Clayton Ridge Community School District and K12 Inc. Announce New Iowa Virtual Academy

January 23, 2012
Statewide online public school will open in Fall 2012

GUTTENBERG, Iowa, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa families now have access to a new and innovative public school option with the announcement of the Iowa Virtual Academy (IAVA).  Offered by the Clayton Ridge Community School District, the online public school will serve students in the district and across the state in grades K-6 beginning next year, and will gradually expand to middle and high school in subsequent years.  The district is currently accepting applications for IAVA.

Iowa Virtual Academy will use curriculum, technology and school services provided by K12 Inc., America's largest provider of online learning programs for students in kindergarten through high school.  Over 2,000 school districts in states across the country use courses, assessments, and education services provided by K12. 

"The Clayton Ridge Community School District is excited to offer the Iowa Virtual Academy to students and families in our state," said Allan Nelson, Superintendent of Clayton Ridge Community School District.  "There is a strong need for personalized learning programs that can reach children in new ways and help them succeed.  We believe IAVA will be an excellent option for families and a success for students."

Nelson added, "During the extensive planning and preparation, our district worked closely with the Iowa Department of Education to ensure full compliance.  On behalf of our district and school board, I would also like to thank the Department for their guidance throughout the process.  We look forward to continue working closely with the DE to ensure the success of our online public school."

IAVA will offer each student a highly individualized learning program using engaging online lessons, assessments, and innovative technology.   Iowa-certified teachers will provide instruction, oversight and support, and regularly interact with students and families.  Teachers will engage students through real-time web-based classes, and one-on-one sessions.  Students receive daily face-to-face support from learning coaches – parents or legal guardians – who assist students as they progress through their individual education plans.   School events, field trips, and academic and extra-curricular activities will also be offered. 

Students will follow the same state and district accountability requirements, including full participation in the Iowa Assessments. 

Online schools offer students a public school alternative with a highly personalized and flexible learning experience regardless of where they live, or their socioeconomic or academic circumstance.  With a high level of engagement, all types of students can succeed in online schools, including students with special needs, athletes and artists, advanced learners, children struggling in traditional schools, and many others.

Online education programs offered by school districts are the fastest-growing and largest category of online and blended learning activity in the U.S.  According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 50 percent of all school districts across the country have a least one student taking a distance learning course, and nearly three-quarters of districts with online learning enrollments plan to expand their distance learning offerings.  

Families interested in enrolling in IAVA for the 2012-2013 school year can apply during Iowa's Open Enrollment period which ends March 1, 2012. More on IAVA, including enrollment details and a schedule of school information sessions for interested families can be found at www.k12.com/iava.

About Clayton Ridge School District

Based in Northeast Iowa, the Clayton Ridge Community School District provides a safe and student-centered learning environment where individual needs are met.  The district's mission is to provide equal and quality educational opportunities for all students in preparation for their role in a changing democratic society, and changing world.  More information can be found at www.claytonridge.k12.ia.us

About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education company, is the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Using 21st century tools to prepare 21st century students, K12 provides options for children to learn in a flexible and innovative way, at an individualized pace. K12provides curriculums and academic services to school districts, public and private online schools, blended school programs, traditional classrooms, and directly to families.  K12 has delivered over 4 million courses to students worldwide.

K12 is accredited through AdvancED, the world's largest education community. Additional information can be found at www.K12.com.

SOURCE K12 Inc.; Clayton Ridge Community School District

David Schlueter, Clayton Ridge Community School District, +1-563-252-2341 or Jeff Kwitowski, K12 Inc., +1-703-483-7281