KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Osceola County is officially home to one of the state's first online public charter schools, Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County. The school, which officially opened April 17, is now accepting student enrollment applications for the 2012-2013 school year.  

FLVA at Osceola County, sponsored by Florida Virtual Academies (FLVA), will serve students grades K-9 its inaugural year, and plans to add additional high school grades in subsequent years.  The public charter school was authorized by the Osceola County School board in October 2011.

FLVA at Osceola County will hold a series of events across the area, as well as online information sessions, in the coming weeks to give families the opportunity to find out more about this innovative, tuition-free public school option and receive enrollment information. A schedule of events can be found at www.K12.com/flva. FLVA began offering its program to families across the state in 2003 and has a history of strong academic results and student success.  FLVA previously received an "A" grade from the state for five consecutive years and a similar online school program is currently used by many school districts across Florida. 

Open to families throughout the Osceola county, FLVA at Osceola County will utilize high quality curriculum, technology, and school services offered 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 provides curriculum products and management services to school districts and public charter schools more than half the states in the U.S.  Since 2000, K12 has provided over 4 million courses to students in the U.S. and worldwide, and consistently receives high marks from parents and teachers.  Students graduating from K12-operated schools have been accepted to many of the top post-secondary institutions across the country.

"We are excited to offer area students this excellent education option," said Dr. Mary G. Bennett, chair of the Central Florida Virtual Charter School Board of Trustees. "Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County will provide a high quality education using innovative technology, highly trained teachers, and digital courses and content.  It is clear that the School District of Osceola County is committed to serving the educational needs of all children by providing more choices for parents and options for students."

The K12® program combines its award-winning curriculum—using engaging online lessons and hands-on education materials—with highly skilled teachers, advisors, state-of-the-art technology, and numerous social opportunities that connect students to a vibrant school community.  From advanced learners to children with special needs, FLVA at Osceola County offers a flexible and personalized learning program that works for all types of students.

The school's teachers and administrators will be available for students and parents every step of the way.  Teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, and will communicate regularly with students and parents via phone, email, innovative web-based "e-classrooms," and face-to-face meetings.  Teachers also organize school field trips, activities, clubs, and events for students and families. 

FLVA at Osceola County will follow all state accountability standards.  Like students in brick and mortar schools, FLVA at Osceola County students will be required to meet state attendance requirements and participate in state assessments, such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® 2.0 (FCAT 2.0). More information on FLVA at Osceola County, including a complete list of events around the state, can be found at www.K12.com/flva.

© 2012 K12 Inc.  K12 is a registered trademark, and the K12 logo, Florida Virtual Academy at Oceola County and Florida Virtual Academies are trademarks of K12 Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County