Newpoint Schools Known for Innovative 21st Century High School Model

TAMPA, Florida, Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Newpoint Education Partners announced today that the Hillsborough County School District Board of Education voted to approve Newpoint Tampa High School’s charter application. The high-tech high school is managed by Newpoint Education Partners, a leading Florida-based education service provider.

Newpoint Education Partners CEO, Marcus May, stated “The Hillsborough County School District is the eighth largest school district in the entire US. We had to clearly demonstrate our 21st century education model was a perfect fit for their high standards.”  Last year the Florida Department of Education awarded Newpoint a federal grant for new charter schools when Newpoint received the highest score of all applicants in the state.

Based on recent successes, the Newpoint model appears right on target for Hillsborough. Carla Lovett, Director of School Operations for Newpoint stated, “In 2008, we opened Newpoint Bay High School in Panama City, FL.  After announcing the school would be opening, we reached full enrollment in just 90 days.”  May added, “Students and parents recognized they could now get a private school education at a public school price -- tuition-free. Parents also appreciate the fact that Newpoint offers a small school environment and an 18:1 student-teacher ratio in the classroom.  And students love the 1:1 PC to student ratio”.

Newpoint Tampa’s learning model is designed to meet the demands of the 21st century. Newpoint uses Apex Learning digital curriculum, online tools first created in 1997 by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. Says Lovett, “With Apex Learning, students are encouraged to explore further and think critically. It’s a rich, in-depth learning experience that uses video, animation, audio and interactivity to raise student achievement.”

Newpoint also emphasizes a hands-on learning method called Project-Based Learning.  Teachers across the US have witnessed the benefits of hands-on learning through individual and group projects.  Challenging projects and activities engage students and enrich the classroom. “Project-Based Learning makes the classroom more fun and meaningful for students,” says May.

Perhaps the most exciting element of Newpoint Tampa will be its Professional Internship Program provided in partnership with Unleash the Promise, Inc. a non-profit focused on increasing high school academic results. The Internship Program allows students to gain critical work skills in a professional environment. “The value of real-world work experience cannot be underestimated. Newpoint graduates emerge better prepared than most students for life after high school,” says May.  Lovett added, “We have students working in law firms, accounting firms, healthcare, the hospitality industry, veterinary clinics, and chambers of commerce in Florida.  The students’ self-confidence and behavior improve dramatically within weeks of working in a professional environment – it’s really amazing and the kids love it.”

“With our innovative approach to learning we anticipate reaching full enrollment very quickly,” says May. Newpoint Tampa is now enrolling students for the fall 2009 school year. Students and parents can enroll online and learn more at www.newpointschools.org.

About Newpoint Education Partners

Newpoint Education Partners is a Florida-based Education Service Provider (ESP) focused on delivering high schools designed for the 21st century.  Newpoint’s college prep high schools are smaller, technology-infused learning centers where lecturing is “out” and working directly with students is the standard.  Newpoint’s acclaimed Internship Program and Project-Based Learning make academics relevant to today’s students through hands-on, practical application of the material.  For more information, please visit www.newpointeducation.com and www.newpointschools.org.

Newpoint Schools Known for Innovative 21st Century High School Model

TAMPA, Florida, Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Newpoint Education Partners announced today that the Hillsborough County School District Board of Education voted to approve Newpoint Tampa High School’s charter application. The high-tech high school is managed by Newpoint Education Partners, a leading Florida-based education service provider.

Newpoint Education Partners CEO, Marcus May, stated “The Hillsborough County School District is the eighth largest school district in the entire US. We had to clearly demonstrate our 21st century education model was a perfect fit for their high standards.”  Last year the Florida Department of Education awarded Newpoint a federal grant for new charter schools when Newpoint received the highest score of all applicants in the state.

Based on recent successes, the Newpoint model appears right on target for Hillsborough. Carla Lovett, Director of School Operations for Newpoint stated, “In 2008, we opened Newpoint Bay High School in Panama City, FL.  After announcing the school would be opening, we reached full enrollment in just 90 days.”  May added, “Students and parents recognized they could now get a private school education at a public school price -- tuition-free. Parents also appreciate the fact that Newpoint offers a small school environment and an 18:1 student-teacher ratio in the classroom.  And students love the 1:1 PC to student ratio”.

Newpoint Tampa’s learning model is designed to meet the demands of the 21st century. Newpoint uses Apex Learning digital curriculum, online tools first created in 1997 by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. Says Lovett, “With Apex Learning, students are encouraged to explore further and think critically. It’s a rich, in-depth learning experience that uses video, animation, audio and interactivity to raise student achievement.”

Newpoint also emphasizes a hands-on learning method called Project-Based Learning.  Teachers across the US have witnessed the benefits of hands-on learning through individual and group projects.  Challenging projects and activities engage students and enrich the classroom. “Project-Based Learning makes the classroom more fun and meaningful for students,” says May.

Perhaps the most exciting element of Newpoint Tampa will be its Professional Internship Program provided in partnership with Unleash the Promise, Inc. a non-profit focused on increasing high school academic results. The Internship Program allows students to gain critical work skills in a professional environment. “The value of real-world work experience cannot be underestimated. Newpoint graduates emerge better prepared than most students for life after high school,” says May.  Lovett added, “We have students working in law firms, accounting firms, healthcare, the hospitality industry, veterinary clinics, and chambers of commerce in Florida.  The students’ self-confidence and behavior improve dramatically within weeks of working in a professional environment – it’s really amazing and the kids love it.”

“With our innovative approach to learning we anticipate reaching full enrollment very quickly,” says May. Newpoint Tampa is now enrolling students for the fall 2009 school year. Students and parents can enroll online and learn more at www.newpointschools.org.

About Newpoint Education Partners

Newpoint Education Partners is a Florida-based Education Service Provider (ESP) focused on delivering high schools designed for the 21st century.  Newpoint’s college prep high schools are smaller, technology-infused learning centers where lecturing is “out” and working directly with students is the standard.  Newpoint’s acclaimed Internship Program and Project-Based Learning make academics relevant to today’s students through hands-on, practical application of the material.  For more information, please visit www.newpointeducation.com and www.newpointschools.org.