-- New Program Offers Virtual School Students the Opportunity to Earn Both a High School Diploma and an Associates Degree at the Same Time; within Four Years --

Connections Academy (CA), a leading national operator of K-12 virtual public schools, and American Public University System (APUS) (NASDAQ:APEI), a regionally accredited online university, announced today a new program that will offer high school students enrolled in Connections Academy’s national online private school, National Connections Academy (NaCA), the opportunity to earn a Connections Academy high school diploma and an APUS Associate degree in four years and a Bachelor’s degree in an additional two years.

The new College Advantage Program is a valuable option for National Connections Academy (NaCA) students who want to start a career right after high school with the increased earning power of a college degree. Additionally, the program provides an accelerated path to earning a Bachelor’s degree for students interested in furthering their studies. The College Advantage Program will be available to NaCA students starting in the 2009-2010 school year.

“Our new College Advantage Program is a great way for students to jump start their college career,” said Dr. Steven Guttentag, Senior Vice President and Chief Education Officer for Connections Academy and Head of School for National Connections Academy. “American Public University System is respected, regionally accredited and will offer our students over seventy degree programs to pursue. We are very pleased to be working with the dedicated team at American Public University System.”

For some time, educators have been talking about expanding the traditional K-12 view of school to include college – a K-16 perspective. The new College Advantage Program builds upon this philosophy and encourages students to achieve a post-secondary degree. Because of this program and the benefits of technology, students can receive a seamless school experience from kindergarten through college.

“American Public University System is very excited about our new relationship with National Connections Academy. Promoting learning and helping people advance their education in order to achieve success in a chosen career and be tomorrow’s leaders is central to our mission. By offering this opportunity to students in high school means students may accelerate their success in a flexible and affordable manner,” stated Wallace E.