Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Online Public School Program Now Serving Students in Dallas/Fort Worth

Dallas, TX - Students, parents, teachers and administrators today gathered at the Frontiers of Flight museum in Dallas for the first event with their new online public school, Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest (TXVA).

TXVA is a program of Southwest Schools, a charter school located in Houston, TX. The online public school, which operates under the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Electronic Course Program, began serving students in grades 3-8 in the Dallas/Forth Worth area this year.

In 2006-07, TXVA served 200 students located only in the Houston area (Region IV). The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently approved the program’s expansion to serve up to 750 students in grades 3-8, and because of high demand for the program, Southwest Schools opened enrollment to students in Dallas/Forth Worth.

“This school event was an exciting opportunity for our Dallas/Fort Worth-based TXVA community to gather together for the first time,” said Jack Evans, TXVA Head of School. “Our students, teachers and parents enjoy these educational events. They are a great opportunity to connect with classmates, make new friends, have fun, and learn some history as well.

The online school program allows students to receive a complete education outside the traditional classroom. Every student receives an individualized learning program using a curriculum with web-based lessons developed by K12, a leading provider of curricula and academic services to online public schools. Developed by renowned and respected education experts, the K¹² curriculum is based on time-tested and research-based methods of instruction.

TXVA 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. The TXVA 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 TXVA is a public school program, there is no cost to enroll.

Administrators with TXVA said the demand for the program has been strong and students in Dallas/Fort Worth are excited to be a part of the online school.

“It’s exciting that more Texas students can now benefit from the personalized learning provided by our online school program,” said Janelle James, Southwest Schools Chief Academic and Operating Officer. “At Southwest Schools, we feel strongly about giving students access to high quality educational opportunities. We are grateful for the leadership and guidance of Kate Loughrey from TEA’s Department of Distance Learning as we’ve expanded this program to meet the needs of more children.”

For more information on the Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest, including a complete list of upcoming information sessions and events, visit http://www.txva.org/.

About Southwest Schools

Southwest Schools was founded in 1999 with the goal of providing an exemplary education to students and parents through a school of choice. The school provides many different excellent education programs and offerings, including classes from elementary through high school, summer programs, homework assistance, and much more. Students who attend Southwest Schools bring a diversity of interests, cultures, talents, and proficiencies. They have found an atmosphere that encourages students to develop lifelong values and skills.

For more information, visit: www.swschools.org.

About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. is a leading national provider of individualized, one-to-one learning solutions for students in online public schools, distance education programs and traditional classrooms. During the 2006-07 academic year, the K12 program was used by more than 27,000 students in 17 statewide online public schools. Many of the nation’s top-performing online public schools use the K12 curriculum and school services.

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.

K12 Inc. is accredited through the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and is the largest national K-12 virtual school provider to be recognized by CITA. More information can be found at www.K12.com.