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Over 1,300 Students Log On to Start the 2007-08 School Year at Online High School

Posted on: Wednesday, 29 August 2007, 21:17 CDT

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 1,300 high school students started their school year today without having to leave their homes. That's because they are enrolled in Insight School of Washington, an online school welcoming new and returning students for its second year of operation. The students began logging on today to take part in online orientation sessions in preparation for classes that begin next week.

Insight School of Washington launched last fall in as a school of the Quillayute Valley School District, introducing over 600 high school students and their parents to a new educational opportunity -- a free, full-time, diploma-granting online public high school. This year, over 3,000 students applied for the school, one of dozens of such schools now operating in the state.

"Obviously, the time is right for Insight Schools-there are thousands of high school-age students across the state who want an environment that suits them, that provides a level of flexibility and personalization that is not offered at traditional brick and mortar schools," said Diana Reaume, Superintendent of the Quillayute Valley School District.

Most of Insight School's new and returning students have needs that may not be well-served in a traditional school setting: advanced learners; home- schooled students; full-time wage earners; students with health or physical challenges; and those who may have struggled socially in a traditional school.

"One of the most rewarding moments from our first year was when a parent approached me at a school gathering and thanked me for 'giving his daughter back to him,'" said Bill Finkbeiner, Executive Director of Insight School of Washington. "She had struggled in a traditional setting, was receiving poor grades and distancing herself from her family. At Insight she was engaged in her studies, found a community where she felt comfortable and reconnected with her family."

Insight School of Washington is quick to point out that it is not the right choice for everyone, but for those who need flexible access to their high school education, are self-motivated and prepared for challenging courses, Insight is an excellent option.

School administrators also work diligently to provide opportunities for students to interact beyond the classroom, knowing that socialization is an important part of the high school experience. Last year students formed more than 20 online clubs with topics ranging from journalism to video gaming to debate. Additionally, the school orchestrates a biweekly webcast that acts as an online school assembly. Featured guests have included a broad range of voices from an Iraq war veteran to Krist Novoselic -- former bassist of the rock band Nirvana. Face-to-face events are also planned.

To ensure accessibility to students across the state, the school provides a laptop and printer to all enrolled students as well as an orientation session to ensure that students are prepared for the basic logistics of online learning.

About Insight School of Washington: Insight School of Washington is a free, full-time, diploma-granting online public high school made possible through Quillayute Valley School District. For more information, see http://www.insightwa.net/.

Insight School of Washington

CONTACT: Andrew Krueger for Insight School of Washington,+1-206-697-1073

Web site: http://www.insightwa.net/

Source: PRNewswire

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