Howell Public Schools unveils free K-8 virtual learning academy

Howell Public Schools, in partnership with Oakland Schools and Calvert Education Services, is offering a Virtual Learning Academy Consortium for students in K-8 in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties whose parents have chosen to guide their education in a home-based learning environment.

Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (VLAC) will bring a high-quality, home-based virtual learning option to parents of students in grades Kindergarten through eighth (K-8). This program is an option for parents (or other caregivers) preferring a flexible, home-based environment and who are willing to guide their child’s learning.

Students who enroll in VLAC will be provided, at no cost, the equipment (including computer and internet access) and materials needed to participate in virtual learning using the Calvert curriculum. Each student will also receive a tailored program of learning designed to meet their specific educational needs and goals, and instructional oversight by highly qualified Michigan teachers.

Howell Public Schools is the first district in the county providing home schooling for K-8 students through the Baltimore based Calvert School.  The district currently provides virtual learning for high school students.

“When we decided to add a distance learning option to our school system, we searched for the best partner we could find and are pleased to have chosen Calvert,” said Howell Schools Superintendent Ron Wilson.  “We chose Calvert because of their world-renowned curriculum, their reputation for academic excellence, and the exceptional support they provide to every family enrolled.”

Students who enroll in the program will also have the benefit of participating in extracurricular activities offered through the Howell Public Schools.

Other benefits include:

· The freedom to balance flexibility and structure for families

· Tuition-free access to the time-tested, accredited Calvert program and support network

· Step-by-step daily lesson plans

· Instruction supported by highly qualified teachers

· Clear academic objectives for individualized learning

· An excellent balance of online and offline learning

· A specialized curriculum designed to help struggling readers

· Instructional technologies for 21st Century learning

Since 1906, more than 600,000 students have used the Calvert curriculum.  It serves about 180 public, private, cyber, virtual, and international schools.  Calvert Education Service is a non-profit, international agency that provides accredited and time-tested curriculum. Calvert’s world-renowned curriculum combines virtual and direct instruction with 21st Century innovations to deliver a blended virtual education program.
To learn about virtual education offered by Howell Public Schools, please visit www.howellschools.com/virtualacademy <http://www.howellschools.com/virtualacademy> .  For questions about the program, please call 888-638-8949 or email info@vlao.org.