NH’s Virtual Learning Academy Charter Sings the Sweet Tune of Success

as Student Enrollments Reach 7,400

Exeter, NH – “S-U-C-C-E-S-S.” Administrators at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) sing this sweet tune as New Hampshire’s online high school completes it second academic year.

The numbers - especially student enrollments - show the Academy’s success. In January 2007, the Academy had about 700 enrollments. Two years later, they have reached 7,400 student enrollments. This growth also has increased the Academy’s teaching staff from an initial 40 to 150 New Hampshire-certified, highly qualified instructors.

Students and teachers are not the only ones who are flocking to the Virtual Learning Academy. More and more of New Hampshire’s towns and cities are taking advantage of the Academy’s non-traditional learning methodologies and 21^st century resources. The number of participating towns and cities statewide has nearly doubled from 126 two years ago to 209 towns and cities, which have students attending the Academy’s online classes. The most notable accomplishment is that this June marks the Academy’s first graduating high school class.

“It’s been exciting witnessing the Academy’s incredible growth, impact on students and educators, and benefits to New Hampshire’s public education,” said Steve Kossakoski, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Virtual Learning Academy. “As I reflect on the past two years, the Academy is fortunate to have a dedicated staff and teachers who have built the foundation for its success.”

The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School made its Internet debut in January 2008. Its mission was – and continues – to use the latest internet technologies to provide NH’s high school students any time, any where access to a rigorous, personalized education that helps them learn today, graduate tomorrow and prepare for the future. The Academy offers students the ability to complete both coursework and active learning at their convenience and at a learning pace that adapts to each student’s needs. According to Kossakoski, the Academy’s flexible and personalized instruction offers unlimited opportunities to New Hampshire’s high school students.

The Academy also supports Governor John Lynch’s goal to reduce the state’s high school dropout rate. New programs such as Personalized Pathways provide at-risk high school students a non-traditional, yet rigorous, learning program that meets their lifestyle and learning needs. The Academy prepares the course curriculum and requirements as a resource for school districts statewide. School districts then offer these programs to their students.

“The [state] grant for the Personalized Pathways program advances efforts to bring public education into the 21^st century,” said Paul Leather, Director of Career Technology and Adult Learning for the state’s Department of Education. “The program put in place by the Virtual Learning Academy allows students to access an education in a more personalized way that works for them.”

During the past two years, the Academy has expanded its course schedule from 48 to 64 college prep, honors and advanced placement classes. Subjects taught include Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Social Studies, World Languages and Art. Included in the 64 classes are the following advanced placement (AP) and honors classes: AP English Literature and Composition; AP English Language and Composition; AP Calculus; Algebra II/Algebra II Honors; AP Computer Science; AP Macroeconomics; AP Microeconomics; AP Art History; AP Biology; Chemistry/Chemistry Honors; AP US History; AP US Government & Politics; Global Studies; Latin; and AP Art History. The Academy has even branched out its curriculum to include an online math class for middle school students.

Another recent addition is eStart, an innovative online program that partners the Virtual Learning

Academy with the Community College System of New Hampshire. eStart gives high school students the opportunity to take college level courses and earn both high school and college course credit.

Attending the Academy requires a computer, an Internet connection and the desire to learn. The Academy is available free of charge to New Hampshire residents. Out-of-state residents are welcome to enroll for a small fee.

If you are a student or school administrator interested in being a part of the Virtual Learning Academy’s success, visit the Academy’s web site at www.vlacs.org or call 603-778-2500. The web site also includes a full course catalog listing and additional information about the Academy for students and parents.

About the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School: The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School uses the latest internet technologies to provide NH’s high school students any time, any where access to a rigorous, personalized education that helps them learn today, graduate tomorrow and prepare for the future. The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is a non-profit organization approved by the New Hampshire Board of Education and overseen by a Board of Trustees. The Academy is tuition free for students who live in New Hampshire.

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Editor’s Note: Media interested in interviews please phone the VLACS office at 603-778-2500.