Texas Virtual Charter School to open

Last week, William J. Bennett, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, announced the creation of the Texas Virtual Charter School, a K12 Internet Academy. The Texas Virtual Charter School, also known as “TXVCS,” is one of the state’s first publicly funded “virtual” education programs. TXVCS will enable families throughout central and southeast Texas to access an excellent education – any time and anywhere. Since TXVCS is a program offered by a public charter school, there is no tuition.

William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education and chairman of K12, said, “The Texas Virtual Charter School is an extraordinary project and, starting right now, will broaden access to an excellent education. Among other things, TXVCS will spark more parental involvement in education, which, in my view and in the view of most public and private school teachers, is the single most important thing we can do to improve America’s schools.”

The Texas Virtual Charter School (TXVCS) opens this September and will otter K12’s courses in Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Music, and Art for children in kindergarten through second grade. Next year, the program will serve children in grades kindergarten through five.

TXVCS delivers everything needed to provide a world-class education, including books and instructional materials, a computer, an internet connection, teacher support, and high-quality learning and assessment programs.

In the early years, students will learn to master the fundamentals, particularly in reading and math. They will also start on a magical historical journey through ancient lands, perform science experiments for the first time, discover the wide world of music, and get acquainted with some of the world’s great artists.

K12, an education company based in McLean, Virginia, is led by William J. Bennett and an educational advisory committee that included Houston’s former superintendent Rod Paige before he became U.S. Secretary of Education.

Ron Packard, chief executive officer of K12, said: “it is an honor to announce this type of partnership in Texas, a state that has been leading the nation in innovative education solutions for the last several years. Our program combines high academic standards and compelling content, grounded in the values that are the bedrock of our democracy. The TXVCS ‘team teaching’ approach is an important development that will benefit many, many children.”

About K12 and TXVCS
In development since 1999, K12 is led by William J. Bennett and an experienced team of learning and technology experts who share a passion for education and a belief that a challenging, enriching education should be readily available to all children. K12’s programs include a complete learning program for children in kindergarten through second grade, as well as an array for supplementary learning and assessment tools. Programs for later grades will be available in 2002.

The Texas Virtual Charter School (TXVCS) is open to students in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Geographic constraints may apply.
For more information, call 866-512-2273 toll-free.