Charter school sponsored by Capella University to begin classes Sept. 4.

Online university is sponsoring East Range Academy of Technology and Science

MINNEAPOLIS -- The East Range Academy of Technology and Science (ERATS), a charter high school in northern Minnesota that is sponsored by Capella University, will open for its first day of school on Sept. 4, 2007. Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited, fully online university and a leader in online education. Charter schools are K-12 public schools that operate independently from the school district in which they are located.

ERATS will provide a rigorous, personalized curriculum to high school students of all achievement levels to prepare them for post-secondary education or training, and will assist students in becoming independent learners who are proficient in the use of 21st century technology. 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 in the area don't offer.

According to Amy Hendrickson, co-director and a teacher at the school, ERATS will offer its students flexible scheduling with various start and end times. Fridays will be reserved for activities outside the school, which currently has 65 students enrolled in grades 10 through 12, such as internships and job shadowing. Hendrickson added that the school will integrate technology into the classrooms as much as possible, such as the use of social media like wikis and blogs, and will offer classes on subjects such as robotics and Web page design.

"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 sponsor include helping to ensure ERATS adheres to its mission and vision, as well as monitoring and evaluating fiscal and student performance. Capella is the only fully online university that has state-approved programs in leadership and reading and literacy.

About Capella University

Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited,(a) online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, health, human services, public safety, and psychology, and bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, health, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 101 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 19,900 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ:CPLA), 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 is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.

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).