North Carolina Virtual Academy Approved by NC State Board of Education

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved the North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA), an online public charter school, to begin serving students next school year. 

NCVA is a public school open to students across the state. The school will initially serve students in grades K-10 and will expand to serve all high school grades in subsequent years.

NCVA is governed by North Carolina Learns, Inc., an independent nonprofit charter school board made up North Carolina parents, educators and community leaders. The board will oversee all operations of the school and set school policy.

"We are very excited that North Carolina Virtual Academy is now a public school of choice for families across our state," said Chris Withrow, chair of the NC Learns Board and chief technology officer for a leading public school district. "NCVA will be a school offering innovative technology with a dedicated and professional team of teachers and educators committed to helping students learn. We thank the State Board for their review and recommendations throughout this process, and look forward to working with them to make NCVA a success."

Last year, the state legislature passed a law signed by the Governor requiring two K-12 virtual charter school pilots open by Fall 2015.  NC Learns was one of two organizations that applied for the pilot programs. 

The State Board of Education voted to approve NCVA following a state education review committee that unanimously approved the school's application in December.

"North Carolina's parents have eagerly awaited online charter schools for a long time," said Withrow. "Parents know their children best and not every child will succeed in a traditional classroom. NCVA gives families an alternative, and I believe it will be a great choice for many students.  I'm proud to be a part of this board and the NCVA school community. We are excited to get going." 

NCVA will provide students access to multiple core and elective courses, assessments, and instruction from state-certified teachers. Individualized learning plans with specific learning goals will be developed to meet the needs of every student. Teachers will regularly interact with students, providing direct instruction, assessment, intervention, guidance, and support. As a public school, NCVA will follow all state requirements and accountability standards.

The school will use the curriculum, technology and academic programs from K12 Inc., a leading education provider to online and blended schools. K12, a company of educators, serves thousands of schools, districts, and educational institutions across the country with its award-wining curriculum and academic programs.

SOURCE North Carolina Learns, Inc.