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K12's Florida Virtual Academy Posts High Scores on 2009 State Tests

Posted on: Monday, 1 June 2009, 08:00 CDT

FLVA exceeds state averages; continues to be top performing public virtual school in the state

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Students at the K12 Florida Virtual Academy (FLVA) - one of the state's two full-time K-8 online public school programs - posted strong scores on the 2009 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT), according to results released last week by the Florida Department of Education.

For the sixth year in a row, the percent of K12 Florida Virtual Academy students scoring proficient or higher exceeded the state averages in most grades and subjects tested. The K12 FLVA program has consistently scored higher than the state averages since the school began in the 2003-2004 academic year. FLVA was given an "A" grade in 2007 and 2008.

FLVA scores were particularly strong in reading, math and science. In reading, FLVA beat the state scores by a wide margin in every grade, with proficiency levels between 17 and 29 points higher than the state averages. FLVA math scores were above the state averages in five out of six grades, and the school's science scores exceeded the state averages in both grades tested.

FLVA continues to be the top-scoring K-8 virtual public school in the state, outperforming the state's other K-8 virtual school program in a majority of grades.

"We are very proud of these scores and the continued academic excellence of the K12 program in Florida," said Patty Betoni, FLVA Head of School and Director of K12 Virtual Instruction Programs. "These results are a credit to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, students, parents, and staff. We're excited about our future and the opportunity to extend the successful K12 virtual school program to more students across Florida through our district partnerships."

FLVA uses the high quality and innovative learning program developed by K12 Inc., the nation's leading provider proprietary curriculum and online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Over 50,000 students in 21 states are using the K12 program in virtual public schools. K12 has the largest national network of full-time, K-12 online public school teachers, providing more than 1600 teachers with extensive training, professional development, management and support.

School districts across Florida are now partnering with K12 - a state-approved provider - to offer the K12 virtual school program for their students under the state's School District Virtual Instruction program.

FLVA students receive an individualized learning program using the K12 curriculum. They learn outside the classroom and receive instruction, support and oversight from state-certified teachers in partnership with a learning coach - a parent or responsible adult - who provides guidance and assistance. Students access their web-based lessons through the K12 Online School (OLS) and also use other off-line education materials (textbooks, workbooks, math and science supplies, hands-on projects, and much more). They are required to meet accountability standards, including academic and attendance requirements, and participate in state assessments in a proctored setting.

FLVA teachers assign lessons, provide instruction, and regularly interact with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone, and face-to-face meetings. Teachers also organize a variety of school outings for students and families.

Comparison of K12's Florida Virtual Academy (FLVA) vs. State Averages Percent of students scoring proficient or higher (Levels 3 and above) READING SCORES Grade K12's Florida Virtual State Difference from state Academy average 3 88 71 +17 4 91 74 +17 5 89 71 +18 6 88 66 +22 7 93 67 +26 8 83 54 +29 MATH SCORES Grade K12's Florida Virtual State Difference from state Academy average 3 88 78 +10 4 74 75 -1 5 70 62 +8 6 69 55 +14 7 82 60 +22 8 84 66 +18 SCIENCE SCORES Grade K12's Florida Virtual State Difference from state Academy average 5 68 46 +22 8 60 41 +19

About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education company, is the nation's leading provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs to students in kindergarten through high school. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 has delivered over one million semester courses to students worldwide. Currently, more than 50,000 students in 21 states are enrolled in online public schools that use the K12 program. K12 Inc. also operates the K12 International Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving students in over 35 countries.

K12 Inc. is accredited through the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). It is the largest national K-12 online school provider to be recognized by CITA.

K12's mission is to provide any child the curriculum and tools to maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial, or demographic circumstances. More information can be found at www.K12.com.

Contact: Patty Betoni Head of School, Florida Virtual Academy Director of K12 Florida Virtual Instruction Programs Phone: 904-721-0035 Email: pbetoni@flva.org

SOURCE K12 Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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