Recent Approval of Mass Virtual Schools Validates Need for More Options

MAYNARD, Mass. - March 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Maynard, MA – The Virtual High School (www.thevirtualhighschool.org), a non-profit empowering K-12 schools with the industry’s best online and blended learning programs since 1995, today expressed their enthusiasm over the recent approval of two full-time, public virtual schools in the Bay State.

“It’s important for students in the 21st century to have access to a wide variety of flexible learning options, and this approval will make online learning accessible to all students, regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic background,” said Jeffrey A. Elliott, President & CEO of VHS. “However, as with all online or blended learning programs, it’s critical that parents and students closely evaluate course quality and choose the option that best fits their needs.”

The first virtual school to operate in the Bay State and one of the first to operate nationally, since 1995, The Virtual High School has helped to prepare thousands of students for college. In addition to providing on-site membership options for K-12 schools, VHS also offers a full-time program for students that works with, rather than in opposition to private or public schools so as to keep education and funds in the hands of educators. Programs of study and VHS courses are selected by the school’s guidance department, and diplomas are granted by the school.

For students like Alyssa Mirabile, a Cosmetology major at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton, Massachusetts, the VHS full-time program offered an alternative when it became difficult for her to go to school every day. During her senior year, she became a full-time VHS student, enrolling in four courses per semester, including English and Psychology. “I really wish I would have done this sooner because, if I had, my entire high school experience would have been different,” said Mirabile.

The VHS mission is to provide students with, access to high quality online and blended learning experiences, while supporting educators with the professional development and services they need to provide an effective 21st century education to every student. VHS partner schools have access to a wide range of core, elective, and AP® courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning as well as enable students to develop independent learning skills, explore college majors and careers, earn credits and participate in global classrooms. Courses are taught by highly qualified teachers who are specially trained in online teaching best practices, and are certified in their subject areas.

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About The Virtual High School

The Virtual High School is the pioneer of K-12 online learning. Since 1995, the nonprofit organization has been setting the standard for quality online education. VHS provides courses taught in global online classrooms for secondary school students and online professional development in 21st century teaching for educators.  The organization also meets the unique educational needs of schools through custom course development, private course offerings, and support for blended learning initiatives.

VHS’ design and delivery standards was the model used by the National Education Association in their recommended standards for online learning.  The organization has won numerous awards, including the Stockholm Challenge Award for Global Excellence in Information Technology and is a three-time winner of the United States Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) award for Excellence in Programming and Excellence in Best Practices. For more information, visit www.TheVirtualHighSchool.org or call (978) 897-1900.

Press Contact: Carol Arnold, Arnold Communications, carol@arnoldcomm.com, (877) 718-4604 x2.