ACCEL Schools Appoints Dr. William J. Bennett As Founding Provost of New Classical Academy Network
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MCLEAN, Va., July 25, 2025 ~ ACCEL Schools, a leading education organization, has announced the appointment of Dr. William J. Bennett as the Founding Provost of their new network of Classical Academies. Dr. Bennett, a former U.S. Secretary of Education and renowned author of The Book of Virtues, will be spearheading this innovative approach to virtual education.

The new network of Jefferson Classical Academies will be launching this fall in four states and will offer full-time, tuition-free education to students. These academies aim to combine timeless educational principles with the flexibility of an online model to cater to the needs of modern families.

With a growing demand for virtues-based alternatives to traditional public schooling, these academies will provide students with a curriculum rooted in great books, rich history, critical thinking, and moral character. This unique approach will be led by Dr. Bennett, one of the most respected voices in education reform.

In a statement, Dr. Bennett expressed his excitement about this new venture and its potential impact on students across the country. "At a time when parents are seeking schools that align with their values and promote intellectual growth, we are offering something that is both timeless and timely," he said.

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Ron Packard, CEO of ACCEL Schools, also shared his enthusiasm for this collaboration with Dr. Bennett. "His leadership reflects our mission to expand access to schooling that cultivates both intellect and character," he stated.

The Jefferson Classical Academies will launch in Fall 2025 and include four schools: Jefferson Classical Academy of Ohio (K-8), Jefferson Classical Academy of Oregon (K-8), Founders Classical Academy Online (K-10), and Alabama Virtual Classical Academy at Sylacauga (K-8). These schools are supported by ACCEL Schools through service or district partnerships with charter networks or public school systems.

Each academy will offer a rigorous classical curriculum taught by certified teachers through live instruction on a robust virtual campus. In addition to these virtual schools, Dr. Bennett will also serve as Provost for two brick-and-mortar Jefferson Classical Academies in Ohio and West Virginia.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open, and interested families can visit the Jefferson Classical Academy website to learn more and apply. In a letter addressing the promise of classical education, Dr. Bennett shares his vision for these academies and their potential to prepare students for lives of meaning and service.

This new network of Classical Academies is a testament to ACCEL Schools' commitment to providing families with educational options that align with their values and help students reach their full potential. With Dr. Bennett at the helm, these academies are set to make a significant impact on the landscape of virtual education in the United States.

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