Iowa Virtual Academy Expands To Include Grades 7-12, Begins Accepting Student Applications

GUTTENBERG, Iowa, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa Virtual Academy, a tuition-free online public school offered through Clayton Ridge Community School District, is adding grades 7-12 for the 2013-2014 school year and will now serve students statewide, in grades K-12. The Clayton Ridge school board approved the expansion in October.

The open enrollment period for the next academic year is under way and runs through March 1, 2013.

The online school offers Iowa students statewide a high-quality alternative to the traditional classroom-based learning experience through personalized instruction from state-certified teachers.  The school uses the award-winning curriculum provided by K12, the nation's largest provider of online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school.

"Iowa Virtual Academy brings education to the students, instead of the students trying to fit themselves into the education," said Supt. Allan Nelson of the Clayton Ridge Community School District. "The way lessons are organized allows students to take more time if needed in certain subjects and accelerate in others according to their abilities and skills."

Additionally, Nelson explained that online education allows parents to work alongside teachers. Iowa Virtual Academy makes parents partners in the educational process, creating a more comfortable environment for students and a more efficient learning experience.

Iowa Virtual Academy might be the right choice for a variety of students, including:

• Advanced learners who are either performing above grade level in one or more subjects or are motivated to increase their knowledge beyond the basic course offerings in specific subjects.
• Students who are seeking relief from bullying, or who have other safety concerns and need a safe and comfortable learning environment.
• Students from military families, who might be prone to moving and changing schools more often than the average student.
• Athletes and performers who need classes that can travel with them during practices, rehearsals, and competitions.
• Struggling students who need more time to grasp concepts, or who may need an environment with fewer distractions.
• Students looking to get more out of their education

Iowa's open enrollment window, which allows parents and guardians residing in Iowa to enroll their children in a school district outside the one in which they reside, is open through March 1, 2013. Families interested in attending Iowa Virtual Academy for the 2013-2014 school year are encouraged to submit their open enrollment application as soon as possible to be eligible for enrollment.

Successfully submitting an open enrollment application does not obligate a family or student to enroll in Iowa Virtual Academy. The enrollment process provides families thinking about online education with a choice, should they decide the program is a good fit for their family.

Families can learn more about IAVA by attending one of our upcoming events. Event details are available at K12.com/iava.

*If a student is entering school for the first time as a kindergarten student, the Open Enrollment application deadline is September 1, 2013.

About Iowa Virtual Academy

Iowa Virtual Academy is an online public school program of the Clayton Ridge Community School District, which uses the award-winning K12 curriculum to offer Iowa students in grades K-12 an exceptional learning experience. Iowa Virtual Academy's individualized approach gives Iowa kids in grades K–12 the chance to learn in the ways that are right for them. 

About K12 Inc.

A technology-based education company, K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) 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 a new choice for students to learn in a flexible and innovative way, at an individualized pace. K12 provides curricula and academic services to public and private online schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families.  K12 is accredited through AdvancED, the world's largest education community. Additional information on K12 can be found at www.K12.com

SOURCE Iowa Virtual Academy