Commonwealth Connections Academy

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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:

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Commonwealth Connections Academy is

accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA).

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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.

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The school has 373 certified/ licensed professional staff. Of those, 209 have earned advanced degrees and all are highly qualified.

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School is in session 180 days between the months of September and June.

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Students are able to earn up to 8 credits during the school year. The typical course load is 6 classes per semester.

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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,

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1426 N. 3rd St., 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17102 | Fax: 717-651-0670 | 717-651-7200

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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- Weighted

Weighted (Honors)

Weighted (AP)

A+ 98–100 4.00 4.50 5.00

A 92–97 4.00 4.50 5.00

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

Please view all of our high school courses

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:

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25 students took exams in 17 subjects.

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Students scored a 3 or higher on 72% of these exams.

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.

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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 [email protected]

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One semester class equals one-half of a high school credit.

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Students who have taken high school level courses while in middle school may have been granted high school credit.

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Summer school is offered in a variety of subject areas for credit recovery and enrichment.

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CCA offers many clubs and activities, including Adventure Club, Lego Robotics, and National Honor Society.

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CCA sponsors the South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and the Southern Pennsylvania Scholastics Writing Awards.

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CCA offers Conservatory Programs in STEM and Arts and Humanities. These programs provide

individualized, hands-on career opportunities to high school students.

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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.

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1st place for Best Cyber School and Best Charter School and 2nd Place for Best Academic Tutoring in 2013 by Central Penn Parent Magazine.

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12th grade student selected as one of the “Best and Brightest” during 2013 school year.

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CCA took first place at the 76ers Sports Marketing Career 2013 Seminar.

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Three CCA students won “Aspirations in Computing”

Award for Women during 2013 and 2014.

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French and Spanish Honors Society students placed 3rd in Lebanon Valley College’s Foreign Language Competition.

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9th grade student won first place in the 2013-14 SchmidtKramer Attitudes Essay Contest.

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12th grade student awarded full scholarships to Ivy League schools.

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CCA began an 8th-12th grade Career Planning course in 2013.

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4 CCA high school students earned 2nd place in the Hershey Garden Design Challenge.

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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