Connections Learning (www.ConnectionsLearning.com ) and Virtual High School Global Consortium (www.govhs.org ),  today announced a partnership designed to expand the number of core online courses that Virtual High School (VHS) offers their 770 member schools worldwide.  Since 1996, VHS has been partnering with high schools to supplement, rather than replace, their in-person education with enrichment and AdvancedPlacement (AP) courses and desired a means to expand their high school course catalog with more options for schools that need online core courses for initial credit or credit recovery. 

”With the rapid growth in demand for online learning, schools are looking for providers that can meet a wide range of needs from teacher-led core courses to unique and engaging electives,” said Liz Pape, President & CEO of Virtual High School Global Consortium.  “By partnering with Connections Learning we are able to offer a comprehensive catalog of high-quality courses to meet this need. Our member schools can now offer all the online courses their students need to overcome scheduling conflicts and develop skills that are vital to education and work in the 21st century.” 

VHS is a non-profit, worldwide collaborative  of schools, teachers and students. VHS member schools have access to over 200 online core, elective, Advanced Placement and honors courses, which are delivered co-synchronously and taught by teachers who actively teach in classrooms at their member schools.  All are certified in their specific discipline and have completed a graduate level professional development program in online teaching. Instructors facilitate and continually monitor all courses, engaging students in discussions, and assessing each individual student’s progress.

Starting with the Fall, 2011 semester, Connections Learning will complement VHS’ existing course catalog with a range of core classes, including English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Basic Geometry, Geometry, Pre Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science, Basic US History, World History, American Government, and Physical Education. VHS member schools will be able to register their students for these courses directly through VHS at a discounted rate.

Courses provided by Connections Learning combine standards-aligned curriculum,  an expert teacher, and delivery through the Connexus® education management system. Connections Learning, a division of Connections Education and sister to the Connections Academy network of virtual K-12 schools, offers a range of affordable digital learning solutions customized to fit a school or organization’s resources and students’ needs.

“We have found a like-minded partner in VHS and can’t wait to share our courses with their collaborative of schools and the thousands of students they serve,” commented Steven Guttentag, President of Connections Learning. “Connections Learning and VHS share a commitment to quality, innovative education and we are excited to bring our teacher-led, self-paced, courses to their catalog.”