Florida Virtual Academy Charter School Approved in Pinellas County
LARGO, Fla., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Pinellas County Schools approved the Florida Virtual Academy (FLVA), a new public charter school which will be open to families in Pinellas County. Set to open in 2013, the new public school will serve students in grades K-8 and expand to high school in subsequent years.
Paul Hull, chair of the Southwest Florida Virtual Charter Board, the school's independent, nonprofit governing board, said, "We are grateful for the support Pinellas County Schools. We believe our public school will provide a high quality choice for families in Pinellas County. Our school will use Florida-certified teachers, along with innovative curriculum and individualized instruction designed to meet children's unique educational needs. We look forward to collaborating with Pinellas County Schools to ensure our school is an excellent education option for kids."
The vote by the Pinellas County School Board follows a recommendation by the district staff to approve the charter school application. The Southwest Florida Virtual Charter Board submitted a 678-page application to Pinellas County Schools detailing how the school will operate and serve students in the county. The board will work with Pinellas County Schools to finalize a contract for the school's opening.
FLVA at Pinellas County will offer flexible and personalized learning programs that work for all types of students, from advanced learners to students with special needs. Using technology, the school connects students with teachers and provides access to an approved public school program regardless of a child's geographic, economic or academic circumstances.
Florida-certified teachers will provide instruction, guidance and support, and will interact regularly students using innovative technology and web-based classrooms. Teachers also organize school field trips, activities, clubs, and events for students and families.
FLVA uses the award-winning curriculum, technology, and school services provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), America's largest provider of online school programs for grades kindergarten through high school. K12 is a Florida-approved provider of online school programs. K12's courses and academic programs are used in over 2,000 school districts nationwide, including over 40 school districts in Florida.
FLVA first began offering its program to families across the state in 2003. The school program has a history of strong academic results, earning high grades from the state and high levels of satisfaction from parents and students.
FLVA charter schools were recently approved by other school districts in Florida, including in Palm Beach, Broward, and Osceola. The Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County is currently open and serving students in grades K-9. Along with FLVA at Pinellas County, the FLVA charter schools in Broward and Palm Beach will open in 2013.
SOURCE Florida Virtual Academies
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