Advanced Academics Launches Private Online High School for Jackson Area

With a statewide dropout rate hovering at 16 percent, many Mississippi residents are all too familiar with the negative consequences of not completing high school. A May 2009 study by Northeastern University’s Center for Labor Market Studies and the Alternative Schools Network shows that over their lifetime, high school graduates earn an average of $400,000 more than peers who do not have a high school diploma. A new program being launched in Jackson by online learning leader Advanced Academics, Inc. gives dropouts an affordable way to complete their diploma on their own schedule and in the comfort of their own home.

Advanced Academics is launching Advanced Academics Online School, an accredited, diploma-granting private online high school. The program, which offers highly qualified teachers, individualized attention and a flexible class schedule, is ideal for young adults who have not completed high school, as well as teenagers seeking an option to traditional schools.

“Advanced Academics recognizes that a high school diploma is vital to ensuring future financial well-being,” said Jeffrey A. Elliott, Advanced Academics president. “The Advanced Academics Online School gives Mississippi students a reasonably priced private school choice with the same engaging courses, user-friendly technology and personalized instruction as the public programs we operate in partnership with schools and districts across the country. This program will give Mississippians who have dropped out or who are seeking an option to the traditional classroom a way to finish high school and to improve their career outlook. And because we believe that cost should not be a barrier, Advanced Academics Online lets you earn your high school diploma for much less than most private schools – about $200 upfront and $155 per month.”

Advanced Academics Online School is a high-quality, rigorous program that offers a full slate of core, elective and college preparatory courses. Students earn their high school diploma in a personalized program that lets them complete their studies whenever and wherever works best for them using Advanced Academics’ proprietary, highly intuitive-technology platform. Both part-time and full-time enrollment is available.

Advanced Academics Online offers a convenient payment plan for full-time students. Full-time students can take up to six credits, or 12 courses, for a one-time $200 fee plus 11 payments of $155, paid via credit card or check. The full-time program costs $1,850 if paid in full up-front. After completing their high school requirements, full-time students will receive a diploma issued by Advanced Academics.

Students who need only a few credits to complete their diploma requirements can purchase individual courses for $395 each. Upon completion of their high school requirements, part-time students are granted a diploma by their local school district.

Advanced Academics Online School offers students a high level of support through certified teachers and 24/7 technical support. Students can easily communicate with teachers in real-time via chat, e-mail or phone from 7 a.m. until midnight ET each weekday. All teachers hold bachelor’s or master's degrees in their subject area and have significant online and traditional classroom experience. A trained counselor will help full-time students with course selection to ensure that they meet graduation requirements. All students can view reports of their academic progress at any time.

The student enrollment process is going on now. For more information or to apply, go to www.AcademicsOnline.comor call toll-free 1-888-897-0132.

About Advanced Academics, Inc.

Advanced Academics, Inc., a leader in online learning, has operated public and private online programs for grades 6-12 in more than 30 states across the country. Advanced Academics’ personalized online programs deliver a quality education in a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to meet each student’s needs. Since 2000, Advanced Academics has offered comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly qualified and state-certified teachers, and an engaging, web-based learning management system that facilitates learning. A subsidiary of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by AdvancEd (formerly The Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA)) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and meets the standards of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.advancedacademics.com.