Parent Edition
Saturday Science: Creating Lava Lamps
By Guest Blogger on June 7th, 2019
Find Saturday Science instructions for creating your own lava lamp below!
Saturday Science is a monthly enrichment opportunity for FLVS elementary students and their families.
During these online sessions, we do an experiment together that helps us “see” and better understand various scientific concepts. Experiments are chosen to include materials commonly found at home or the local dollar store. A big emphasis is also placed on selecting experiments that require materials that might otherwise be thrown out after use, such as plastic water bottles, plastic bags, paper towel cardboard rolls, boxes, etc. Elementary students can perform the experiment live during time together or simply watch if they do not have the materials. All sessions are recorded so that if a student misses the “live” event or later acquires the materials, it can be viewed at any time.
As a teacher, it is my hope that Super Saturday Science helps create and/or deepen a love for science and hopefully plants a seed of interest that encourages our elementary students to pursue a career in science! Continue reading
5 Lessons Learned from Elementary Career Day
By Guest Blogger on May 2nd, 2019
How many kids dream of becoming an astronaut as a child?
At this year’s FLVS Flex Elementary Career Day, NASA Astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher shared a story that was out-of-this-world and inspired kids to never give up on their dreams. Dr. Fisher served as a Mission Specialist on the STS-51A Discovery in 1984. She was just one of our special guests who recently came to visit the virtual classrooms of our elementary students.
Here are just a few of the lessons our students learned at Career Day! Continue reading
9 Simple Rules for Homeschooling
By Anne Flenner on April 30th, 2019
Being a parent can be tough! However, being a student’s principal, school counselor, teacher, custodian, cafeteria worker, and bus driver can be just as tough. When you choose to homeschool your child in the state of Florida, you are taking on many additional hats and full control of your child’s education.
Do you know the “9 simple rules” of homeschooling in Florida? Continue reading
A Seatbelt Can Save
By Guest Blogger on April 12th, 2019
One of the many things I love about Tallahassee is the trees. Beautiful, shade-providing, mature live oaks. It’s the tree-lined entrance of my subdivision that captivated me at first site and drew me to live here. It’s so un-Florida like—feels more like North Carolina and my northeastern upbringing.
Earlier, as I left my home and got in my car to go meet a friend for a meal, I decided to make a quick phone call. Bluetooth can be a beautiful thing. The person who I had just called answered when I heard what sounded like a smash ahead of me. Continue reading
Brain Breaks for Online Elementary Students
By Cara Piper on April 11th, 2019
Brain breaks are a BIG part of most elementary classrooms that you will see today. These mental breaks help students refocus, get some wiggles out, and most importantly – have fun!
Setting aside time for brain breaks is important in every classroom, especially in the virtual world where a lot of time is spent on the computer. We are always looking for ways to get our kids UP and MOVING! Continue reading
Keeping the Student at the Center
By Florida Virtual School on April 10th, 2019
The 2017-18 school year marked the 20th anniversary of Florida Virtual School (FLVS). The 20-year anniversary of FLVS was not only a historic occasion for the first statewide Internet-based school in the United States, but also a significant and positive milestone for virtual education.
When founded in 1997, FLVS consisted of six teachers, four support staff, 77 enrollments, and six courses. The use of online education tools was still new for the high schoolers of 1997. Continue reading
10 Ways Florida Virtual School Benefits Homeschool Families
By Florida Virtual School 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!
Every Week Should be Children’s Week
By Guest Blogger on April 3rd, 2019
Do you feel that? It’s spring. Flashback with me to times of simple childhood pleasures…picking little bouquets of yellow dandelions, blowing on those puffy spheres to scatter the seeds in the wind. Using color chalk to play hopscotch in the driveway. And pinwheels. The simple joy of making those colorful curls whirl and twirl. Ah, simpler times with not a care in the world.
That was my childhood. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: Spring Edition
By Florida Virtual School on March 13th, 2019
Hey FLVSers! As we spring forward and March onward, we want to highlight some student activities in full bloom. (Don’t you just love puns!?) Continue reading
Helping Our Captains Succeed with FLVS Elementary
By Guest Blogger on March 12th, 2019
Learn more about one home educator’s FLVS Flex Elementary experience with her young student filmmakers and ambassadors dubbed “The Captains.” Whether your child has been enrolled for a few years or you’re new to FLVS, these tips can help your elementary student succeed!
As a mother and grandmother, the responsibility of educating our 8-year-old son, Captain A, and 7-year-old grandson, Captain SySy, weighs heavy on my heart and mind as their home educator. The world is not always a perfect place and people can be unkind, so our family strives every day to help our Captains be the best human beings they can be!
I am beyond grateful for our partnership with FLVS on our Captains’ education. The FLVS Flex Elementary team not only cares about making a difference and helping them to succeed in their educational lives, but also about their personal successes as future leaders. They have been a huge network of support in our Captains’ volunteering world.
The truth is, it isn’t always easy being a homeschool educator! Continue reading