13 virtual programs can teach across Va. divisions

Thirteen virtual school programs have earned the state's stamp of approval to offer online courses to multiple divisions.

The approved providers, announced Monday, offer full-time virtual schools, supplemental instruction programs and "blended-instruction programs" that have an online teacher and an on-site mentor, according to a news release. They include for-profit companies and public school systems.

The Virginia Department of Education reviewed providers seeking to serve students in multiple divisions to ensure that their teachers are state-licensed and that their instruction aligns with the Standards of Learning.

Gov. Bob McDonnell pushed for the expansion of online learning during the 2010 General Assembly session.

"No Virginia child's future should be limited by the walls of a particular school building or the boundaries of an attendance zone," McDonnell said in a statement. "Virtual schools create additional choices and opportunities within our public education system."

The approved providers are: Apex Learning, Brigham Young University Independent Study, Chesterfield County Public Schools, CompuHigh, Connections Academy, Edison Learning, EdOptions Online Academy, Education2020, Florida Virtual School, Giant Campus of Virginia, K-12 Virtual Schools, Virtual High School Global Consortium and York County Public Schools.

Hattie Brown Garrow, (757) 222-5562, hattie.brown@pilotonline.com