2 Virtual Schools Launching in California
Two new virtual academies are launching in California, both providing tuition-free online education for middle school and high school students.
The new academies--Kaplan Academy of California, San Diego and Kaplan Academy of California, Central--will provide one to one instruction with state-certified teachers, according to California Virtual Education Partners, a non-profit organization that is partnering with Kaplan Virtual Education to launch the academies. The programs will, according to the companies, provide a full range of courses, including AP and honors courses. Computers can be supplied to students who need them for as long as they are enrolled, and the academies can will help cover the costs of Internet access for students who need it.
"The growth of online education across the country is being fueled by parents' and students' desire for a high quality alternative to the traditional brick and mortar learning environment--these two academies will bring that alternative to tens of thousands of deserving California families," said Charles Thornburgh, president of Kaplan Virtual Education, in a statement released this week. "Our schools are focused on expanding access to strong educational options that effectively prepare students to succeed in the twenty-first century."
Unlike virtual academies in several other states, the Kaplan academies of California do not serve students statewide; instead, individual academies accept students only from specific counties.
Kaplan Academy of California, Central, approved by the Corcoran Unified School District, will serve students in the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Tulare. Kaplan Academy of California, San Diego, approved by Mountain Empire Unified School District, will serve students in the counties of Imperial, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego.
Both academies are expected to begin teaching students in the fall. Further information about the academies can be found here.