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Union County Public Schools Announces Tennessee Virtual Academy

MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Union County Public Schools will open an innovative new online public school program beginning next school year called the Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA). The online public school will serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The new online school builds on Union County Public School's commitment to prepare every student with the opportunity to achieve success.

"We believe the Tennessee Virtual Academy will be an excellent choice for children who need personalized learning programs," said Wayne Goforth, Director of Schools for Union County Public Schools. "Our school district is focused on providing the best education we can to all of our students. This online school is another opportunity for us to be innovative and responsive to the education needs of every child."

TNVA will use the online academic program developed by K12 Inc., the largest provider of online school programs in the nation. The award-winning K12 curriculum is used by school districts in states across the U.S. for full time online schools, blended learning programs, and part-time supplemental course offerings.

Brian Oaks, Chairman of the Union County Board of Education, said, "Our Board is excited about the potential of this new online public school. It's a great opportunity to expand our district's education programs and services for children. We're pleased to partner with K12 to offer the Tennessee Virtual Academy."

State Senator Mike Faulk, who represents Union County Public Schools, praised the district for its leadership in launching this innovative education program.

"I salute Director Goforth and the Union County Board of Education for its willingness to move Union County to the cutting edge of education reform," said Senator Faulk. "I encourage parents and students to take advantage of this terrific opportunity. It's a new world we live in and this online school will help our students be better prepared for it."

Tennessee Virtual Academy will offer students a highly individualized learning program using engaging online lessons, assessments, state-of-the-art technology, and highly trained online school teachers. Teachers will provide instruction, guidance and support, and interact regularly with students through innovative web-based "e-classrooms." The online school also encourages parents to be active participants in their child's education.

TNVA will follow all the same accountability standards of other public schools. Students in grades 3-8 will take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test each spring.

Online learning is growing rapidly in the U.S. The International Association for K-12 Online Learning estimates that enrollments in online learning have grown from 40,000 students to more than 4 million students since 2000.

More information on TNVA can be found at www.k12.com/tnva. Information on Union County Public Schools can be found at www.ucps.org. Information on K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) can be found at www.K12.com

SOURCE Union County Public Schools