Enrollment Information
- First semester enrollment is open until 11:59 pm ET on 12/19/2024 and capacity is limited.
- Second semester enrollment is open and capacity is limited.
- View all upcoming deadlines and the latest enrollment updates.
Video: The Connections Academy Enrollment Process
Enrollment Process
Connections Academy Enrollment Process
Learn about the steps of the Connections Academy enrollment process.
View the Latest Enrollment Updates
2024-25 Enrollment Information
- Great Lakes Learning Academy has an enrollment limit of 1,300 students and the capacity has not been met.
- Once the capacity is met, students who complete all enrollment tasks will be placed on a waiting list and released to enroll on a first come, first served basis.
STEP 1
Understand Your Commitment
STEP 2
Check Eligibility
You must meet specific state and program eligibility requirements to attend Great Lakes Learning Academy. Student eligibility requirements in Michigan are determined by the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Board of Education. Great Lakes Learning Academy is authorized by Central Michigan University. Before enrolling, review the following eligibility requirements carefully to determine whether your student(s) is eligible to participate in grades 6–12. Once your enrollment is confirmed, please immediately withdraw your student from their previous publicly-funded school. Students cannot be simultaneously enrolled in two public schools.
Note: Students who have been suspended or expelled from their local school or district may not be eligible to enroll.
STEP 3
Prepare Documents
Please have the following documents available and ready to upload to
Pearson Online Classroom (formerly known as Connexus®).
Child's Proof of Age
Child's Proof of Age
Child's Proof of Age
- A copy of the official birth certificate must be provided for every student to verify age eligibility. To avoid unnecessary delays, provide a copy of this document along with your enrollment documents.
Not Sure Where to Get That?
- If you need a copy of your child's birth certificate, you can order it online through the Michigan Department of Community Health. Please visit the Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records webpage for more information.
- If your child was born in another state, please visit the CDC’s Where to Write for Vital Records webpage for more information. When using this tool, please remember to follow the CDC's Application Guidelines.
As a reminder, the age eligibility is as follows:
- Maximum Age: A general education student who turns twenty-two (22) years old on or before September 1 will not be eligible to enroll. A special education student who turns twenty-six (26) years old on or before September 1 will not be eligible to enroll.
Proof of Residence
Proof of Residence
Proof of Residence
A copy of one of the following documents must be provided to verify your legal residence. If you do not have any of these documents, please contact the Enrollment Team to discuss acceptable alternatives.
Not Sure What is Accepted as Proof?
- Utility Bill Acceptable documents include: gas, electric, water, sewage, garbage/trash, propane oil, or Internet bill that is dated within 60 days of the enrollment date and that includes your name and service address. *Please note: disconnect, “final notice,” or shutoff notices are not acceptable.
- Mortgage statement from the last 60 days or current signed lease agreement from within the last year
- Property tax bill from within the last year
- Letter from a government agency from the last 60 days
If you do not have any of these documents, please contact the enrollment team at 1-833-591-0251 to discuss acceptable alternatives.
Child’s Proof of Immunization
Child’s Proof of Immunization
Child’s Proof of Immunization
All Great Lakes Learning Academy students must provide evidence of their immunizations on one of the following:
- Official Michigan state immunization form
- Immunization booklet
- Official school records
- Health care provider or Health Department printout
- Connections Academy Immunization form, which is a part of your enrollment documents, available in the Pearson Online Classroom
These forms must be signed or stamped by your healthcare provider. Only a local health department, doctor's office, or the Michigan Department of Community Health may print an official immunization record for your child.
- You may request your own or your child's Official State of Michigan Immunization Record by contacting your physician's office or your local health department.
- Additionally, you can send a request by mail, by downloading and submitting the Official State of Michigan Immunization Record request form.
Children born in Michigan from 1994 to the present are in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). MCIR is a computerized shot record for Michiganders. For answers to many FAQs, please visit the MCIR website.
Not Sure What Immunizations Are Required?
For a complete list of immunizations required by the Michigan Department of Community Health, view the "Required Childhood Immunizations for Michigan School Settings" webpage.
Where Can I Get Immunizations for My Student?
Immunizations can be obtained from your local health department, doctor’s offices, clinics, or hospitals. Pediatricians and family doctors or their nurses or medical assistants can give your student the shots he or she needs to meet the requirements for school enrollment. In addition, some large chain pharmacies offer immunizations for older children and adults.
What if I Need Assistance Paying for Vaccines?
If you need assistance paying for shots/vaccinations, you may be able to get free or reduced immunizations through the Michigan Vaccines for Children Program.
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. Children who are eligible for VFC vaccines are entitled to receive pediatric vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Immunization Exemptions
A student may be exempt from immunizations for the following reasons: medical exemption, religious beliefs, or personal beliefs. Parents seeking immunization waivers in Michigan must have the immunization waiver certified by their local health department.
- Religious Exemption: The parents or guardians hold religious or philosophical beliefs which preclude receipt of a vaccination(s). A current certified state of Michigan "Immunization Waiver" must be signed by the parent or guardian, with all information completely supplied, including the vaccines being waived. An updated waiver must be presented each year the child’s immunization status is reported.
- Medical Exemption: A valid medical contraindication exists precluding the child from receiving the vaccine. A state of Michigan "Medical Contraindication" form is required to be completed and signed by the child’s physician and shall state the contraindication(s), the vaccine(s) involved, and the time period during which the child is precluded from receiving the vaccine(s).
Prior Academic Records
Child’s Proof of Immunization
Prior Academic Records
Students across Michigan in grades 6-12 are eligible to enroll in Great Lake's Learning Academy. Those who have previously attended public school, private school, or homeschool will be asked to submit academic records for placement.
- Report Card
For students applying for grades 6–9: Please submit a copy of the report card from the most recent school year.
The following items should be included on the report card:
- Student Name
- Grade Level
- School Year (example: 2023–24)
- School Name
- Grading Scale (example: 90–100%=A)
- Unofficial Transcript
For students applying for grades 10–12: Submit an unofficial transcript that includes the complete end-of-year grades from the prior school year(s) and any academic documentation (such as a progress report/interim report, class schedule, or marking period/semester report card) issued for the current school year. Additional documentation may be requested for placement.
The following items should be included on the unofficial transcript:
- Student Name
- Grade Level
- School Year (example: 2023–24)
- School Name
- Grading Scale (example: 90–100%=A)
- Credits Earned
Not Sure How to Get Your Child’s Report Card or Transcript?
- Contact your student's previous school and request the document, providing them with the information outlined above, OR contact your school's district office with the request.
If after attempting these steps you still cannot obtain your student's report card or transcript, please contact the academic placement services team at 800-382-6010 to discuss acceptable alternatives.
Have Your Child(ren) Been Formerly Homeschooled?
If your children are currently homeschooled, please complete the Prior Academic History Form. This document will be available to you in Pearson Online Classroom.
- Prior Academic History Form
For homeschooled students in grades K–12: Complete the Prior Academic History Form indicating what courses were completed through a homeschool curriculum. This form will be available to you in Pearson Online Classroom.
Other Documents for Special Circumstances
Proof of Residence
Other Documents for Special Circumstances
You may need to provide additional documentation if any of the following circumstances apply:
- Custody order: If your legal guardianship is determined by a court order, please submit a copy of the order.
- Notification of Suspension or Expulsion: If your student has been suspended or expelled, you will need to submit documentation that shows the end date of the student’s most recent disciplinary action.
STEP 4
Get Started
Join the Connections Academy community and help your child go further in school and in their life ahead.
Enroll to
BE A PART OF OUR ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOL
Join the Connections Academy community and help your child go further in school and in their life ahead.
Give Us a Call
If you have any concerns or questions about how to enroll, our enrollment team is here to help.
Please call us at 1-833-591-0251.
Great Lakes Learning Academy admits students and conducts all educational programs, activities, and employment practices without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, disability, or any other legally protected classification.
Enrollment Support Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET