Connections Academy is a full-time, tuition-free online public school program for high schoolers — Lumi High is a flexible, self-paced homeschool curriculum with no enrollment requirements.
💡 Connections Academy works well for families wanting a free, structured public school experience with district oversight and an accredited diploma path. Lumi High is built for homeschool independence — no enrollment, self-paced mastery progression, and it is included free with any Lumi Academy plan ($9.99/month).
Side-by-Side Comparison
Lumi High vs Connections Academy — every major feature compared.
Feature
🌟 Lumi High
🖥️ Connections Academy
Monthly Price
Free with Academy ($9.99/mo) — full curriculum
Typically tuition-free (public school program)
Enrollment Required
No — start anytime, no district involvement
Yes — formal public school enrollment
Structure
Self-paced, mastery-based homeschool curriculum
Structured school day with teacher-led live sessions
Accredited Diploma
✗ Not accredited — personal records only
Public enrollment can lead to an accredited diploma
Subjects
Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, US & World History, US Government, Economics, English 9–12, Health, Digital Literacy
Full public school course catalog set by the enrolling district
Visual Progress Path
✓ Skill-path map with XP and streaks
Standard LMS-style course dashboard
Schedule Flexibility
Learn any time, any day
Set school hours and attendance requirements
Family/Sibling Pricing
Flat monthly price
Free per eligible enrolled student
Free Trial
✓ Free trial available
N/A — enrollment-based
✅ Connections Academy Strengths
Tuition-free for eligible students in most states
Public school enrollment provides accreditation and district oversight
Live, teacher-led classes and structured school day some families prefer
Established public school program with a long track record
❌ Connections Academy Weaknesses
Requires formal school district enrollment, not independent homeschooling
Set schedule and less day-to-day flexibility for the family
District curriculum pacing rather than a self-directed, game-like progression
State residency and enrollment windows can restrict when/where you can join
Who Should Choose Each Platform
Choose Connections Academy if…
You want a free public school option with an accredited diploma path
Your teen wants live, teacher-led classes and a structured school day
You're comfortable with district-set enrollment, testing, and pacing requirements
Choose Lumi High if…
You want true homeschool independence with no enrollment or district oversight
Your teen learns best moving at their own pace, subject by subject
You want a flat, affordable monthly price with no enrollment windows
You want a visual, game-like progress system to keep your teen motivated
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connections Academy the same as independent homeschooling?
Not exactly. Connections Academy enrolls students in a tuition-free online public school (in most states), meaning the school district sets curriculum requirements, testing, and attendance policies. Lumi High is used by independent homeschoolers who set their own pace and approach without district enrollment.
Does Lumi High offer an accredited diploma like Connections Academy?
No. Lumi High is not an accredited institution and does not issue official diplomas or transcripts recognized by colleges. Connections Academy, as a public school program, can lead to an accredited public high school diploma because students are formally enrolled through a school district.
Which costs less, Lumi High or Connections Academy?
Connections Academy's public school option is typically tuition-free for eligible students, similar to other online public schools. Lumi High is included free with any Lumi Academy plan ($9.99/month), for up to 8 kids. Families choosing between the two are usually weighing cost against structure: a free, district-run public school experience versus a flexible, self-paced paid curriculum with no enrollment.
Try Lumi High Free
Self-paced grades 9–12 curriculum. No enrollment, no district oversight, no set schedule.