NEWARK, N.J., June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 22, students, staff and families of Newark Prep will gather to celebrate the achievements of its first ever graduating class. Now in its fourth year, the school offers complete high school classes and services for students in grades 9 through 12.

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Newark Prep is a tuition-free public charter school serving college bound students looking for an education that is hands on and experiential. The school's unique educational environment combines in-person instruction, online classes and experiential learning that gives students the ability to move through lessons at their own pace while still having access to teachers for individualized help.

Teachers and staff at Newark Prep are committed to creating a learning environment where students are safe, valued and given an individualized approach to learning that sets them up for success through high school and beyond.

Last year, students were able to participate in a learning experience that took them to the New York Stock Exchange where they rang the opening bell and saw real world examples of the finance practices they learned about in the classroom.

Newark Prep's unique blended environment means students don't sit in forward-facing desks. Instead, they meet in labs that foster both small group collaboration and where they are provided with one-on-one instruction depending on each student's needs. Supported by K(12)'s award-winning high school curriculum, highly qualified teachers offer robust core classes and an extensive portfolio of elective courses that meet the needs of diverse learners and inspire students to develop their strengths and talents.

Newark Prep provides all of its students both the emotional and academic support that each student needs to reach graduation.

"I didn't just find a school at Newark Prep," said Brianna Amos, the Class of 2016 Valedictorian, "I found a family and a safe place where I can be myself and learn freely without the pressures I felt at my other school."

From the second students walk in the building, they can find a learning experience that is student-centered and focused on preparing them for a successful future.

Not only will the Newark Prep community celebrate its first graduation this year, but 2016 also marks the first year of the Career Technical Education program that offers students the opportunity to gain experience rooted in careers they are interested in pursuing. This is just another way Newark Prep is preparing its students to graduate high school with the tools necessary to succeed in college, careers and their community.

"Newark Prep is more than just a school," says Henry McNair, head of school at Newark Prep. "Here we have combined direct instruction with online learning to create a school environment where every student matters no matter your background or experiences. It's a culture unique to Newark Prep that empowers our students every day."

The commencement speaker at the event will be Nate Davis, Chairman of the Board at K12, Inc. Details of the event are as follows:

Newark Prep Graduation Ceremony
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark, NJ, 07102
3 p.m.

For more information on the school and upcoming enrollment events, please visit: http://newark-prep.k12.com.

About Newark Prep

Newark Prep is an accredited, tuition-free New Jersey public charter school for career and college ready students. As part of the New Jersey public school system, Newark Prep is tuition-free, giving students under 21 years old who have not been able to finish high school education the opportunity to get back on track and earn a diploma. Through the school, they have access to the award-winning curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about Newark Prep, visit http://newark-prep.k12.com.

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SOURCE Newark Prep