Capella University Announces Charter School Sponsorship.

Online University Sponsors East Range Academy of Technology and Science

MINNEAPOLIS -- Capella University, an online university and leader in online education, today announced their sponsorship of the East Range Academy of Technology and Science (ERATS), a charter high school in Minnesota. Charter schools are K-12 public schools which operate independently from the school district in which they operate.

ERATS will provide a rigorous, personalized curriculum to high school students of all achievement levels to prepare them for post-secondary education or training. Opening in the fall of 2007, ERATS will assist students in becoming independent learners who are proficient in the use of 21st century technology, something needed for success in today's world. By offering a curriculum that focuses on science, technology and entrepreneurship, ERATS gives students on the Iron Range access to educational opportunities that most public schools don't offer in this area.

"Capella became a charter school sponsor to support other educational institutions that extend access to high quality education through innovative programs and methods," said Kurt Linberg, dean of Capella's School of Business and Technology. "Their focus on developing foundation skills in science and technology is paramount for the success of that region of Minnesota and for the future success of their students as they embark on a future college education."

Capella's duties as the sponsor include making sure ERATS stays true to its mission and vision, as well as monitoring and evaluating the fiscal and student performance of the school. The online university will provide guidance, support and accountability for the school.

About Capella University

Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited(a) online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, and psychology, and bachelor's degree programs in business and information technology. Within those areas, Capella offers 76 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate specializations. The online university currently serves 16,000 students from all 50 states and 63 countries. It is a national leader in online education, committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

(a) Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, located at 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, [phone], www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

About ERATS

The East Range Academy of Technology and Science will serve students in the 10th through 12th grades and will incorporate technology, science, and entrepreneurship into its curriculum. ERATS will open in the fall of 2007 with an expected enrollment of 50 students in its first year. It is located on the east end of the Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota. Students of all achievement and income levels are welcome at ERATS. For more information, please visit http://www.mnerats.org.

Learn more about earning an online degree at Capella University:

online education (http://www.capella.edu/online_education.aspx),

online college (http://www.capella.edu/online_college_degree_programs.aspx),

distance learning (http://www.capella.edu/distance_learning.aspx),

online university (http://www.capella.edu/online_university.aspx),

online learning (http://www.capella.edu/online-learning-degree-programs.aspx).