The Lawrence Virtual School will once again include a ninth and 10th grade this school year. The Lawrence school district also plans to add an 11th and 12th grade by the beginning of the 2011 school year.

District officials reached an agreement in May with K12 Inc., the technology company that provides the school’s online curriculum. The virtual high school was closed prior to the 2009 school year because of statewide budget cuts.

“We closed it knowing that in our future we still wanted a high school for our students,” said Gary Lewis, head of the Lawrence virtual school.

Since 2004, the school has offered its students K12’s customized learning experience. “Lawrence public schools have been a great partnership,” said Jeff Kwitowski, vice president of public affairs for K12 Inc. Kwitowski said the Lawrence school district “has done a number of innovative learning models and we’re proud to work with them again.”

The K12 program offers more than 130 core, elective and advanced placement classes, as well as a world language program. There is no tuition cost for Kansas residents to enroll, and high school students will receive a computer, Internet connection, books and materials at no cost. “One of the great things about K12 is the ability to provide individualized education for any student,” Lewis said.

That flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own time. “It’s a viable option. It works well, students do well,” Lewis said. “I’m just excited to continue that tradition and be able to bring the high school back as part of our operations.”

Enrollment has already begun and the district expects about 200 students to enroll in the high school program. With the possibility of more budget cuts looming, Lewis said virtual schools will play an important role in the future of the Lawrence school district.

“Virtual education has a place in Kansas, a rural state,” Lewis said, “by reaching out to all students and providing them opportunities that they may not be able to receive in their local school districts.”