Four More Cyber Charter Schools to Open in the 2012-13 School Year

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four cyber charter schools have been authorized to open in the 2012-13 school year, bringing the total number of cyber charters schools operating in Pennsylvania to 17.

As provided for in the Charter School Law, every family in Pennsylvania has the ability to enroll their school-age student in an approved cyber charter school, free of charge.

"Charter schools, both brick-and-mortar and cyber, provide families with a viable alternative to traditional public schools," Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis said.

"Parents may choose to enroll their child in a charter school for a variety of reasons. Regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, all students deserve an environment that is conducive for their academic growth. Charter schools fulfill this role for more than 105,000 students across the state."

Cyber charter schools are independent public schools that use technology as a medium for the delivery of a significant portion of their curriculum and instruction.

Unlike brick-and-mortar charter schools, which are authorized by the school district in which they are located, cyber charter schools are authorized by the Department of Education since they draw their enrollment from students statewide.  

The cyber charter schools that have been approved for opening in 2012-13 are:

• ACT Cyber Charter School
• Education Plus Academy Cyber Charter School
• Esperanza Cyber Charter School
• Solomon World Civilization Cyber Charter School

Additionally, the department denied the applications of three cyber charter schools due to deficiencies in their applications.

For additional information about charter schools, including a listing of brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools, as well as charter regulations, visit the Department of Education's website at www.education.state.pa.us and click on "Programs" and select "Charter Schools" in the drop-down menu.

Media contact: Tim Eller , 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

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http://www.state.pa.us