Blended Learning | News

New Florida Charter School To Offer Blended Learning Program

• By Kanoe Namahoe
• 06/26/13

A new charter school, opening this fall for students in grades 6-12 living in Broward County, will feature a blended learning program. Pivot Charter School, a full-time public school in the Fort Lauderdale area, will offer a learning center -- for on-site tutoring and instruction -- as well as a complete online curriculum which complies with "Florida Sunshine standards and the Common Core standards," according to a statement released Tuesday to the media. There is no charge to attend Pivot. Enrollment is taking place now for the 2013-14 school year which begins August 19.

The school, which will offer a staff of tutors and state-certified teachers, aims to foster a personalized learning atmosphere that allows students to learn at their own pace, according to Principal Angela Combs.

"Our school's student-centered approach to learning lets students learn the way that works best for them," said Combs. "We have caring, qualified teachers on hand to provide real-time assistance whether students are on site at our learning center or away from school. In addition to strong academics, we offer service learning and dual-enrollment options, as well as numerous extracurricular activities."

Students will go to the learning center, Monday through Friday, for five hours a day. They can retrieve the online curriculum from any location where they can access the Web. While at the center, students can work on assignments and projects or get assistance from one of the on-site instructors or tutors. All students receive a lead teacher -- called an Educational Coordinator -- who works with them to create a personal vision, identify goals, and develop an individualized education plan. Students then work at their own pace to complete the plan.

Pivot provides support to students, at the learning center -- during school hours -- and via the Web. Online support is available, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Advanced Academics is providing the school's learning management system, online coursework, and Web teaching staff.

Pivot offers a full curriculum for middle school and high school students. Coursework complies with Florida's graduation requirements and "core courses align with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards." Pivot also offers options for early graduation and dual enrollment in college through DeVry University.

To learn more about the school or upcoming information sessions, visit the Pivot's Web site.