RICHMOND — The VHS Collaborative has announced the addition of 29 new member schools in 12 U.S. states and India, including two in Maine.

In Maine, Richmond and Lewiston high schools are now part of the VHS collaborative, founded in 1996 as Virtual High School Global Consortium. More than 400 courses are available per semester.

Beginning Sept. 5, students will be taking a co-synchronous VHS course online at their school with classmates and a teacher located in other parts of the world.

Through enrollment in courses, such as APR music theory, biotechnology and Latin, students will be able to develop global citizenship, 21st century literacies, independent learning and time management skills, as well as get their feet wet in an intended major, according to a news release.

The nonprofit VHS’ “mission is to provide students with access to high quality online learning experiences and courses not offered at their school, while supporting educators with the professional development and services they need to provide an effective 21st century education to every student,” continues the release. “VHS member schools have access to a range of collaborative core, elective, enrichment and APR courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning as well as enable students to develop digital literacies and independent learning skills, explore college majors and careers, try interesting electives, earn credits, participate in global classrooms and get the opportunity to take advanced courses not offered at their school. Courses are taught by active classroom teachers who are specially trained in online teaching best practices, highly qualified, and certified in their subject areas.”

For more information, visit www.TheVHSCollaborative.org.