Hoosier Academies Students Head Back to School; Program Celebrates Its Fifth Year Providing Expanded Learning Opportunities

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Students of Hoosier Academies, a tuition-free public charter school authorized by Ball State University, began their 2012-2013 school year two weeks ago as their program marks its fifth year of operation in Indiana. Hoosier Academies provides full-time online education as well as blended learning programs, which combine individualized online learning with in-classroom instruction. Each program uses the award-winning K¹² curriculum, and since 2008, Hoosier Academies has grown to become the largest statewide provider of online and blended learning in Indiana.

Hoosier Academies provides three dynamic programs for students, offering options to families across Indiana that tailor to their child's individual learning needs.  Hoosier Academies Muncie (serving and enrolling grades K-8) and Hoosier Academies Indianapolis (serving K-12; enrolling K-11) are the two blended learning programs, each entering their fifth year. Hoosier Academies Virtual School (serving K-11; enrolling K-10) is the virtual learning option available to students statewide, and is entering its second year after legislation in 2011 expanded online public school options in Indiana.

"We feel there is no 'one-size-fits-all' mentality when it comes to your child's education, and the growth of Hoosier Academies over the past four years is evidence that Indiana families appreciate the ability to select a personalized public school option most suited to their needs," said Jennifer Sims, Interim Head of School. "Traditional schools work well for some, but we've found that many students learn at different speeds and excel in different environments.  By incorporating an online option, we're able to provide an individualized learning experience to even more students throughout the state."

At the Muncie and Indianapolis Learning Centers, state-certified teachers provide students with in-classroom instruction for part of the week, while the remaining weekly instruction is facilitated off-site with a Learning Coach and teacher support. Hoosier Academies Virtual School meanwhile is a full-time online public charter school option and serves students statewide in grades K through 11. The teachers employed by Hoosier Academies are some of the most tech-savvy, creative educators in the state and provide instruction, guidance and support by regularly interacting with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone and face-to-face meetings.

Online learning is one of the fastest growing areas in education, and over the past decade online public schools have offered students expanded course options, increased education opportunities and customized learning programs, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic circumstance.

Enrollment is still open for the 2012-2013 academic school year, and all interested families are encouraged to visit www.k12.com/ha for more information.

About Hoosier Academies
Hoosier Academies is a tuition-free public charter school authorized by Ball State University, Office of Charter Schools. As a public charter school, Hoosier Academies provides the structure, administrative support, oversight, accountability and state testing required of all Indiana public schools, in addition to offering individualized learning. Hoosier Academies uses the award-winning curricula and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs.  Hoosier Academies operates three programs, giving families the option to select the one that best fits their needs:

• Hoosier Academies Indianapolis – serving grades K-12; enrolling grades K-11
• Hoosier Academies Muncie – serving and enrolling grades K-8
• Hoosier Academies Virtual School – serving grades K-11; enrolling grades K-10

Our active, supportive school community organizes fun and informative monthly activities at which Hoosier Academies parents, students and staff share successes, helpful hints and more. For more information, please visit: www.k12.com/ha.

SOURCE Hoosier Academies