PIVOT Charter School Fort Myers Wins Accreditation, Offers Bus Service

Innovative Blended-Learning Program Still Enrolling Students for 2012-13 School Year

FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PIVOT Charter School Fort Myers, a tuition-free public charter school serving students, grades 6-12, in Lee County, announced today that it has been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), one of six regional agencies that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. The rigorous SACS accreditation process included an in-depth evaluation of PIVOT’s governance structure and operational standards, curriculum, leadership and staff, academic results, and parental and community involvement. Accreditation by a respected independent body like SACS assures parents that their children are receiving a quality education based on state standards. Additional program enhancements for the 2012-13 school year include free hub-based bus service for those families needing additional assistance getting their student to school.

“We are thrilled at receiving accreditation from SACS and would like to thank the PIVOT Fort Myers community – our dedicated staff, experienced teachers and committed students and parents -- for helping us reach this goal”

“We are thrilled at receiving accreditation from SACS and would like to thank the PIVOT Fort Myers community – our dedicated staff, experienced teachers and committed students and parents -- for helping us reach this goal,” said Kelsey Johnson, PIVOT Fort Myers principal. “At PIVOT, we offer students a blended-learning environment that combines the best of 21st century online learning with one-on-one support from on-site Florida-certified teachers. Accreditation means that PIVOT’s online curriculum, teaching staff and instructional methods all meet or exceed the demanding standards set by SACS. Moving forward, PIVOT will continue to meet the need of Fort Myers students and families looking for a high-quality educational program that offers students individualized attention and the ability to learn in the way that works best for them.”

PIVOT’s blended educational model combines a rigorous online curriculum with one-on-one support from state-certified teachers called Educational Coordinators. As part of the PIVOT program, students work with their lead Educational Coordinator to develop a personal vision for success, define goals to help them reach their vision and create an individual education plan that they complete at their own pace. Students attend school either 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to Educational Coordinators available on-site during school hours, PIVOT students have online access to experienced, state-certified teachers who can provide immediate assistance 24 hours a day.

PIVOT Fort Myers complies with all Florida graduation requirements and offers a full middle and high school curriculum, including more than 15 Advanced Placement courses, a wide variety of electives, and a service learning option. Core courses align with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Students can jump-start their college careers with early graduation options and dual enrollment in college courses. PIVOT Charter School is ideal for many students, including accelerated learners looking for Advanced Placement and dual-credit classes, students missing credits and needing to catch up, those needing a flexible schedule in order to pursue outside interests and many others. Nationally recognized learning provider Advanced Academics supplies the program’s learning management system, web-based curriculum and online teaching staff.

PIVOT Fort Myers is still accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year. For more information or to apply, go to www.pivotcharterschool.com or call 239-243-8266.

About PIVOT Charter Schools

PIVOT Education Inc. is a not-for-profit Florida corporation that operates PIVOT Charter Schools in Fort Myers and Tampa. Its programs use a blended educational model, combining one-on-one teaching with the best elements of on-line and traditional education. The mission of PIVOT Charter Schools is to create a unique learning environment where students will believe in themselves, excel in their goals and discover pathways to their life’s success. PIVOT Charter School Fort Myers offers this unique blended educational program to middle and high school students in Lee County, while PIVOT Charter School Tampa serves students, grades 6 through twelve, in Hillsborough County.