High School Seniors Worldwide Graduate from Pearson Online Academy

96 Online Private School Graduates from 28 States and 8 Countries Receive Diplomas in Virtual Ceremony, Awarded More Than $2.4 Million in Scholarships

Baltimore, MD (July 12, 2016)—Pearson Online Academy, an accredited, online private school serving students in grades K-12 worldwide, recently celebrated the accomplishments of its 2016 high school graduates in a virtual ceremony. Friends, family, teachers and administrators logged in to recognize the achievements of 96 graduates from 28 states and 8 countries, including France, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

“At Pearson Online Academy we are connected to the world in a new and broader way, a way that spreads farther than most people will ever travel. We have all had a truly unique education experience, and it will serve us well,” said valedictorian Ian Aegerter, a Washington State-based violinist pursuing a career in performing arts. “Good things can come from outside your comfort zone and often, leaving your comfort zone is what is going to take you further in your pursuit for excellence.”

The ceremony also featured remarks by the school’s student council president and other distinguished students and administrators. Many traditions of high school graduation were featured in the virtual ceremony, including the ‘presentation’ of diplomas, turning of the tassels and recognition of each senior. Among the class of 2016 are Eman Khwaja, a legacy graduate who attended Pearson Online Academy her entire high school career and will be majoring in public health at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia; United States Hockey League player Joshua Wilkins who will study sports management on a scholarship at Providence College in Rhode Island; and Benjamin Hannestad, an international graduate from Denmark who will be attending college in the U.S. at University of South Florida on a tennis scholarship.

The Class of 2016 earned many accolades, including:

  • 100 percent graduation rate*
  • 100 percent 4-year college acceptance rate**
  • 11 percent of graduates earned a GPA of 4.0 or above
  • The Class of 2016 earned more than $2.3 million in scholarships
  • 79 percent of graduates will continue their education immediately at four-year colleges and universities or two-year community colleges
  • Students have been accepted into colleges and universities around the world, including University of Wisconsin-Madison, Boston College, The Juilliard School, and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy
  • Approximately eight percent will pursue performing arts or athletic careers, eight percent will enter the workforce or military, and five percent will attend vocational schools
  • Two graduates were dual diploma candidates with American Public University
  • Nine legacy graduates attended Pearson Online Academy for their entire high school career

“Our graduating seniors stand out in so many ways academically, athletically, and artistically,” said Principal Hannah Rinehart. “Having achieved a 100 percent graduation rate, these dedicated, collaborative learners now have a world class education to leverage throughout their college, career, and community pursuits.”

The school takes a personalized approach to learning with a high-quality U.S. curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, certified teachers and a secure easy-to-use online learning system. Students work at their own pace and can expand learning opportunities. College-bound students may tailor their schedules to accommodate exam preparation and applications, as well as take advantage of the school’s diverse course catalogue, including expanded AP classes and career technical education offerings such as Introduction to Law and Java Programming. Students may also concurrently earn both a high school diploma and an American Public University (APU) associate degree in four years, or earn college credits toward a bachelor's degree through University of Maryland University College via the College Acceleration program.

Christina Denny, Miss Maryland 2016, encouraged the graduates in her commencement address: “Always be a first class version of yourself rather than a second class version of someone else. Know that it is what you make of a situation that determines what you get out of it.”

Pearson Online Academy currently serves more than 800 students across the globe who learn from home or anywhere there is an Internet connection. Certified teachers and supportive counselors provide one-on-one attention and guidance through the college application process, leading to acceptances at many exceptional schools. Enrollment is currently open for online summer school and the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families across the globe can learn more by attending a virtual information session.

About Pearson Online Academy

Pearson Online Academy is an accredited, online private school serving students in grades K-12 throughout the United States and abroad. Recognizing individualized instruction as the key to student academic and personal success, Pearson Online Academy’s highly trained, certified teachers offer instruction tailored to each student's strengths and challenges using an award-winning computer-based curriculum, real-time instruction, and time-tested course materials from leading publishers. Pearson Online Academy currently serves students in 66 different countries around the world and is part of the global learning company Pearson. For more information, visit https://www.pearsononlineacademy.com/.

*100% of the senior class graduated in 2016

**Of those that applied to college in 2016, 100% were accepted