A new, statewide online public school aimed at students in grades 6-12 (ages 11-18) had been announced for New Mexico, USA by New Mexico Virtual Academy (NMVA) with applications now being taken for students commencing their studies after the summer break in 2016, offering a tuition-free public school option for students who seek an alternative to a traditional brick-and-mortar education.

NMVA incorporates online lessons and instruction from highly-qualified, New Mexico-licensed teachers who monitor student progress, provide professional insight, and work in partnership with parents. Teachers communicate with students and parents via phone, email and the online classroom technology in order to provide a highly individualized approach that helps prepare students for post-graduation career or college success.

“Online and blended learning solutions really offer the opportunity to tailor education to each student, rather than the average of the children in a given classroom,” said Lynn Barr, Director of Operations at NMVA. “For example, our High school course catalog includes over 75 core, honors, elective and Advanced Placement ® courses that we can use to create an individualised learning plan for every student. Depending on how comfortable a student feels with a particular topic, he or she can move ahead or take more time. That helps us ensure that advanced learners are meeting their full potential and that every student achieves mastery of the concepts.”

Students can chose from a diverse Middle school and High school catalog of courses provided by K12, Inc., including many electives that are not offered in traditional schools. Each student has greater freedom to progress through lessons at his or her own pace, while receiving quality instruction, support, and individual attention from teachers. The school also offers clubs, school outings, dances, and state-wide service projects and many other activities to foster the NMVA community. Students graduate with a diploma that meets all state requirements and because NMVA is a public school, there is no tuition to enrol.