Hardware, Software, and Connectivity

In order to enroll in National Connections Academy, families will need to have a computer, printer, and high speed Internet connectivity. You will also need to have certain software installed on your computer. See below for details.

Families considering enrolling more than one student in the program should plan to have one computer per student, particularly if one or more of the students is in grade 6 or above. If you have questions or concerns about computer usage for multiple students, please contact the NaCA Admissions and Support Representatives at NaCAAdvisor@connectionsacademy.com or call toll-free 1-888-440-2899.


The minimum technology requirements are noted below:

Hardware Specifications

  • Processor Speed: 1.5GHz Intel Pentium or equivalent
  • RAM: 512MB
  • CD-ROM: 8X or better
  • Monitor: 17-inch color display (15-inch can be used)
  • Video: XGA (1024 X 768 pixel resolution)
  • Audio: 16-bit sound card
  • Internet Connection: Cable/DSL
  • Microphone and speakers

Operating System

  • Microsoft® Windows® 2003, 2007, XP or Vista
  • IMPORTANT: We do not support Apple® systems at this time. You will not be able to access the LMS or complete school requirements if you have an Apple Macintosh® that is not able to run in PC mode.

Web Browser

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer® (IE) version 6 or 7 for Windows Software
  • Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 or XP or compatible software for word or compatible software for word processing, creating and reading spreadsheets, and creating presentations. You will not be able to complete school assignments if your software cannot open and save files using Microsoft Word, Excel®, and PowerPoint® formats.
  • Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, version 7 or higher (free version available for download)
  • Adobe® Flash® Player—Latest version (free version available for download)
  • Windows Media® Player—Latest version (free version available for download)

We offer technical support to assist families with LMS, software, connectivity, and other issues.

Internet Service

You are responsible for obtaining high speed Internet service provider, but National Connections Academy can help recommend providers and assist you with setting up the computer for access.