CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS), the city's first public online charter school, was named as one of Chicago's best high schools by Chicago Magazine in their September 2012 issue.

"We're excited to be honored as one of the top schools in Chicago," said Dr. Craig Butz, CVCS Head of School. "CVCS is an excellent public school in Chicago that has proven to be successful for many students. Our teachers and administrators look forward to the start of a new school year on September 4( )and continuing to serve the families and students who chose our school."

Chicago Magazine ranked the schools using data from state report cards for the 2010-11 academic year, comparing graduation rates, average ACT scores, percentage of students who meet or exceed state standards on the PSAE, and school demographic data.

CVCS is an innovative public school in Chicago and a pioneer in blended learning - combining online learning with onsite instruction. Throughout the school year, students work remotely through their individual learning plans by accessing engaging online courses and participating in teacher-led classes over the Internet. At least once a week students attend the CVCS Learning Center where they receive direct instruction and support from certified teachers and staff. The CVCS Learning Center, centrally located in the West Loop, gives students opportunities to collaborate with their peers in classrooms, receive individual remediation and enrichment, and foster school community. This unique blended/hybrid educational model offered at CVCS gives families a quality school choice and provides students an exciting public school option with greater flexibility and self-pacing.

CVCS was launched in 2006 through a partnership with Chicago Public Schools, parents and community leaders, and K12 Inc. - America's leading provider of online education programs for students in grades K-12.

In 2009, CVCS earned an Academic Improvement Award and entry to the Illinois Honor Roll after posting considerable gains in both reading and math, thus earning it the Academic Improvement Award. CVCS was one of ten charter schools in the state at the time to make the Illinois Honor Roll.

About The Chicago Virtual Charter School

CVCS is a full time, accredited public charter school that serves students in grades K through 12 using a blended/hybrid education model of online learning and onsite education. CVCS uses the award-winning curricula, services and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. CVCS is a tuition-free public school within Chicago Public Schools. The school provides the structure, administrative support, oversight, accountability, and state testing required of all public schools. To find out more information about CVCS, visit: www.k12.com/cvcs

SOURCE Chicago Virtual Charter School