Arizona Virtual Academy Designated as 2010 Center of Excellence Winner

Elluminate Award Recognizes Best Practices, Creativity in Technology, Educational Methods

PHOENIX, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Elluminate, Inc., the leading provider of online collaboration tools serving seven million teachers and students in 170 countries, named Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) a 2010 Center of Excellence winner and named AZVA's K-8 Principal, Nichole McCauley, an Elluminate Hero.

"All of us at AZVA are excited to receive this award and proud of Nichole's leadership and commitment to our students and families," said Megan Henry, AZVA Head of School.  "At AZVA, we seek to provide our students and families the best learning experiences possible using high quality online courses and interactive technology.  Elluminate has helped our school enhance our instructional programs through an innovative and engaging platform that seamlessly connects students, parents and teachers across the state."

Through the use of Elluminate Live!, the company's flagship product, Arizona Virtual Academy saw gains with at-risk students that attended teacher-led online instructional sessions. The school's staff was also able to meet the needs of students, host competitive clubs, increase communications with parents and staff, and streamline training.

This is Elluminate's 5th year recognizing international educational and corporate institutions for their best practices and for leading the way in technological methods of teaching, learning and conducting related business processes.  The seven institutions that were recognized in 2010 include: Arizona Virtual Academy, Laurel Springs School, London Knowledge Lab, NSW Businesslink, Rock Island Elementary, Thomas University, and Wright State University.

"We feel that this group of institutions elevated education during this economically tumultuous year through their inspiring creativity," said Elluminate President Maurice Heiblum.  "We are pleased to see that so many schools and companies are creatively using Elluminate products to adapt to the ever-changing environments."

Elluminate also recognizes Elluminate Heroes, who are the individuals or teams responsible for their institutions being accepted into the Centers of Excellence Program.  Winners demonstrate real world results, including increased student achievement.  

About Arizona Virtual Academy:

AZVA is a statewide public virtual school serving students in kindergarten through high school.  The school opened in 2003 and has since grown to become the largest public charter in the state with more than 4500 students.   At AZVA, students are able to receive a complete, high quality education at home, on the road, or wherever an Internet connection can be found.  

Students who enroll in AZVA receive the award-winning academic program developed by K12 Inc., the nation's largest provider of online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school.  The K12 curriculum includes engaging web-based lessons along with instructional materials -- books, videos, CDs, and other hands-on tools and resources -- which are shipped directly to each student's home.  AZVA teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, and regularly interact with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone, and face-to-face meetings.  Teachers also organize numerous field trips and school activities.  More information can be found at www.K12.com/azva.

About Elluminate, Inc.

Elluminate, Inc. provides proven, best-in-class web, audio, video, and social networking solutions that support 21st century teaching, learning, and collaboration.  The company serves more than 624 million annual web-collaboration minutes to over seven million teachers and students located in 170 different countries.  Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Pleasanton, California, Elluminate is the trusted choice of prominent academic institutions and corporations, including ADP, Apple Computer, California State University, Florida Virtual School, Georgetown University, K12 Inc., London Knowledge Lab, Los Angeles Unified School District, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Novell, Queen's University, Royal Veterinary College, Red Hat, Sun Microsystems, and many more.  For more information, visit http://www.elluminate.com.

Elluminate Live! is a registered trademark of Elluminate, Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

SOURCE Arizona Virtual Academy