Online school increases students’ options, earns prestigious accreditations

ARLINGTON, Va. – Blue Ridge International Academy, an online school offering curriculum, certified teachers, and accredited diplomas, announced today a major milestone in helping schools and students succeed and meet state and federal learning requirements.

Blue Ridge has earned full accreditation through the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). The school already obtained accreditation through Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) in September of 2006.

Greg Eckles, Vice President of Educational Services and Educational Director of Blue Ridge International Academy, praised the achievement, saying students and parents will reap the benefits.

“Today’s students are clamoring for more flexibility in their education,” Eckles said. “Blue Ridge gives them a vehicle for earning credits and graduating, tailored to their schedule and life circumstances. The CITA and SACS CASI accreditations are seals of approval schools need to ensure a quality education.”

Accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process that calls for an extensive evaluation of a school’s educational, financial, and ethical practices. CITA, an alliance of the premier American accrediting associations, accredits more than 30,000 schools in 100 countries. SACS CASI provides dual accreditation with CITA.

Blue Ridge International Academy partners with schools and students to provide online learning and access to certified teachers. Offering flexible programs for credit recovery, state test preparation, dropout prevention, and supplementary education, Blue Ridge’s 38 middle and high school courses are correlated to state standards and can be accessed anytime, anywhere, with an Internet connection. Credits and diplomas from Blue Ridge are recognized and accepted by other schools, colleges, and institutions across the country. Blue Ridge’s parent company, Educational Options, Inc., is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and certified by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. Educational Options has served more than 1,200 schools and school systems and 250,000 students over the last ten years. In 2006, the company was named the national “Small Business of the Year” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.