HOUSTON, Minn., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Picture the first day of school: Carefully chosen outfits, crisp school supplies and big smiles all around. Kids pose for pictures and pause for hugs before hopping on a bus to begin another year of learning.

For students who attend Minnesota's online high schools, the first day of school is just the same - but instead of getting on a school bus, the students fire up their computers and start the school year online.

Minnesota Virtual Academy, Insight School of Minnesota and iQ Academy Minnesota, three tuition-free public online schools, are welcoming students across Minnesota for another year of learning, growth and inspiration.

Each school offers individualized learning through an engaging and challenging curriculum from K¹² Inc. Additional details about the schools and their respective graduation ceremonies include:


    --  Minnesota Virtual Academy: An online public school associated with
        Houston, Minn., Public Schools, Minnesota Virtual Academy (K12.com/MNVA)
        is the largest online K-12 school in the state and has delivered more
        than 100,000 courses since its inception in 2002. Last academic year,
        more than 130 graduates earned degrees from MNVA. Classes start Sept. 2.
    --  Insight School of Minnesota: At Insight School of Minnesota
        (InsightMN.net), a full-time, online public school chartered through the
        Brooklyn Center School District, students can learn in the ways that are
        right for them through a unique and tailored approach to learning. More
        than 60 students graduated from the Insight School of Minnesota during
        the 2013-2014 school year - 12 with honors. Classes start Sept. 8.
    --  iQ Academy Minnesota: As a public school program of Independent School
        District 544, iQ Academy Minnesota (http://iqacademymn.org) offers
        Minnesota students in grades K-12 an innovative, high-quality online
        learning experience. Nearly half of iQ Minnesota graduates earned honors
        degrees last academic year. Classes start Sept. 2.

Each school is available as a full- or part-time option for Minnesota students statewide and is backed by the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs.

"Students who attend our schools enjoy the benefits of an individualized learning plan," said Jennifer Sims, Regional Vice President with K12 Inc. "Our teachers work one-on-one with each student to provide an education that best addresses their personal strengths and weaknesses."

Many families struggling to find a good educational environment for their children have made a late-summer decision to try an online school. Online learning has proven to be the right choice for a variety of students, including advanced learners, struggling students, athletes, performers, those seeking relief from bullying and students looking to get more out of their education.

With the first day of school just around the corner, it is not too late to enroll in one of these online schools. These three tuition-free online public schools are still accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year and enrollment will continue through the fall.

Choosing online education doesn't mean students sacrifice social opportunities. Minnesota Virtual Academy, Insight School of Minnesota and iQ Academy Minnesota provide regular opportunities for face-to-face socialization. Social events held throughout the school year include pizza parties, outings to venues such waterparks, aquariums and baseball games. In addition, the schools offer activities such as clubs, student government, dances, prom and graduation just like traditional schools.

About K12 Inc.
 K12 Inc. (NYSE: 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 K12 Inc.