Second Chance at Diploma for Older Students Starts Aug. 25 at Innovative Blended Learning School

CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The first day of school is always an exciting time for students and families – especially so for the odds-defying students in the Virtual High School at Youth Connections Charter School.

The program's students are 18- to 21-year olds embarking on an inspiring effort to put past challenges behind them – and finally land their high school degrees.

The school, a tuition-free public charter school, offers a blended academic program that combines online learning and in-person instruction with supportive social services. For the past five years, YCCS Virtual High School has been achieving success with an age group that often is considered unlikely to earn a diploma. This academic year's classes begin Aug. 25.

"Some people think older students are past the point of no return in terms of getting a degree, but our students are passionate, driven and successful," says Liz Roth, head of school at YCCS Virtual High School. "These students are ready to prove the conventional wisdom about alternative education wrong."

"More and more students come to YCCS Virtual High School each fall excited to learn and grow," Roth says. "Our program is the only one of its kind in Chicago, and our students rise to the occasion. Their successes impress us every year."

Last year, 84 students graduated from the YCCS Virtual High School program. "Our above-average graduation rate – 92 percent – is a testament to the extraordinary drive and dedication of our students," Roth says. "Seeing new faces come in excited to learn gives such a lift to everyone at the school."

This year, the school welcomes a new English teacher, David Larson, along with several new courses, including forensic science, careers in criminal justice and early-childhood development.

"This program gives an opportunity for students to reach their goals and receive their high school diploma, while receiving the support they need into their post-secondary venture," Roth says.

The Virtual High School program at YCCS offers a variety of advantages:

• A flexible schedule that works with each student's job, family life and personal circumstances
• An award-winning curriculum from K12 Inc.
• An individualized learning approach to meet each student's personal needs
• Support from passionate, professional Illinois-certified teachers
• A high-school diploma that meets all state requirements.

In addition to the academic program, YCCS Virtual High School provides students with support services ranging from career and academic counseling to social service referrals and Students in Transitional Living Situations (STLS) Services.

"By surrounding these students with a complete set of supportive services we can really give them the best possible chance to succeed," said Roth. "We have some amazing success stories and our students sometimes surprise themselves with their capacity to rise to the challenge of gaining their diploma."

Students and family interested in learning more about Youth Connections Charter School Virtual High School can call (312) 429-0027 or visit www.k12.com/yccs.

About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc. LRN is the nation's foremost provider of proprietary technology-powered online solutions for students in pre-kindergarten through high school. K12 has partnered with more than 2,000 school districts and has delivered more than 4 million courses over the past decade. K12 provides curricula, academic services and learning solutions to public schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs and families. K12 works with more than 5,000 teachers across the U.S. – the largest network of online school teachers in grades K through 12.

The K12 program is offered through K12 partner public schools in more than two-thirds of the states and the District of Columbia, and through private schools serving students in all 50 states and more than 110 countries. More information can be found at http://www.K12.com

SOURCE Virtual High School at Youth Connections Charter School