On Wednesday, Sept. 20, Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA), Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) and partner organization one-n-ten will celebrate the grand opening of the new home of the Phoenix Blended Learning Center and one-n-ten Youth Center in downtown Phoenix.

The Phoenix Blended Learning Center will provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, as well as straight allied youth in grades 7-12 enrolled in AZVA and ISAZ with a safe space to learn. The 5,000-square foot space, which is twice the size of the center’s previous location, will allow the Phoenix Blended Learning Center to more than double the number of students it serves.

“Blended learning provides the best of online and face-to-face instruction so these students are able to thrive,” said Kelly Van Sande, head of school at Arizona Virtual Academy and Insight Academy of Arizona. “We are proud to continue our partnership with one-n-ten to serve even more students in this beautiful new facility that offers a safe haven for LGBTQ and straight ally students alike.”

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is slated to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Under Mayor Stanton’s leadership, Phoenix earned national recognition as a leader on LGBTQ issues and became the first Arizona city to earn a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s municipal equality index.

The center will serve as an onsite facility where students can go for additional in-person instruction and social interaction, with access to the one-n-ten youth center, which hosts daily programs and support services for youth and young adults. The new expanded facility is located steps from a light rail stop, making it more accessible to youth across the Phoenix metro area.

AZVA and ISAZ, both tuition-free public schools for students throughout the state of Arizona, provide a learning experience and curriculum that works in a way that is tailored for each and every student – so much so that the Phoenix Business Journal has ranked AZVA among the top 50 public high schools in the state based on SAT scores two years in a row.

One-n-ten is dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ youth. The not-for-profit organization provides youth between the ages of 14-24 with access to resources and social programs that promote self-acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices.

Media is welcome to attend this event. Details are as follows:

WHAT: Phoenix Blended Learning Center and one-n-ten Youth Center Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

WHEN: Wednesday, September 20 – 12 p.m.

WHERE: 1101 N. Central Ave. Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (door on Portland St. and Central Ave.)

Kelly Van Sande, as well as teachers and students, will be available for interviews.

A community reception with tours of the new facility will take place from 5:30-7 p.m.

AZVA and ISAZ are currently accepting enrollments for this fall.

About Arizona Virtual Academy

Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) is an accredited, full-time online public charter school that serves Arizona students in kindergarten through 12th grade. As part of the Arizona public school system, AZVA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation’s leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about AZVA, visit http://azva.k12.com.

About Insight Academy of Arizona

Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) is an accredited, full-time online public school that serves Arizona students in grades 7-12. As part of the Arizona public school system, ISAZ is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation’s leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ISAZ, visit http://az.insightschools.net.