What school districts will be offering a Florida Virtual Program for the 2011–2012 school year?

The list of school districts is constantly expanding, so please be sure to check our How to Enroll page for the most current information. You can also register to receive notification once a program is available and enrollment is open in your district.

What grades are offered through the Florida Virtual Programs?

All Florida districts are required to offer a full-time K-12 virtual instruction program for the 2011–2012 school year.

What subjects will my child study?

Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Music, and Art are the core courses. There is also a state requirement for Physical Education.

Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?

Yes, we provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly.

Can you meet the needs of my academically gifted child?

Yes. We use the engaging, challenging K¹² curriculum, which ideally serves the needs of academically gifted students. Learn more.

How much time do students spend on the computer?

We expect that students will spend no more than 20–25 percent of their time working on the computer, especially in the early grades. We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful learning tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. Computers do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That's why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes a great deal of old-fashioned books, workbooks, and instructional materials.

What does it cost to attend a Florida Virtual Program?

Because our programs are virtual extensions of public school districts throughout Florida, there is no tuition for students who are eligible to enroll. Our programs provide all instructional materials for the program, however, students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials.

What tests are required as part of the program?

In addition to K¹² lesson, unit, and semester assessments, all students are required to participate in state testing.

Will this program intrude into my home?

There are no home visits as part of the program, unless you ask your teacher to come to your home (completely optional), and there are no cameras or any other intrusions into your home. This school has been created to help your child obtain a first-class education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you may withdraw your child at any time.

Is this homeschooling?

Florida Virtual Programs are public school programs. This is not homeschooling. We are providing yet another high-quality education option for your family. We will be the right option for many families, but certainly not all. Because these are public school programs, parents who enroll their students can withdraw at any time if they are not satisfied with the program. We believe that families should be able to choose the program they feel is most appropriate for their children's education—and that they should be able to choose public schools, private schools, homeschooling, or virtual schools. We seek to be one more option to help you obtain the best possible education for your children.

Are the teachers certified?

Yes. They are also highly qualified, energetic, and committed to the programs mission and to serving their students and families.

Who grades student work?

A certified teacher grades student work. On a day-to-day basis, parents and teachers review student work, and physical work is sent to teachers periodically for their expert review. Every two weeks, the teacher has a phone conference with the parent and student to review student progress. Teachers also assign semester and year-end grades.

What about kindergarten for four-year-olds?

We do not offer a kindergarten program for four-year-olds. Children must be age five on or before September 1 in order to participate.