Student Edition

Cultivating Critical Thinkers

By on January 23rd, 2018

French philosopher Descartes may have been on to something when he said, “I think therefore I am.”

At FLVS, we want students to not only think, but think critically. Critical thinkers have the ability to improve their thinking through systematic self-assessment and reflection. Continue reading


Find Yourself in a Book for Celebrate Literacy Week

By on January 22nd, 2018

In a society where we are constantly on the go, it is often difficult to find moments reserved for peace and quiet. It is rare to see someone sitting on a bench or on a beach with a book in hand, enjoying the day.

As we prepare for Celebrate Literacy Week with FLVS, I challenge you to consider what it truly means to find yourself in a book, this year’s Celebrate Literacy Week theme. Personally, I am my most balanced in life when I am taking the time to slow down, taking in the peace and quiet, and getting into a book.  It generally means that I am balanced in other areas of life as well. Continue reading



Looking Back at the History of FLVS

By on January 17th, 2018

I started working at Florida High School (as FLVS was called in its early days) in January of 2000.

My interview was short and sweet…three questions. After I answered the questions, I was taken to the office of Julie Young, our first leader and online education pioneer, for a few more questions and the job offer. Continue reading


Spring is Just Around the Corner!

By on January 9th, 2018

Have you signed up for your spring courses yet?

If you’re a student taking courses with FLVS Flex, spring is a great time to get ahead, make up a credit, take a course that isn’t offered at school, or satisfy your online course graduation requirement for high school. Continue reading


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


Coming Together with CTE

By on December 7th, 2017

It is hard to imagine anything good coming from the devastating winds and rain of Hurricane Irma or similar storms that ravaged homes and communities this past hurricane season. If you look hard enough, though, you can find unexpected positives even in the worst experiences.

As a member of the Florida Army National Guard, I was activated during Hurricane Irma, and there I had the fortunate, first-hand experience of seeing people come together to help others. Most of these people were actively using skills found in CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses: both soft and hard skills. Continue reading


Bringing Learning to Life with Practical Experience

By on December 4th, 2017

We know students learn best through experience, but how can they get hands-on in a virtual learning environment?

Say hello to Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). These professional student organizations are integrated into the FLVS Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Why? Because they give students tons of personal growth swag. Continue reading


Where FLVS Students See Themselves in 20 Years

By on December 1st, 2017

FLVS has certainly grown since we first opened our virtual doors in 1997. We’ve come a long way over the years, and so have our students!

During our recent photo contest, students told us how they have grown thanks to FLVS and where they see themselves in the future. Last month, we shared our three contest winners, but there were so many amazing entries that we had to include a few honorable mentions…

Continue reading


Lemonade Stands and Lotus Notes

By on November 28th, 2017

Back in the early days of FLVS, we all used to wear many hats. I was a course developer, teacher, district community liaison, legislative educator. Our IT support consisted of one person!

We did a lot of traveling to educate different organizations, schools, and community groups. We would set up lemonade stands at high school cafeterias to provide students with information about taking online classes. Continue reading