California Virtual Academies Commemorate the Graduation of the Class of 2011

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Virtual Academies (CAVA) honored its largest graduating class of 365 students at three regional ceremonies on June 1, June 6, and June 9.

On June 1, CAVA hosted its first graduation ceremony of the year at 1 p.m. at the Vacaville Performing Arts Center in Vacaville.  The ceremony featured a student speech by Sarah Croyts of San Mateo, who plans to attend University of California Santa Barbara through the school's honors program.

The second CAVA ceremony occurred on June 6 at 2 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino.  Caroline Smith of Los Angeles addressed her peers as valedictorian. Smith plans to attend Chapman University in the fall. Smith was awarded a Chancellor's Scholarship and a performing arts scholarship for four years.

CAVA will conclude its graduation festivities on June 9 at 2 p.m. at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel.  Alexander Closs of Kings will deliver the student speech at the ceremony.  In the fall, Closs plans to attend San Diego Christian.

"On behalf of the CAVA teachers and administrators, congratulations to this year's graduates," said Katrina Abston, CAVA head of school.  "I am confident that the well-rounded, robust education our students have received at CAVA has prepared them for whatever road lies ahead, and has shaped them into the leaders of tomorrow."

Other schools chosen by this year's graduating class include:

Columbia University, Boston University, Pepperdine University, University of California Berkeley,  University of California Los Angeles, American University (DC), and San Diego State University.

CAVA is a network of tuition-free public online charter schools serving students in grades K-12 across the state. The state's largest public charter school, CAVA enables students to receive a complete, high-quality public education at home, on the road, or wherever an Internet connection can be found.  

Students who enroll in CAVA receive the award-winning academic program developed by K12 Inc., the nation's largest provider of K-12 online school programs.  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.  CAVA employs state-certified teachers who 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.

To learn more about the California Virtual Academies, visit http://www.k12.com/cava.

SOURCE California Virtual Academies