year that teaches the students to strive for success and encourages community envolvement.

Posted: July 10, 2017

Teachers provide extra support to students when needed.

Posted: July 10, 2017

I have had a great experience. My child started Connections Acadamy in the 10th grade. My child has always been a good student but in 10th grade he caught the flu and teachers at the local public high school marked his grades down while he was home sick. So out of frustration we tried Connections and my child and I have never been happier. His grades has jumped, he is engaged in learning and best of all he is happy.

Posted: June 8, 2017

The school work is the same as the homework. A student has a workload each day. It is one and the same.

Posted: June 8, 2017

It is not true that the ratio is 1 teacher to 10 students. One teacher can have over 200 students for a given class!

Posted: June 8, 2017

There is no interaction between students. They are not even allowed to contact other students. So there's no way to grade them in this aspect of developing character.

Posted: June 8, 2017

Usually the school works with the students and parents. Here the teacher works with the students. They don't want to interact with parents at all. No teacher/parent conferences like regular schools. Most of the staff have an attitude like you're half welcome. That is not leadership.

Posted: June 8, 2017

If you are a book learner, or prefer physical books, you will be disappointed. By the time you reach high school, there is hardly an paper books. It's all "online" books. It makes it hard to review. I don't even know how my kids manage. When they sell you this program, they say you will have books and all the tools you need. Sort of. But it's not effective. Just check the school's rating on this website. It speaks for itself.

Posted: June 8, 2017

I guess the way they
with bullying is to have no student contact. So I guess.

Posted: June 8, 2017

Needs a lot of work. I had 2 kids go thru this program. I would have liked to try Pacific Coast High School, which is a combination of a regular school and online. My kids started here and didn't want to have to adjust to another. Whenever there is state testing, they have to go to a location to take it. So there is travel time to and from. Testing time. Then they go home and still have to do their regular school workload. ??? This is why their scores in state tests show so poorly. The kids are so tired during testing week. In regular schools, if you are being tested, that takes the place of whatever subject was suppose to be during that time period. Maybe it's how they get paid, so they make the students still do their normal school work???? Same with when they take field trips, or any school function where they actually go there physically. Even online "live lesson". There is a teacher giving a lecture, but you have workload other than the lecture. So kids would rather take care of the workload and not be late, than go to live lesson! No interaction with other kids to speak of. It is not what they advertise on tv, that's for sure!

Posted: June 21, 2016

My daughter attended this school for the last two years of high school after much frustration with the ability of a public school to provide support for her medical condition. She always was an excellent student but her grades were dropping due to missed classes.
Our experience with Connections Capistrano could not have been better. My daughter loved the curriculum, the freedom, and the independent study. She was able to take additional classes of her interest like psychology. Teachers and counselors are extremely responsive and always provided the support we needed - and more. The teacher contact via phone were pleasant, motivating and fun.
The experience for me as learning coach was very pleasant. The online platform is easy to navigate and provides a high level of involvement if desired.
If your student is capable of handling the high level of self-management and can work independently, I can highly recommend this school. On the downside, the social interaction with other students is limited as always in online platforms. An alternative social environment for your student is necessary.

Posted: June 21, 2016

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Posted: September 18, 2015

My experience at this school was truly amazing ! I was able to put 100% of my effort on learning instead of constant distractions and interruptions at traditional schools . You still have access to contact with your teachers and staff by Web Mails , Live Lessons , or by calling . I finish school quicker than i normally did at a traditional school and I'm taking 4 honors . Now i have more time to do the hobbies i wasn't able to do before. Enrolling was stress free for me and my parents and quicker than what i expected . Time is very flexible and you have the option to start what time of the day each day . I usually wake up at 7:40 and start at 8 and i work on a couple of classes then i go for a morning jog to complete my PE log and finish the rest . I also have the freedom of using my own comfortable restroom and eating a snack when i want :) I highly recommend this over any other online school out there including k12 they're systems are very complicated and teacher-student communication is poor . If your in a traditional school with a low API score and your highly focused on your future and getting your work done , switch to connections , you won't regret it !

Posted: September 18, 2015

Like i mentioned , the teachers are always helping out the students weather they contact them for help or the teacher notices something wrong .

Posted: September 18, 2015

There basically isn't homework since your already at home but you don't feel too stressed about it when completing it .

Posted: September 18, 2015

The school keeps in touch with you often and they're support numbers are always reachable on their business hours . They're curriculum is personalized and they mean what they say .

Posted: June 1, 2014

We enjoyed our time with this school. The lessons are structured, yes of course you have to supervise especially elementary students. Some days we feel that there is a lot of work, and others we have time to explore subjects deeper. We are able to regularly visit our library taking our laptop (school) with us. My only issue is the attendance chart is very inflexible, we are honest about our attendance and if we decide to take Friday and explore an issue and take the online lessons on Saturday we are unable to check in for attendance. I was told that they can't do it any other way, but to me is seems homeschooling is all about flexibility. The teacher was always available and able to answer our questions/concerns. We have not figured out how to "socialize" with other students, the school picnic for example is more than an hours drive for us and wish there were announcements for folks who live in other cities/towns. That is small stuff though, all in all we had a great time and looking forward to another great year. This is all what you make it, teach your child a sense of responsibility and be a part of the educational process.

Posted: May 20, 2014

I have 3 students enrolled in Capistrano Connections. My oldest is absolutely thriving in their middle school program. A lot of his work is independent and the lessons are designed so that students are able to have clear instruction and directions they can understand. My middle child started here unable to read, despite her previous schools efforts as well as ours. Only a year later, she is not only able to read, but the books she selects are advanced for her age and she loves reading now. But the real test for us was my youngest child. My youngest child has several issues that have made school extremely challenging for him. In his first week of school, the process was started to get him on an IEP. The testing done was very thorough and the team was able to determine that my son needed extensive services to meet his educational needs. Not only has this school provided the therapy he needs, they also provided the equipment he needs to be able to succeed and are supplementing based on therapist recommendation. I have never seen a school so willing to truly provide an individualized educational plan like Capistrano Connections has.

Posted: May 19, 2014

This school has a very bad staff specially the principle and counselor, that have no concern for a student's well being and progress. I am a tutor for a student who suffered from severe illness. According to the law, Capistrano should have attended to the student's need and cooperated but ended up expelling the student when the student was not able to submit work due to the illness. The stress and worries put on the student is worsened now after suffering hemorrhages, and she is now having difficulty overcoming the mental and physical trauma. When the student NEEDED the counselor, the counselor ended up deleting all her work and not understand the status of the student's health. Emails from the student to the counselor and principle where not responded to and all other teacher of the student were told to cut contact from the student. The student has been studying independently on her own using books, videos, and numerous online resources. In reality that is what students do a Capistrano.....they do their work with minimal teacher assistance.

Posted: May 19, 2014

Capistrano Connections Academy is a collection of inconsiderate counselors, mindless staff, and an uncaring principal. They implement students needs very minimally -- especially those requiring a 504 Section. For those students who are healthy and have no situations hindering them --- this school is great simply because Pearson/Glencoe textbooks are very elaborate and self explanatory. The teachers barely teach, and are often not present. The overall staff are NOT understanding at all! I do not recommend anyone going here -- you are in for serious educational difficulties! Poor educational quality -- during the weekends, the website is always under construction -- and not available when you need it. The staff are careless. I wouldn't wish this school on anyone. I endured too many negative experiences here.

Posted: August 31, 2013

My greatest concern is getting my son in on the best education. Capistrano Connection Academy offers this. When it was time to select a particular teacher for a nomination; they are all wonderful. I was unable to choose just one. Each and every teacher responds immediately, even if it is a Sunday. They treat my son with respect and a heartfelt interest in his personal achievement. They are always there for each and every student, with: math labs, one on one tutoring, assignments that develop the students skill. If the is unable to do an assignment they are there to walk him through. What I love the most is Capistrano keeps me informed of all the academic details of my son's school activity. I really feel included. The curriculum is brilliant. Each lesson plan is clear and easy to follow. After each assignment, you can check on the teachers thoughts, input or direction by clicking. I have easy access to assess any area or material enabling me to help my son.... and coach him. When I get too busy: they tutor, the one on one contact is awesome. Field trips are organized so that the kids can socialize. The live lessons make my son laugh having fun.

Posted: August 28, 2013

This is our 2nd year with Capo and my kids LOVE it! The teachers are so supportive and really take the time to make sure that each student understands what they are learning. My daughter struggled with reading before coming to this school, and they immediately put her in supplementary reading courses and now she can read and loves to read! Every day is a new adventure and we have found that the kids WANT to do their school work because the lessons interest them, the work excites them, and they are retaining the information! I would recommend CAPO to anyone!

Posted: August 26, 2013

My school is Capistrano Connections Academy. Fun, flexible, and dedicated to education. The right choice for my kids! :)

Posted: May 15, 2013

My son has been in Connection Academy Capistrano for 3 years now. It has been very successful for him -- measured by his results on the standardized state tests, where his scores have improved by almost 50%. However, this is not a program for everyone. You need to have strong parental supervision and involvement in ensuring that assignments are completed on time, and that the student is learning. There is lots of feedback from daily quizes and tests to do this. But you have to stay on top of it - every day. You have to be moderately computer skilled. This includes scanning in handwritten or other work, using word processors, using web conferences for live courses delivered on line with the teacher, etc. If you don't know the difference between a word processor and a spreadsheet, you will have problems. The school provides some help, and you (parents and kids) learn fast -- but it can take a bit of time to figure it out. And yes, its obvious some of the new teachers are learning this too. Compared to the school our son was in before, this is a much higher quality learning experience for him. But its not "turn on the computer and walk away" as some think.

Posted: May 13, 2013

Overall did not like this program. It was our first experience with virtual schooling and it was a nightmare for us. The language arts is all combined into one class and most of my kids were not able to finish the work daily. As others have mentioned, grading was done daily and very stressful for the kids. Sometimes there would be errors in submitting the online assessments and so the kids would get bad grades, in part, due to that. I feel like the kids were just going through the motions and not really learning. I did like the Glencoe books that were used, but I just don't feel there was enough time allotted to each lesson/topic to make sure they mastered the content. The kids felt overwhelmed. Most of the classes had what was called "discussions," which I thought were lame and of little or no value as far as I could see. Students had to respond to a prompt given by the teacher and respond to the response of what two other students had said, but it really wasn't a meaningful exercise in my opinion. What they called labs for my 8th grade for science were ridiculous in my opinion. There is not a lot of flexibility in the scheduling either as there is with our current program.