History

1975
First program opened in North Chicago, Illinois. The program was evaluated and judged successful by the Illinois Office of Education.
1976
Second center opened, enrollment increased, and 23 students received high school diplomas. Ombudsman subcontracted with Illinois Education Service Regions to receive State Truants Alternative Program funds.
1977
Program expanded in the greater Chicago area and downstate Illinois.
1979
With introduction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI), Ombudsman centers become "electronic schools."
1981
First program outside Illinois established in Mesa, Arizona; proof that the highly effective model could be transported to any region of the country.
1983
Ombudsman visited, evaluated, and accredited by the North Central Association's Commission on Schools.
1985
Opened a program in Minnesota that waived 6-hour seat time.
1989
Ombudsman opened new programs in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Texas and Charter Schools in Arizona.
1993–98
Ombudsman opened new programs in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas.
2002
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).
2004
Ombudsman started a program in Georgia.
2005
Ombudsman acquired by Nashville-based, Educational Services of America (ESA). Ombudsman also opened six more centers in Georgia.
2006
Ombudsman opened two centers in South Carolina.
Today
Ombudsman offers programs at over 80 sites nationwide to students from more than 100 school districts.

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