Former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett Announces New Virtual Public Education Alternative for Minnesota Families

9/12/2002

From: Bryan Flood of K12, 703-970-8135 or bflood@K12.com

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 12 -- Bill Bennett, editor of "The Book of Virtues," and former U.S. Secretary of Education, today unveiled a new virtual alternative in public education for families in Minnesota. The Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) is a new public education program utilizing traditional academic content and innovative technology. MNVA, which will offer courses to children from across Minnesota in grades K-5, is a program of the Houston, MN School District. Bennett serves as Chairman of K12, an education company that provides MNVA with a world-class academic curriculum.

"This new public education program will broaden access to an excellent education and foster greater parental involvement in education," said Bennett. "The Minnesota Virtual Academy will feature a self-paced, customized curriculum that benefits students of all abilities, support and guidance from certified Minnesota teachers, and a safe learning environment where character education can be an essential part of the academic program. We congratulate the Houston School District for its leadership in creating this 21st-century public school that combines the best of modern technology, an exceptional curriculum, and research-based teaching methods."

The Minnesota Virtual Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades K-5; grades 6-12 will be available in future years. MNVA is publicly funded, so there is no tuition. The full program includes:

-- K12's world-class, standards-based curriculum for the school year in six subjects (Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Art and Music) -- Computer system with printer provided at no cost -- All instructional materials, including textbooks, workbooks, planning and progress tools, maps, math and science supplies, CDs, and videos -- Access to a licensed teacher for guidance, support, and advice -- Optional educational outings to enhance lessons and build a sense of school community -- Live class experiences with a licensed teacher provided through the concurrent enrollment option

"The Minnesota Virtual Academy has built-in accountability and an outstanding academic curriculum that can be accessed by children from anywhere in the state," said Kim Ross, Superintendent of the Houston School District in Houston, Minnesota. "This program of virtual learning using a world-class curriculum provides a unique and exciting high-quality public school option for any student. The Houston School District is both proud and honored to be a part of this project."

MNVA's unique "team teaching" approach involves a powerful partnership between parents and teachers in which children receive individual attention and a personalized course of instruction. At Minnesota Virtual Academy, students will complete daily lessons delivered online by K12. However, most student work will be completed away from the computer using books, workbooks, art supplies, and manipulatives.

Families enroll in virtual academies for a variety of reasons, including: academic options (gifted or struggling students); special needs (physical or learning disabilities); need for flexible schedules (military families, extracurricular activities); or, desire for other high-quality education alternatives.

About K12 Led by former U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett and an experienced team of learning and technology experts, K12 provides world-class education curriculum, innovative instructional tools, and top-quality education management services to public virtual charter schools, traditional public and private schools, and homeschool parents across the nation. K12's rigorous, standards-based curriculum combines traditional materials with innovative technology. A recent independent study in Pennsylvania from KPMG found that K12's Partner School, the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, provides the state's "highest quality program" and consistently delivers a "high-quality, interactive, family-centered educational program."

K12 currently works with partner virtual schools in six states: the California Virtual Academies, the Colorado Virtual Academy, the Idaho Virtual Academy, the Minnesota Virtual Academy, the Ohio Virtual Academy, and the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School.

The Minnesota Virtual Academy will host free informational Open Houses during the week of September 23 all across the state. At these 90-minute sessions, parents can learn about the school, explore the K12 curriculum and materials, and learn about the requirements for enrolling for this coming fall. Bill Bennett is schedule to attend a number of these Open Houses - a final schedule of all the MNVA Open House will be released next week. Parents can call 1-866-512-2273 (toll free) or visit www.mnva.org for additional information.