Homeschool

Finding Success with Florida Virtual School

By on July 25th, 2020

This post was written by Tangela Walker-Craft, parent of a FLVS Flex student and graduate.

I attended traditional public schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Homeschooling was not something that I ever planned to do when I became a mom. I even taught at traditional public schools for several years before I had my daughter. I knew nothing about homeschooling.

During that time, when I was teaching high school, many of my best students shared with me that they had been homeschooled at some point during their lives.

Continue reading

The Benefits of 1:1 Teacher-Student Communication

By on July 20th, 2020

One concern parents express about moving their child from the traditional brick-and-mortar school into online education is a potential lack of student-teacher connection. Some worry the inability to physically approach a teacher’s desk leads to a more impersonal relationship, less help, or limited attention.  I’m here to tell you, it’s quite the opposite! 

Continue reading

Meet Emari, FLVS Alum & Dual Enrollment Grad

By on July 16th, 2020

This post was written by Emari Craft, a Class of 2020 graduate who took online courses with FLVS Flex.

My name is Emari Craft. I was a Florida Virtual School (FLVS) student from 7th grade until 11th grade. Online school was the best option for me. I wanted flexibility without compromising my education. When I became a Florida Virtual School student, I was worried that I would not receive the same education as my peers. I did not receive the same education. I believe my education was even better than what I would have received in a traditional school. I was always prepared for End-of-Course exams. I did well on the ACT because of the rigorous courses I took when I was an FLVS student.

Continue reading

Stay on Track this Summer with Online Courses

By on June 26th, 2020

The 2019-20 school year challenged students, teachers, and parents in unique ways as school closures transformed the way most students attend school. Now that summer is in full swing, we’re proud to say, “We made it!” but there are still a lot of questions about how schools will operate in the upcoming year.  

Despite the uncertainties, students can take summer courses and get a jump start on the coming year with Florida Virtual School (FLVS) to ensure they stay on track with their academic goals. 

Continue reading

10 Ways Florida Virtual School Benefits Homeschool Families

By on April 7th, 2019

When families choose to homeschool, it is often for the flexibility and ability to be in control of their child’s education. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) courses can serve as a complete curriculum or the perfect mix-and-max solution for homeschool families.

Below you’ll find just a few reasons why Homeschool + FLVS = the perfect equation!

1. Courses are taught by Florida-certified teachers.

FLVS teachers hold certification in the specific subject area for courses they teach. Homeschool parents may have confidence in one subject area, but not another. FLVS allows families to choose what courses they take with us. When they do, they have a Florida-certified teacher by their side to break down the information and make sure their child is supported. Is your child reaching higher levels of courses with which you may not have experience? Let our teachers ignite a passion for learning in this area!

2. Professional school counselors offer support.

Being a homeschool parent can sometimes be overwhelming. Our counselors help with appropriate course placements, academic support, and college/career planning. Don’t lie awake in bed wondering if your child is in the correct course for his or her future goals! FLVS school counselors are experts in their field and can help guide you and your child to success. We provide academic advising, college/career information, testing and more. Your school counselors are a one-stop-shop for advising!

3. Courses are fully accredited.

As a school district, Florida Virtual School and its schools are accredited by Cognia and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI is an accrediting division of Cognia. All courses meet the Florida State Standards. As a parent, you can feel confident that your child is receiving the highest level of education that will be accepted no matter what his or her future holds.

4. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available.

Based on May 2022 AP exams, our students outperformed state overall averages by 10%. Competitive universities love to see students going above and beyond in their curriculum. AP courses are a great way to challenge your child with rigorous, college-level coursework in high school. Students who earn a high level on their AP Exam may even earn college credit.

5. Transcripts are provided for completed courses.

As a homeschool parent, you have enough on your plate! When your child completes a Florida Virtual School course, the final grade will be added to his or her official FLVS transcript which can be sent directly to colleges, universities, NCAA, scholarship entities, your home, and more.

6. Core courses are NCAA-approved.

From the practice field to weekend tournaments, student athletes must juggle not only their training, but academics as well. FLVS offers NCAA-approved core courses that can be taken anywhere in the world as our student athletes blaze their future paths.

7. Students can thrive at any academic level.

Do you have a child who excels in one subject area but struggles in another? Florida Virtual School allows homeschool families to choose the level most appropriate for their child. Some students may be a grade level behind in one subject area and ahead in another. FLVS allows the flexibility to tailor a student’s educational path based on his or her strengths and learning needs. Students who failed a course previously can retake it with FLVS if needed.

8. Students can accelerate through courses.

As FLVS courses are available year-round, the learning never stops. Create a schedule that works for your child and family. With FLVS, students can start a new course anytime of the year! Many students accelerate through courses to earn college credits in high school, graduate early, or make time for their passions beyond academics.

9. Students gain experience with online learning.

Florida Virtual School courses are created based on the Florida State Standards. Our team of curriculum experts create engaging and meaningful courses to challenge and captivate your child. FLVS courses meet the same standards as any other public-school course in Florida.

10. Homeschool families can follow a set schedule.

Many homeschool families choose to follow a traditional school schedule and path. FLVS gives students the opportunity to see what a standardized online curriculum looks like, much like what they will see if they choose to go on to college/university. Most students will be likely to take online courses in the future! Our fully accredited, Florida curriculum and NCAA-approved core courses are what truly sets FLVS apart from most other homeschool curricula.

Whether you are looking for flexibility or more support, Florida Virtual School offers solutions that meet your family’s educational goals.

Looking for the best match for your family? FLVS may be the perfect fit. Learn more here!


FLVS Tips and Tools for Homeschooling Success

By on January 4th, 2018

Being a homeschooling parent is hard! Not only are you in charge of laundry, the dishes, doctor’s appointments, and everything else, but now you have also chosen to take charge of your child’s education.

Have no fear! You can do this!

Here are a few tips for success to help parents/guardians who have chosen to explore an online home education with FLVS Flex – although many can apply to any online student! Continue reading


Hello New School Year – Elementary Edition

By on August 11th, 2017

FLVS Flex Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Our teachers can’t wait for another amazing year, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing elementary parents!

The beginning of a new school year brings much excitement and questions tend to follow. There are questions from parents, questions from students, and questions from our FLVS Flex Elementary teachers who want to know how to best serve their students. Continue reading


Make, Bake, Partake – Volunteering at School

By on April 17th, 2017

Blog_School_Volunteer_20170420My mom was blessed with the baking and hospitality gene. As far back as I can recall, she loved to play hostess—still does, and when people come over, she has a quiet way of honoring them and making them feel special. It shows in the details, from a sparkling clean house to using the good dishes and serving delectable treats.

I remember my mom volunteered to be the class mom for Mrs. Kast’s second grade class in New York. I glowed whenever she’d come into my classroom to drop off some cut outs for a project we were working on, or when she’d bring in homemade cupcakes for a class party. And while I just thought I had the coolest mom in the world, she had sneakily found a way to stay connected to me during the school day.

April is Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month and today marks the first day of Public School Volunteer Week.  Continue reading


How FLVS Has Impacted My Daughters

By on April 3rd, 2017

RileyMy family and I are so thankful for FLVS that words can’t express enough how we feel. You see, I went to college to be a teacher assistant and I used to teach Pre-K, so I firmly believe in education through the public school system. Our plan for our first daughter, Riley Marie, was public school, just like all her other friends and family.  But in 2015, our whole world changed.

My second daughter, Holly Berlin, was born in January 2015 with a life-threatening genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. This disease changed the way we lived, traveled, ate, and even socialized. This disease can progress tremendously overnight with just one simple sickness such as the common cold.

What do most elementary kids have to battle their first year in school? That’s right: colds, viruses, and more.

Even though it was our newborn who was affected with this disease, we had to make the decision to protect her from any of these viruses entering our home, which is why we decided to homeschool our older child to prevent her from spreading these viruses. Continue reading


Visiting the Orlando Science Center

By on February 16th, 2017

This post was originally published on the blog of an FLVS Flex Elementary parent. 

Orlando Science Center Field TripRea is homeschooled and a part-time elementary student at Florida Virtual School. I supplement the rest of her life with educational goodness…at least I try.

Rea’s school recently planned a state-wide field trip. These field trips took place in six different cities across the state. We opted for the Orlando one, since Rea’s teacher would be there. So, the kids and I got up early on Friday morning and drove to the Orlando Science Center.

If you have never been, and happen to be in the area, GO! It’s so cool! This place is four floors of interactive science exhibits. I’ll be honest, my son was NOT happy that I dragged him along with his sister. He told me many times he wished he was at his school.

He looked at the map with me, and he decided seeing dinosaurs wouldn’t be too bad. His grumpy attitude disappeared when we made it up to the fourth floor. The dinos did not disappoint. Continue reading