Apex Learning's AP Exam Review Enrollment Grows to More Than 40,000 Students; Online Advanced Placement Exam Preparation Program Increases 11-Fold.

Business Editors

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2001

More and more high school students want to accelerate their education by taking and passing Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams.

Apex Learning Inc., a builder and operator of virtual schools, today announced the dramatic increase in enrollment for its AP Exam Review, an intensive, online AP Exam preparation program filled with award-winning study materials and interactive activities. Enrollment grew to approximately 40,000 students this year, an 11-fold increase over last year's enrollment numbers.

Apex Learning first launched its Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Review in the spring of 1999 to meet the increasing demand for AP courses and exams from students looking to earn college credit and to prepare for more rigorous college curriculum. This year, more than 40,000 students have registered for and participated in Apex Learning's AP Exam Review in several subjects including Calculus AB, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, U.S. Government and Statistics. The figures also include enrollments in five new AP subjects added by Apex Learning this year including Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Physics, Physics B, Politics and U.S. History.

"Apex Learning connects students with the tools and information they need to successfully prepare for the AP Exams," said Keith Oelrich, president and CEO of Apex Learning. "Our AP Exam Review offers a personalized and flexible environment to accommodate the hectic schedules of students today. Students can study at their convenience, at school or at home."

After students complete an online diagnostic test that identifies strengths and weaknesses in exam topic areas, AP Exam Review creates a personalized study plan based on each student's individual skills and needs. Students use the plan to prioritize their studies and, through interactive multimedia lessons, are given a clear and visual demonstration of the particular AP course materials on which they need to focus. To help students to familiarize themselves with the exam format and style, Apex Learning signed an agreement with The College Board to give students access to previously released AP Exams. AP Exam Review also connects students with online support from AP subject experts and fellow students.

"Apex Learning's AP Exam Review is a great resource to have in place," said Linda Pittenger, Director, Kentucky Virtual High School. "Students have told us that the personalized study plan really helps them focus their efforts. They are much more confident when taking the AP Exam after completing the AP Exam Review."

Since last fall, Apex Learning has announced agreements with states and school districts that comprise nearly 6,000 of the nation's 20,000 high schools. Customers include UCCP, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Kentucky, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Utah, as well as the Milwaukee School District and the Houston Independent School District, the fourth largest school district in the country.

About Apex Learning

Apex Learning, a builder and operator of virtual schools, partners with states and school districts to make education more accessible for their students and teachers. Apex Learning provides the infrastructure, online courses and support services to build and operate virtual schools. Apex Learning's virtual schools address states' and school districts' need to cost-effectively bring quality instruction to more K-12 students and teachers. The company is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Apex Learning is a privately held company with investments from Vulcan Ventures, Warburg Pincus, Edison Schools, Maveron LLC, Kaplan Ventures and Michigan State University.