Wauwatosa School District to Launch Statewide Online Program for 2013-2014 School Year

Open to Students, Grades 6-12, Wauwatosa Virtual Academy to Offer Strong Academics and a Flexible Schedule

WAUWATOSA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wauwatosa School District announced today that it will launch a tuition-free statewide virtual learning program for the 2013-2014 school year. Open to Wisconsin students in grades 6-12, Wauwatosa Virtual Academy will combine a rigorous, standards-based online curriculum, individualized student support and a flexible schedule that lets students complete their school work whenever and wherever works best for them. Nationally recognized online learning provider Advanced Academics will supply the program’s learning management system, curriculum and online tutoring and student assistance.

“The Wauwatosa School District is known for offering a wide variety of educational options, including Montessori and STEM programs, to meet our students’ learning needs”

The Wauwatosa School District already uses Advanced Academics online courses to supplement its current program for targeted student populations. Phil Ertl, Ph.D., Wauwatosa School District superintendent, said that the success of its own students encouraged the district to expand its online offerings internally and to launch a statewide virtual program.

“The Wauwatosa School District is known for offering a wide variety of educational options, including Montessori and STEM programs, to meet our students’ learning needs,” said Ertl. “Wauwatosa Virtual Academy expands our offerings to include a full-time online program that will give middle and high school students statewide a quality educational option.

“The program will feature a comprehensive curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses and a wide variety of electives, and experienced, Wisconsin-certified teachers will be available to offer students one-on-one tutoring and instruction in real time during the school week. We’re proud to be part of a program that delivers appropriate rigor as well as high levels of support and flexibility.”

Wauwatosa Virtual Academy will comply with all Wisconsin graduation requirements and feature a full middle and high school curriculum aligned to both state and Common Core standards. Students will have online access to state-licensed teachers who can provide immediate assistance 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, while technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program can benefit many students, including students who have not excelled in a traditional school setting, home-schooled students, advanced learners wanting to progress at an accelerated pace, students who need a flexible schedule in order to pursue outside interests and many others.

Wauwatosa Virtual Academy is accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year during the open enrollment period ending April 30. Interested students and parents can learn more at the following information sessions:

• Onalaska – Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m., Onalaska Public Library, 741 Oak Ave. S.
• La Crosse – Saturday, March 9, 12:30 p.m., La Crosse Public Library, 1307 S. 16^th St.
• Chippewa Falls – Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m., Chippewa Falls Public Library, 105 W. Central St.
• Eau Claire – Saturday, March 16, 12:30 p.m., L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St.
• Wauwatosa – all sessions at Wauwatosa School District Central Office, 12121 W. North Ave.
  • Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m.

For more information, go to www.WauwatosaVirtualAcademy.com or contact Dennis Mahony, Wauwatosa School District virtual program administrator, at 414-257-4857.

The Wauwatosa School District does not discriminate on the basis of a person's color, sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.

About Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in 30 states across the country to offer customized online solutions that uniquely serve each customer. Advanced Academics’ programs have proven to be successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 6 through 12 and increasing overall academic performance. Since 2000, Advanced Academics has offered comprehensive middle and high school courses, high levels of student support and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and meets the standards for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility. For more information, visit www.advancedacademics.com.