20th Anniversary

Online Learning: A 20 Year Journey

By on June 19th, 2018


If you asked me 20 years ago where I saw myself in the future, I’m not sure I would have said I’d be at Florida Virtual School (FLVS) as a Communications Specialist. My love of writing came while in second grade when my teacher, Mrs. Kast, told me I was a natural writer, so the communications part fits. But 20 years ago, I did not have a clue what a virtual school was.

Neither did most of the world. Continue reading


Taking a Chance on Innovation

By on May 31st, 2018

Today, options have become a staple in nearly all aspects of life, so it’s really no surprise that educational options exist in the modern-day student’s life. But how did it get that way?

Well, it didn’t just happen overnight. Education policies and practices tend to change very slowly. Continue reading


20 Years of Student Success

By on February 26th, 2018

This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click

It’s a fact! This year, FLVS is turning 20. It is crazy to believe that there have been 20 years of discussion based assessments, collaborations and, most importantly, 20 years of outstanding student success.

For many students, virtual school means different things. “I AM FLVS” is a phrase that makes every student think about how they represent their school. 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


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



FLVS Corkboard: September Highlights

By on September 27th, 2017

If you live in Florida, there’s a 99.9 percent chance you’ll agree that September brought a mix of crazy, stressful, devastating, miserable, and frustrating emotions. Hurricane Irma affected Florida in a massive way. Thank you for reaching out and sharing with us how you and your family are doing. We hope you are well and enjoy your September Highlights. Continue reading


FLVS in the Days of Dial-Up Internet

By on September 26th, 2017

It was August of 2000. As my friends who taught in a brick-and-mortar classroom got up at 6 a.m. to face their first day, I was starting my first day as a virtual school teacher.

I was one of three Personal Fitness teachers and together we were going to change the face of how people thought of PE online. My routine was easy and executed with timely precision. Continue reading


FLVS Corkboard: Back to School Edition

By on August 24th, 2017

Some of you may be new to FLVS and others have been with us through the summer, but we want to officially welcome everyone to the start of the 2017-18 school year!

This year marks our 20th anniversary, and we could not be more excited. FLVS has come a long way from our humble beginnings in 1997 when we opened our virtual doors. Now we are celebrating 20 years of innovative student learning! Check out our video, milestones, pinboard, and more at flvs.net/20-years.

You can also subscribe to the blog to view our 20-year series! Continue reading