New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School has announced its Fall opening for this year. The new school, approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, will service students from across the state. Access will be for students in grades K-10 in its first year and extend to offer services to the remaining high school grades from 2013-2014. In addition to its virtual program, the school will offer blended learning, utilizing face-to-face instruction at centers in Newark and other locations.

“Our board believes strongly in providing high quality public school options to students and choices for families,” said Michael Pallante, chair of the NJVACS Board of Directors. “New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School will offer personalized education programs, through online and blended learning opportunities, so children that need this option can succeed.”

NJVACS students will be participating in all state-required high school assessment tests and the school’s curriculum and services will be provided by K.12-Inc. K-12 Inc. is the largest provider of online learning programs in the US, with over 2,000 schools and districts using their services.

“We’re excited to use the K12 curriculum at our new online public school,” said Mr. Pallante. “K12 has been a leader in online and blended learning for a long time and has developed quality and rigorous education programs that will challenge our students to excel.”

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is a staunch advocate of education reform and the opening of NJVACS can only be seen as another step forward for his program.

New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School is currently accepting enrollment applications; however there are only 850 seats available for students in the debut school year. The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday April 11 and preference will be given to students residing in Newark, although a lottery will be conducted the following week to determine additional initial offers.