Apex Learning Builds Momentum Through Strategic Agreement With South Dakota; Students Across the State Will Have Access to Apex Learning's Virtual School Offerings.

Business/High-Tech Editors & Education Writers

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2001

Apex Learning, a builder and operator of virtual schools, today announced it has signed a strategic agreement with South Dakota's Department of Education and Cultural Affairs (DECA) to provide online infrastructure, accredited courses and support services to South Dakota high school students.

The agreement, which is fully funded by the state, provides students with the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and AP Exam Review.

"With school district sizes ranging from 39 to 18,819 students, it has been a challenge to provide each student with equal opportunity and access," said Ray Christensen, education secretary for South Dakota. "Utilizing Apex Learning's online Advanced Placement courses will give every South Dakota high school student the opportunity to take courses not previously offered."

More than 1,000 South Dakota high school students are taking advantage of Apex Learning's accredited online AP courses and AP Exam Review. Students log on to their virtual classroom and take AP courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, calculus, chemistry, English language and composition, English literature, physics, statistics, U.S. history, and U.S. government and politics. After taking an AP course, students will be able to prepare for the AP Exam using AP Exam Review, an intensive, online test preparation program that allows students to identify areas for improvement. Students who complete and pass the AP Exam can potentially earn credits toward a college degree.

In addition, teachers will also benefit from Apex Learning's Online Professional Development Institutes, instructor-led online workshops that deliver practical and effective training that's immediately useful for the classroom.

"South Dakota has been a leader in technology-driven education and recently placed first in two categories of the 2000 Digital State Study," said Keith Oelrich, president and CEO of Apex Learning. "With the addition of our online AP classes, South Dakota high school students are given immediate access to instructors, will be able to take courses with students from all over the U.S., and will receive the best education and technology resources -- all online."

Apex Learning's Advanced Placement courses will be part of South Dakota's online Network -- Digital Dakota Network, an initiative by Governor William Janklow to provide world-class technology to all K-12 public schools across the state.

South Dakota joins a growing list of states and school districts that offer government-sponsored virtual education and have selected Apex Learning's suite of technology, support services and online courses to reach more students and teachers. In the past five months, Apex Learning has announced agreements with Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky, New Mexico, 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 online infrastructure, accredited courses, and support services to build and operate Virtual High Schools, Online Professional Development Institutes, and assessment and review tools. 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's Online AP Courses are 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.