Florida's First Online Public Charter School Approved by Osceola County

Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County to open in 2012

KISSIMMEE, Fla., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Osceola County School Board unanimously approved Florida's first online public charter school – The Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County.  The new public school was authorized following a thorough assessment of the charter application and recommendation from the school district staff to approve.  FLVA at Osceola County will begin serving students in grades K-9 next school year.  The school plans to add additional high school grades in subsequent years.

"On behalf of our charter school board, I would like to thank the School Board of Osceola County for approving our application and giving parents an excellent new public school option for their children," said Dr. Mary G. Bennett, chair of the Central Florida Virtual Charter School Board of Trustees.

Dr. Bennett is a lifetime educator and community leader in Florida with over 40 years experience as a school teacher and educator.

Dr. Bennett added, "Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola 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."

Last year, in an effort to expand education opportunities for students, the Florida Legislature passed the Digital Learning Now Act.  The intent of the legislation was to remove existing barriers and help all students gain access to more digital learning options and online public charter schools such as Florida Virtual Academy.

Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County will use the award-winning curriculum and services provided by K12, the nation's largest provider of online school programs in kindergarten through high school.  The K12 Florida Virtual Academy program, which began serving students in Florida in 2003, has a consistent record of strong performance and earned an "A" grade from the state five consecutive years.  

K12 is a state-approved provider in Florida and accredited by AdvancEd, the world's largest education community serving 27,000 schools and districts across the U.S.

SOURCE Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County