New Online Christian School Set to Open in Fall 2009

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/06/09

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An online Christian school, which its founders say is the first of its kind in the United States, will be opening next fall. St. Mark's Academy expects to provide 24/7 on-demand access to e-instructors with a digital curriculum directed at middle and high school students.

"St. Mark's Academy provides an alternative for those middle and high school students whose needs are not being met in a traditional school setting," said Jamie Osborne, the school's headmaster. "Our educational model is designed to provide a learning option that maximizes flexibility and personalization, without sacrificing academic quality."

The school said it will provide live online interaction among students at weekly "leadership seminar meetings." Many courses will offer chat capabilities for students enrolled in that course. Students will also be encouraged to start virtual clubs and will be given the opportunity to meet fellow students and instructors face to face during the school year.

"Most often, we are forced to take a 'one size fits all' approach to education," said Donna Antonopoulos, a middle school Spanish teacher from South Carolina who also serves as a St. Mark's enrollment counselor. "With this new school, we can provide a much more customized approach that addresses different learning styles and paces."

Tuition for the school will be $159 a month.