Georgia's New Virtual High School Will Feature Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers Focused on Dropout Prevention and Recovery

ATLANTA, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers™, which are designed to help high school-age students, who have already left school or who are at risk of leaving, earn a standard high school diploma, are now a component of Provost Academy Georgia.  The combined solution offers one of the most unique blended learning programs in the country.

"Our goal is to ensure that no student in Georgia falls through the cracks," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who last year formed a strategic alliance with EdisonLearning operating as Magic Johnson-EdisonLearning Assist™. "All students should have the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas and be fully prepared for college or the workplace."

Nationwide, nearly one in three U.S. high school students fails to graduate with a diploma. In total, approximately 1.2 million students drop out each year – averaging 7,000 every school day or one every 26 seconds.

Previously scheduled to begin operation in 2011, Provost Academy's opening was delayed due to the fact that funding levels at that time for state chartered special schools in Georgia made it difficult to provide a high-quality virtual education program without additional sources of funding.  With the Georgia General Assembly's passage of HB 797 last month, it appears that funding may be available to allow Provost Academy and the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers™ to go forward.

Jeff Wahl, President and CEO of EdisonLearning said, "Thanks to the visionary leadership of Governor Deal, the Georgia General Assembly, and the Georgia Department of Education, high school students in the state will be offered an individualized learning experience from both Provost Academy and the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Centers that will combine a rigorous curriculum with a personal high-touch approach to help students achieve their goals."

As a new state-authorized public online school, Provost Academy will be free of charge to residents of Georgia. The school is designed to maximize the potential of high school students who range from the top of the academic scale – to those students who are at risk of completing their education or have dropped out.  

Students work toward their regular public high school diploma - recognized by colleges and employers - as they would in a traditional school, but in the convenient, safe environment of their own home through computer-based educational programs.

However, unlike other online only high schools, Provost Academy has added the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers™ for those students in need of additional help, have already left school, or who are at risk of leaving, and want to earn a standard high school diploma. 

Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers™ will be unlike a traditional school setting, providing a blend of one-on-one and group instruction, infused with interactive online offerings specifically tailored for each individual student.  These centers will be located throughout Georgia.  Upon enrolling, the student's advisor will develop a Personal Learning Plan that, along with other academic and career goals and strategies, will determine the amount of time the student will spend at a Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Center if one is nearby.

In contrast to other online learning programs, both Provost Academy and Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers use a proprietary modular curriculum design so courses can be adapted to fit a student's individual needs, and content can be rearranged and customized for individual learning paths. Further, parents and students can easily monitor learning progress, assignments, and grades at a glance on their own personal home page.  

Mr. Johnson pointed out, "Every student in the United States should have access to an education that enables them to reach their full potential.  The Magic Johnson Bridgescape Centers at Provost Academy program offers students an innovative way to graduate and achieve their goals. The positive impact of their success is important not only for the students themselves and their communities, but also our nation as a whole."

Provost Academy Georgia will announce in the near future when enrollment will begin for the online school and participation in the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers™.

CONTACT: Michael Serpe, +1-212-419-1744, [email protected]

SOURCE EdisonLearning