Letter from Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett

November 1, 2007

Mr. Daniel Hamburger
President and CEO
DeVry, Inc.
One Tower Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Dear Mr. Hamburger:

Congratulations on your successful acquisition of Advanced Academics, Inc. As a result of this acquisition, I am delighted to welcome DeVry, Inc. to Oklahoma City.

Advanced Academics is one of our community's educational technology success stories. We are quite proud of the company's success through the years in building a solid market for its innovative Internet driven online educational services and programs throughout the United States including the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The acquisition of Advanced Academics by one of the leading higher education companies in North America validates in many ways the vision the investors and management had in mind when they started breaking new ground to create a market for online educational products and services primarily at the middle and high school levels.

From all indications, Advanced Academics represents an ideal complement to DeVry, offering the company a robust entry point into the high school online market built on interaction and collaboration.

As Mayor, I am delighted to learn of your desire to grow Advanced Academics in Oklahoma City. With the considerable growth forecasted for the online market over the next ten years, I am confident with the resources and capital DeVry brings to Advanced Academics that the company's strategic growth opportunities have never been better.

Again, welcome to Oklahoma City's growing technology business community. I stand ready to assist you in any way I can as Mayor to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me as I look forward to getting better acquainted with you and your company in the future.

Sincerely,

Mick Cornett
Mayor of Oklahoma City

CNN Money

DeVry to Buy Advanced Academics

DeVry to Buy Online Education Company Advanced Academics for $27.5 Million Cash

October 17, 2007: 05:34 PM EST

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - DeVry Inc. said Wednesday it agreed to acquire Advanced Academics Inc., a provider of online secondary education, for $27.5 million in cash.

DeVry, which operates schools including DeVry University and Ross University, said the purchase is part of its strategy to expand in the high-growth online education market.

Advanced Academics supplements traditional classroom programs with online courses that combine teachers and a proprietary technology platform, DeVry said. Advanced Academics' management and employees will remain at their headquarters in Oklahoma City.

DeVry Inc. Acquires Advanced Academics Inc.
Continues diversification with investment in growing online high school market

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., – October 17, 2007 – DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), a global provider of educational services, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Advanced Academics Inc. (AAI), a leading provider of online secondary education, for $27.5 million in cash. Closing is expected to occur by October 31, 2007.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., AAI partners with school districts to help high school students graduate and succeed. AAI supplements traditional classroom programs through online course instruction using highly qualified teachers and a proprietary technology platform specifically designed for secondary education. AAI also operates virtual high schools in partnership with school districts and charter schools in 6 states. Since its inception, AAI has delivered online learning programs to more than 20,000 students in more than 200 school districts.

“The acquisition of Advanced Academics is an investment in a high-growth market, and consistent with our strategy of aggressive growth in online education,” said Daniel Hamburger, president and CEO of DeVry Inc. “We also see opportunities to articulate high school graduates to our postsecondary offerings, and to enhance our existing relationships with high schools.”

The existing AAI management team and employees will remain in place in Oklahoma City, and will report to Steven Riehs, vice president and general manager of DeVry Online. Jeffrey A. Elliott, president and CEO of AAI, will continue to serve as president.The financial results of AAI will be reported as part of the DeVry University segment.

“DeVry Inc. is a true pioneer and leader in career-focused education,” said Elliott. “We are extremely pleased to be joining an organization that has a proven track record of helping students achieve their educational and career goals. We believe we can grow AAI faster, with quality, by leveraging the resources, relationships and reputation of DeVry.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, enrollment in online high school programs grew by 73 percent annually from 2000 to 2006. Eduventures, Inc., a leading provider of higher education research and consulting services, projects that revenue in this market will be $2 billion by 2011, compared to $325 million in 2006. Eighteen states currently allow online charter schools and 25 states have state-sponsored online school programs. Additionally, 36 percent of school districts offer some online learning programs, while 72 percent of school districts intend to increase online learning in the near future.

“The online high school market is poised for significant growth,” said Adam Newman, managing vice president at Eduventures. “This emergent market will have a significant impact on the future of K-12 education, as has been the case with online initiatives in the postsecondary market during the past decade.”

AAI is accredited by the North Central Association (NCA) and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). All AAI faculty hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in their subject area, are multi-state certified and have significant traditional classroom experience.

About DeVry Inc.
DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV) is the parent organization of DeVry University, Ross University, Chamberlain College of Nursing and Becker Professional Review. DeVry University, which includes Keller Graduate School of Management, offers associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. Ross University offers doctoral degree programs through its schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers associate and bachelor's degree programs in nursing. Becker Professional Review, which includes Becker CPA Review and Stalla Review for the CFA Exams, provides professional education and exam review for accounting and finance professionals. For more information, visit http://www.devryinc.com.

Certain statements contained in this release concerning DeVry's future performance, including those statements concerning DeVry's expectations or plans, may constitute forward-looking statements subject to the Safe Harbor Provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as DeVry Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. Potential risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ are described more fully in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending June 30, 2007 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2007.

Daily Oklahoman

After brain and breast cancer left his mother unable to work, Maurice Williams dropped out of high school so he could work full time. His mother, Marilyn Williams, was dying. But she wanted the best future possible for her son. She wanted him to graduate. "My mom, it was most important to her because it had to be me to take care of her. She felt guilty that she'd put me in that position,” Williams said. Through an online high school program, Williams was able to start on the road to a diploma while his mother was living.

High-tech high school

Founded in 2000 in Ponca City by educator Gary Gallagher, online high school provider Advanced Academics serves more than 100 school districts in 27 states, said Chief Executive Officer Jeff Elliott. More than 15,000 students have graduated through the program. Participation costs vary, but usually run about $350 per course. Some parents pay for the courses, but most students can take the courses through a sponsoring school, Elliott said.

A former Edmond Santa Fe High School student, Williams, now 19, was to graduate in May but got behind in his classes. He dropped out in October 2006. Online high school allowed him to take all his classes from a home computer and work at his own pace. Williams enrolled through the Virtual School program offered by Advanced Science and Technology Education Center Inc. Advanced Academics was designed exactly for students like Williams, who want to finish high school but are prevented from doing so due to family problems, jobs or other personal circumstances, Elliott said. "Our mission is to partner with public schools to help more students graduate. We don't act as a replacement, rather as an extension of the school,” Elliott said.

Most participants take a few courses online each semester, but sometimes students learn full time, online from a home, school or community computer. Online high school isn't only for students at risk of dropping out. Some students take the courses for an extra challenge or to better prepare for college. Advanced placement courses in higher-level math and science are popular among advanced students who don't have access to those classes at school, especially in rural areas, said Kevin Jones, curriculum and instruction director. "This is also an ideal opportunity for homeschooled kids,” Elliott said. "It becomes increasingly difficult at the higher grade levels for students to continue with homeschooling when you get into things like physics and high-level math.”

Time for class

All curriculum and materials are online, meaning students don't have to buy books. Teachers and students use a customized Web-based platform that includes streaming video, chat rooms and bulletin boards that help them interact online. Advanced Academics makes teachers available at all hours, every day. For math and science, a virtual chalkboard allows teachers to illustrate math equations or other ideas. The platform makes it similar to being in a real classroom, but without the distractions common there, secondary math teacher Doug DeCarlo said."There's a lot of remediation you can't do in the regular classroom because you have to deal with dress codes, discipline and announcements,” he said.

Williams preferred the online arrangement because of the personal attention. "I would say that it's actually better than high school,” he said. "It's something that I take very, very, very seriously.” Teachers and students don't usually see each other, though camera capability is there.

"We don't know what they look like, and they don't know what we look like, and I think that's a benefit,” DeCarlo said. "There aren't any preconceived notions about what a student is going to be like.” When it comes time for standardized tests, students can take them at the school sponsoring their online classes, or sometimes at other testing locations, Elliott said. As soon as a student completes a class, their Advanced Academics teacher recommends a grade to the sponsoring school. Though the company can give diplomas, students have the option to graduate from the sponsoring school and receive a diploma there.

On his own

Williams' mother died Thanksgiving Day. He now has his own place to live and a new job as a computer technician, a job allowing him to follow in her footsteps as a computer expert. He recently finished his courses and soon will graduate from ASTEC, though he hasn't decided whether he wants to graduate formally. He wants to pursue a computer science or broadcasting degree, something that would have been difficult if he hadn't finished high school. "A GED (general educational development certificate) is great, but a diploma is going to get you where you need to be,” he said.

The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Students in grades seven through 12 are completing their school coursework and even earning their high school degrees through an online instruction program based in Oklahoma City. Advanced Academics Inc., on the second floor of a building on the Bricktown canal, began in 2000 in Ponca City before moving to Edmond briefly and finally settling in Oklahoma City in 2002. The company partners with schools districts around the country to offer students the opportunity to supplement or complete their middle school and high school education online.

Jeffrey A. Elliott, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Academics, has been with the company since 2002. Elliott said many of the students who enroll have jobs or family obligations, such as caring for relatives, which don’t allow them time to attend school during regular hours. When the program began, it offered four courses and had two teachers. Now the program has more than 100 courses available online and more than 20 teachers available for one-of-one instruction in cyberspace.

The program is also far from a fly-by-night online education program. All of the teachers are certified in Oklahoma and the other primary states where they offer instruction, and the program is certified just like any other public school in the markets where it is offered. One of the major certifications comes from the accrediting body the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

Elliott said the program has students in 27 states. Locally, however, Oklahoma students have the benefit of the online interactive learning program Oklahoma Virtual High School, a partnership between the Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Aztec Charter School. The program also does not cost students a cent to participate. Elliott said the program is funded like public education in that the money for the students comes from their home school district, and that Advanced Academics fees are less than the state and federal money designated for each student. Likewise, if a student leaves the online program and returns to the classroom, their dollars return to their home school with them.

Although the program can be beneficial to many, Elliott said the intent is not to get students to drop out of school and log on to Advanced Academics. “What we don’t want to do is encourage students to leave a traditional environment for this,” he said. “Online learning is not for every kid. There are some students that really thrive in an online environment. Others really need that traditional classroom experience. Online will never replace the traditional classroom, but it’s always good as a supplement.”

Elliott said the program has educated about 15,000 students around the nation since its inception, and at any time, the program has an enrollment of several thousand. With the success and popularity of the program, Elliott said the number of students is constantly growing, and he said he expects between 5,000 and 6,000 students to enroll this fall. If the numbers continue to increase, the program may also have to look at expanding its office space and hiring more teachers to keep up with the demand.

And while the school may be nontraditional in many ways, the staff is made up of former classroom teachers and a principal. Roberta McKerlie, the principal at Advanced Academics, taught in the program for about five years and became principal about a year ago. She said the differences between being in a traditional school and the online program is not as great as people might think. “There are a lot of similarities,” she said. “You have teachers, you have students (and) we monitor a student’s progress, interact with students and parents and I send out awards.”

Elliott said he does not know for sure how many students were saved from dropping out by having access to the program, but he said that since 2000 at least 300 students who would otherwise have dropped out continued their class work online. Access and availability of technology was also a hurdle in reaching more students. Increased accessibility to computers at home, schools and in public places such as libraries, however, almost every student, no matter where they live, has access to the technology to do their coursework online. “When we first started out, access to technology was a big issue,” Elliott said. “But today it’s become an insignificant issue.”

Minnesota virtual high school students earn college credit tuition-free through DeVry University

Full-Time Students Also Eligible for School-Supplied Laptop, Internet Allowance

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Virtual High School students are now eligible to participate in the Passport2College program offered through DeVry University, one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America. This unique program allows full-time juniors and seniors who meet residency and GPA requirements to take up to two college credit classes tuition-free through DeVry University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. “The Passport2College program creates a clear pathway to college by giving students the opportunity to take online college classes at no charge while still in high school,” said Minnesota Transitions Charter School Superintendent Tony Scallon.

And beginning with the 2008-09 school year, Minnesota Virtual High School will provide a laptop and an Internet stipend to all new full-time students. Existing full-time students will be able to take advantage of the offer when they re-enroll for the fall semester. Minnesota Virtual High School is made possible by a partnership between Minnesota Transitions Charter School of Minneapolis and online learning leader Advanced Academics, Inc.

“Providing students a school-issued laptop and Internet stipend ensures that all students interested in learning online have the equipment they need to succeed,” said Jeff Elliott, president of Advanced Academics. “These enhancements to an already strong program make online education an even more appealing way for Minnesota students to earn their high school diploma.” Minnesota Virtual High School is a free online public high school that offers full and part-time education for state residents in grades 7-12. The program is a flexible, high quality option for students who are looking for an alternative to the traditional school environment.

Students earn their high school diploma, issued by a local Minnesota school district, in a personalized program featuring one-on-one access to Minnesota-certified teachers, 24/7 student support, and full high school curriculum including electives and advanced placement courses. Minnesota Virtual High School students are able to participate in sports and other activities through Minnesota Transitions Charter School. For more information, please visit www.MinnesotaVirtualHighSchool.com

About Advanced Academics
Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in more than 30 states across the country to offer a customizable online solution that uniquely serves each customer. Advanced Academics’ program has proven to be extremely successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 7 through 12 and increasing overall student academic performance. The program offers comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly-qualified, certified teachers, and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A subsidiary of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by The Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Kings Canyon Unified School District to Launch Innovative New Online High School for 2008-2009 School Year

High school students in the Kings Canyon Unified School District will have an innovative option for secondary education starting this August. Dunlap Leadership Academy will offer more than 90 state-certified courses from online learning leader Advanced Academics, Inc., in addition to a Natural Resources/Environmental Science component that will prepare students for entry-level jobs with the U.S. Forest Service.

"By offering a winning combination of very advanced online learning tools and career educational training, Dunlap Leadership Academy will give Kings Canyon Unified School District students the greatest opportunity for future success," said Superintendent Juan Garza.

Free to district residents in grades 9-12, Dunlap Leadership Academy offers a flexible, high quality option for students looking for an option to the traditional school environment, including home-schooled-students, students living in remote locations, advanced learners, students with health or physical challenges, or those needing a flexible schedule.

Dunlap Leadership Academy will offer a combination of online and onsite classes that comply with all California graduation requirements. Students earn their high school diploma, issued by the Kings Canyon Unified School District, in a personalized program featuring one-on-one access to state-certified teachers, 24/7 student support, and a full high school curriculum including electives and advanced placement courses.

"Dunlap Leadership Academy will bring 21stcentury learning resources to those students who live in more remote parts of the district," said Dunlap Leadership Academy administrator Paul Colagiovanni. "Students will benefit from individualized attention, around-the-clock support, and a flexible class schedule."

Successful completion of the natural resources/environmental science courses offered by Dunlap Leadership Academy qualifies students for entry-level jobs with the U.S. Forest Service. Students who elect to pursue advanced coursework in environmental science can receive credit for up to 2 college-level courses upon matriculation at Reedley College.

Information sessions intended to help prospective students and parents learn more about the innovative online program are planned. For more information or to apply, interested students and parents can go to www.dunlapleadershipacademy.com.

About Advanced Academics
Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in more than 30 states across the country to offer a customizable online solution that uniquely serves each customer. Advanced Academics’ program has proven to be extremely successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 7 through 12 and increasing overall student academic performance. The program offers comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly-qualified, certified teachers, and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A subsidiary of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by The Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Advanced Academics, Inc. Helps Daylight/Twilight High School in Trenton, N.J., Serving Education for the 21st Century; School Opens New $40 Million Downtown Campus

Daylight/Twilight High School (DTHS), a ground-breaking program aimed at helping Trenton area young people obtain their high school education, today celebrated the opening of its new $40 million campus in downtown Trenton. DTHS partners with online learning leader Advanced Academics, Inc. to offer students of all ages an innovative and flexible way to get their high school degree.

"We are proud to be affiliated with Trenton Public Schools and Daylight/Twilight High School." said Jeff Elliott, President of Advanced Academics, Inc. "This new facility will help the program expand its reach and make an even larger impact on the Trenton community."

Launched in 1998, Daylight/Twilight High Schoolserves as an option for both teens and adults in the Trenton area. The school was conceived on the premise that all students should have the opportunity to gain tools and skills to meet the technology requirements of the twenty-first century. The school operates in four-hour shifts from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The flexible schedule leaves students time for work, child care, and other responsibilities. From just 300 students, DTHS has grown to serve approximately 2200 students each year.

The program is a flexible, high quality option for students who are looking for an alternative to the traditional school environment. Students earn their high school diploma in a personalized program featuring one-on-one access to New Jersey-certified teachers, 24/7 student support, and full high school curriculum including electives and advanced placement courses. For more information, please visit http://www.trenton.k12.nj.us/daylight/

About Advanced Academics
Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in more than 30 states across the country to offer a customizable online solution that uniquely serves each customer. Advanced Academics’ program has proven to be extremely successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 7 through 12 and increasing overall student academic performance. The program offers comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly-qualified, certified teachers, and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A subsidiary of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by The Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Advanced Academics, Inc. Partner School Minnesota Virtual High School Graduates First Class of 43 Students from across Minnesota

Minnesota Virtual High School (MVHS), made possible by a partnership between Minnesota Transitions Charter School of Minneapolis and online learning leader Advanced Academics, Inc., tomorrow graduates its first class of 43 students from across Minnesota.

Launched in July 2007, MVHS has grown to be one of the largest virtual schools in Minnesota. Currently, the program serves more than 1,000 students.

"We are proud and excited to celebrate this milestone," said Tony Scallon, Superintendent of Minnesota Transitions Charter School. "We believe that ours is one of the biggest classes ever to graduate from an online school in the state of Minnesota."

Minnesota Virtual High School is a free online public high school that offers full and part-time education for state residents in grades 9-12. The program is a flexible, high quality option for students who are looking for an alternative to the traditional school environment. New full-time students receive a free laptop and an Internet stipend from the school.

MVHS students can also participate in the Passport2College program offered by DeVry University, one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America. This unique program allows eligible juniors and seniors to take up to two college credit classes tuition-free at DeVry University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Students earn their high school diploma, issued by a local Minnesota school district, in a personalized program featuring one-on-one access to Minnesota-certified teachers, 24/7 student support, and full high school curriculum including electives and advanced placement courses. Minnesota Virtual High School students are able to participate in sports and other activities through Minnesota Transitions Charter School. For more information, please visitwww.MinnesotaVirtualHighSchool.com

"We're proud to be part of this pioneering effort through Minnesota Virtual High School and especially proud of these graduating students. The community has been terrifically responsive to this program and we're glad to be able to offer a high-quality and flexible alternative to the traditional high school path," said Jeff Elliott, president of Advanced Academics.

About Advanced Academics
Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in more than 30 states across the country to offer a customizable online solution that uniquely serves each customer. Advanced Academics’ program has proven to be extremely successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 7 through 12 and increasing overall student academic performance. The program offers comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly-qualified, certified teachers, and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A subsidiary of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), Advanced Academics is accredited by The Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Web offers unique schooling style in Oklahoma

NewsOK.com
By Wendy K. Kleinman
Staff Writer

More than 1,000 middle and high school students in Oklahoma take classes online, with some earning their diplomas solely through virtual schoolwork. The students' options include online high schools offered by a charter school, a local company, a public school district and a university.

One thing we know is that we can't make all students fit into one model. We've got to be able to adapt our teaching models,” said Jeff Elliott, president of Advanced Academics, a company headquartered in Bricktown that created the Oklahoma Virtual High School and operates similar programs in 30 states.

There is no single type of student drawn to virtual classes, representatives of various Oklahoma virtual schools said.

Students include those who are accelerated academically, pursuing talents in arts and athletics, business entrepreneurs, rural students seeking a wider range of choices, homeschoolers who want a diploma, living with chronic medical conditions, teenage parents and dropouts.

"An assumption people will make is that because they're not in public school they don't have to perform as much or be as independent, but I think the opposite is true, and I've worked as a public school teacher and counselor for many years,” said Sally Jo Blair, counselor for the University of Oklahoma High School.

The online school also said certified teachers and support staff are always on the other side of the screen.

And Elliott said he expects to see the number of students taking online courses and earning diplomas from virtual schools to rise.

"It's becoming the fiber of education,” Elliott said. "It's beyond a trend now.”

Here's a look at four types of online learning opportunities in Oklahoma.

Charter school
ASTEC Charter High School Online in the Oklahoma City School District is in its second year of operation, with 400 students from across the state. ASTEC Charter founder Freda Deskin said students benefit from access to highly qualified teachers morning and night. "It is just like being in school, but it is from home,” Deskin said. ASTEC has a principal and counselor for the online school, and uses the vendor Advanced Academics for the online platform. With a few exceptions, the district restricts the online school from enrolling Oklahoma City students, spokeswoman Kathleen Kennedy said.

"Oklahoma City Public Schools offers the same classes in the school setting that's offered online,” she said. School board members at their last meeting tabled renewal of ASTEC's contract, expressing frustration that students in the city who might benefit from the district's online school don't have that chance.

State-based company
Oklahoma Virtual High School is run by Advanced Academics, an Oklahoma City-based company that started in Ponca City in 2000. Advanced Academics, which is now owned by DeVry, operates in about 300 school districts in 30 states, including about 15 districts in Oklahoma, company president Jeff Elliott said. The virtual school offers classes to between 600 and 1,200 Oklahoma students through those district partnerships, he said.

The school also is accredited by the North Central Association to offer diplomas, which about 10 Oklahoma students are working toward right now, Elliott said. Teachers are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with teaching assistants online during nights and weekends. "It's not just putting a book online,” he said. Elliott said Advanced Academics plans to expand to the rest of the states in the U.S., in Asia and Latin America, and down to grade six.

Public school district
Muskogee Online School began in January of 2001. The school first admitted students from all over Oklahoma, but that became hard to monitor, Assistant Superintendent Derryl Venters said. It was especially hard to manage because students who aren't active are treated the same as other students who don't come to class. "Our truancy officer obviously couldn't go all over the state,” Venters said.

The program is now limited to students in the Muskogee district, but still has an impact, she said. "The online school is the beginning ... of how we serve children who have different life experiences than people in my generation,” Venters said. Paula Dean, the current online coordinator, said about 100 students attend the online school. Dean said it has helped more students to graduate, including 30 this past school year.

University-run school
University of Oklahoma High School began offering independent study courses, including some on the high school level, back in 1913, said Kenny Inman, assistant director of the Center for Independent and Distance Learning. Over time that grew to include online courses. All the high school teachers are considered highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act and are certified by the state of Oklahoma, he said.

In 2001 the high school became accredited to award diplomas. There are now 459 students — 84 percent from Oklahoma — who take classes through the high school, and 121 in the diploma program — 71 percent from Oklahoma, Inman said. Students do not take state end-of-year-exams because the State Department of Education considers the program a private school and does not make them available, he said.

Online Learning Leader Advanced Academics, Inc. to Hold Inaugural Users' Conference;
Attendees to Share Best Practices and Help Shape Future of Online Education

Advanced Academics, Inc., a leading online education provider, today announced plans to host its inaugural Users' Conference July 18-19 in Oklahoma City. Conference attendees will include district superintendents, program administrators, and proctors from more than a dozen Advanced Academics partner school districts across the country.

"This conference provides an exciting opportunity for Advanced Academics' partners to share best practices and discuss the future of online education," said Jeff Elliott, president of Advanced Academics. "We will highlight innovations in teaching methods and look at how to better serve the student in an Internet world."

The two-day Users' Conference will consist of interactive sessions on the latest developments in online learning. Session topics include advances in curriculum development and teaching techniques, planned enhancements to the Advanced Academics online learning platform, and ways to transition online students from high school to college.

Clinical psychologist Kathy Laster will deliver the keynote speech. Laster, who holds a Ph.D. in counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, will share her insights on how the Internet is impacting the behavior and beliefs of teenagers and tactics that educators can use to motivate teens in the digital age.

Other conference sessions will focus on best practices and strategies for expanding online programs by enrolling and engaging new students. The Users' Conference will also feature feedback sessions to discuss how virtual high schools can better support specific student populations including advanced students, economically-disadvantaged students, struggling students, and drop-outs.