Pearson Online Academy: Learning For All

Our Vision

Our vision is to help everyone to realize the life they imagine through learning.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower students to be future ready in a global society through high quality instruction and a supportive partnership with families.

Our History

Originally founded in the Spring of 2009 as International Connections Academy, we are the online private school extension of Connections Academy, pioneers of virtual public education in the United States. International Connections Academy was created to make a high-quality private school experience accessible to more students nationally and abroad. We built upon Connections Academy's expertise, award-winning curriculum, and state-of-the-art technology. We provide an exceptional virtual private school option for all students seeking a rigorous but flexible and affordable education.

With the support of Pearson, Pearson Online Academy will continue to empower exceptional students to pursue academic excellence from anywhere in the world through our virtual learning expertise.

Fully Accredited Online Private School

Accreditation ensures that Pearson Online Academy programs, curriculum, and teachers meet and maintain high educational standards, and that students’ work at Pearson Online Academy will be recognized by other schools and universities.

Pearson Online Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools (MSA) . Pearson Online Academy is also accredited by the following accrediting divisions of Cognia, formerly AdvancED:

Noteworthy Practices

In a recent Accreditation Engagement Review of Pearson Online Academy, Cognia identified numerous areas of strength including:  

  • Our emphasis on personalized instruction and internal collaboration, which creates a learner-centered culture that elevates student well-being and propels our mission. 

  • High-quality and well-documented standard operating procedures, which help us align curriculum and instruction with individual student needs. 

  • Our commitment to continuously evaluating and improving programs and processes, such as curricular offerings and professional development, which has improved teacher effectiveness as well as student learning. 

Beyond the Standards

Pearson Online Academy completed Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools reaccreditation in 2022 and received Exceeds Expectations on the following standards:

  • Educators implement a curriculum that is based on high expectations and prepares learners for their next levels.
  • The institution implements a process to ensure the curriculum is clearly aligned to standards and best practices.
  • Learning progress is reliably assessed and consistently and clearly communicated.
  • The institution ensures authenticity in student learning in a digital learning environment.

NCAA Approved Courses

In addition to our institution-wide accreditations, many Pearson Online Academy core high school courses are approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center.