DeVry Inc.has disclosed it will purchase Advanced Academics, Inc., a current provider of educational programming at the high school level. The Oakbrook Terrace-based company announced it will pay $27.5 million to acquire the virtual high school program.

DeVry Inc. currently specializes in online programming at the post-secondary level. A for-profit university, the school offers degrees at the associate, bachelor and graduate levels in technology, health care, and business.

Advanced Academics, previously based in Oklahoma City, focuses on supplementing traditional high school programs with online offerings. The company works collaboratively with various school districts and charter schools to offer "virtual high schools" in six states.

The DeVry purchase is consistent with the company's strategy of increased growth in the online education market. Said DeVry President and CEO Daniel Hamburger, the purchase is "an investment in a high-growth market, and consistent with our strategy of aggressive growth in online education."

Earlier this month Kaplan Inc. announced its intent to offer a national online high school program called Kaplan University High School.