Distance Education | News
Arizona Virtual Academy Partners with YMCA for Blended Learning
Arizona Virtual Academy, an online public K-12 school, is expanding its program for blended learning by partnering with the Valley of the Sun YMCA. Through the partnership, students will be able to attend classes while participating online at any of 17 physical learning centers across Arizona beginning in the fall semester.
Arizona Virtual Academy, the largest online public school in the state, provides a tuition-free education that includes all instructional materials and a "highly qualified teacher to to guide and track" a student's progress through his or her academic career. With the Arizona program, unlike some others, families are required to provide their own computers, though under some circumstances families may the eligible for loaner units.
Curriculum at the v irtual academy is provided by K12 Inc., which, in conjunction with the Valley of the Sun YMCA, is launching 17 "K12 at the Y i-Learn Centers," one of which will offer a full high school program. The centers will be available for students in grades 4 through 12 to access both onsite and online instruction and participate in extracurricular activities, including health and fitness activities, swimming, and other sports.
Two additional learning centers for Arizona Virtual Academy students are also launching concurrently, one at the Inspired Learning Academy in Globe, AZ and another called the Kingman Hybrid Learning Center in Kingman, AZ. Both will serve students in grades kindergarten through 12. They will also offer student enrichment programs, according to K12, including recreational activities and student clubs.
"We are excited to get the 2011 school year underway," said Megan Henry, head of school at the academy, in a statement released Monday. "This year we are thrilled to have even more options for students looking for an innovative and individualized approach to education. In addition to our core instructional program, the K12 at the Y i-Learn Centers and Kingman and Globe hybrid locations offer students expanded support and personalized learning programs in a blended model. This has enabled AZVA to meet the academic needs of even more students."
The i-Learn Centers will be available to Arizona Virtual Academy students beginning in the 2011-2012 school year. Additional details can be found on the academy's site.
About the Author
Executive Producer David Nagel heads up the editorial department for 1105 Media's education publications — which include two daily sites, a variety of newsletters and two monthly digital magazines covering technology in both K-12 and higher education.
A 21-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/profile/view?id=10390192 or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education). A selection of David Nagel's articles can be found on this site.