K12 Inc. and Florida Virtual Academy Win the 2007 ITFlorida Government Technology Leadership Award

Orlando, Fla. - On Tuesday, ITFlorida presented K12 Inc. and Florida Virtual Academy (FLVA) with its 2007 Government Technology Leadership Award at the organization's fifth annual Awards Gala and Tech Forum.
The ITFlorida Government Technology Leadership Award recognizes an innovative IT initiative or solution for its contributions to a state or local government agency's mission and ability to improve delivery of services to the public. The ITFlorida awards spotlight those who have distinguished themselves and their industry in the best application of information technology throughout Florida.

ITFlorida is an umbrella, not-for-profit, membership organization that represents Florida's diverse technology community on a statewide basis.

Florida Virtual Academy is a K-8 online public school program authorized through the Florida Department of Education. The public school program provides students across the state with a full-time, comprehensive education using innovative technology, academic services and web-based learning programs developed by K12 Inc., a technology-based education company and leading national provider of high-quality curriculum and services to online public schools.

Florida Virtual Academy was established in 2003 as a pilot program of the Florida Department of Education. The public school program has demonstrated strong academic performance each year and has consistently been the top-scoring K-8 online public school in the state. Since 2003, the percentage of FLVA students scoring proficient or higher has exceeded the state averages in most grades and subjects tested. Last year, FLVA received an "A" from the Florida Department of Education.

"I am honored to accept this award on behalf of K12 Inc. and the all the parents, students, teachers, and administrators at Florida Virtual Academy," said Patty Betoni, FLVA Head of School. "We are proud to be a partner in Florida's public education system. Most importantly, we are pleased that children all across the state -- regardless of their geographic, financial or demographic circumstance -- are achieving in our high-quality, individualized public education program."
 
About Florida Virtual Academy

Florida Virtual Academy serves 940 students in grades K-8 across the state. The public school program allows students to receive a complete education outside the traditional classroom.

Every FLVA student receives an individualized learning program using a curriculum with web-based lessons and assessments developed by K12 Inc. Students access lessons through the innovative K12 Online School and use other K12 education materials (textbooks, workbooks, math and science supplies, and other hands-on projects) that are shipped directly to them.

All students are assigned to state-certified teachers. FLVA teachers work in partnership with the students and parents to help meet the students' learning needs. Teachers assign lessons, provide instruction, guidance and support and regularly communicate with students and parents via phone, email, Web-based "e-classrooms," and face-to-face meetings. Teachers also organize school outings and activities for students and their families. Students work with a "learning coach," usually a parent or responsible adult, to help guide them through their lessons.

Students must meet a number of accountability measures including academic progress and attendance requirements, and must also participate in state assessment tests.

Because FLVA is a public school program, there is no cost to enroll. More information can be found at http://www.flva.org.

About K12 Inc.

K12 offers individualized learning solutions for students using an outstanding, highly effective curriculum that enables mastery of core concepts and skills for students of all abilities. The K12 program combines a cognitive science-based curriculum with individualized learning approaches, delivered by teachers specifically trained to educate in an online environment.