Homeschool Parent Tips


6 Tips for Homeschooling Your Middle Schooler with Florida Virtual School

By on October 20th, 2022

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of teaching your middle schooler using online courses? With more than 25 years of experience teaching students in the online learning environment, we know that every student learns differently. Which is why we have dedicated state-certified teachers who will support you every step of the way to learn what works best for you and your family. To help you get started, we’ve put together six tips to homeschool your middle schooler with Florida Virtual School.

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Why We Choose Florida Virtual School for Homeschooling

By on September 15th, 2022

A wise mentor once shared with us that, “It takes a village to raise a child!” We have spent our children’s entire lives filling our village with mentors that have helped them become the best versions of themselves. 

We are so grateful we found our educational village in Florida Virtual School (FLVS). From the incredible partnerships we have developed with our children’s teachers, counselors, and even the executive team, to the amazing educational experiences their classes and clubs bring them, finding FLVS was a dream come true for our family!  

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Why This Family Chose Florida Virtual School for Their Homeschooling Village 

By on June 28th, 2021

Written by Monica Cardoza, mom to 11-year-old Aiden Cardoza, and Sofia Borden, mom to 10-year-old Sylar Borden, who are both FLVS Flex Homeschool Students 

We are so grateful we found our educational village in Florida Virtual School (FLVS). From the incredible partnerships we have developed with our children’s teachers, counselors, and even the executive team, to the amazing educational experiences their classes and clubs bring them, finding FLVS was a dream come true for our family!  

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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!


Celebrate Literacy Week 2017

By on January 23rd, 2017

Albert Einstein Library Quote

Photo Credit: Chronicle Books

Each year the state of Florida and FLVS dedicates one full week to celebrate all things literacy.

Appropriately titled “Celebrate Literacy Week,” the entire state joins together to share their love for literacy through activities that include reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking!

Celebrate Literacy Week is presented by Just Read Florida and the Florida Department of Education to remind everyone that “Literacy Changes the World.”

Now in its seventh year, Celebrate Literacy Week allows school districts and families to engage in fun activities that bring the community together for the love of reading.

The Just Read Florida website provides a comprehensive list of activities that all families can enjoy during this event. They even include a printable bookmark to help us all keep our place as we read, read, read! Did you know that the more a child is exposed to print and books the more successful a reader they will be as they grow? Continue reading


12 Months of Life Skills for Student Success

By on January 13th, 2017

Life Skills for StudentsAs we start a new year, educators and parents all have a common goal for 2017 – to ensure that our children have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for college and a future career.

What if we each set a goal to teach our students one skill a month?

If all of our students put this plan into action today, can you imagine the impact we could make on our future generation?

Today’s workplace values creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. Managing time, setting goals, handling stress, and a variety of other skills can help students succeed in all of these areas.

Ready to get started? Check out the guide below and set reminders on your phone or calendar to help you stay on track.  Continue reading


Homeschooling: The Big Question

By on December 26th, 2016

homeschoolChoosing to homeschool was not something I initially chose.

Sometimes, I think it chose me. At the age of 2, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Although the illness is very serious, I truly thought that schooling at the local public school near our home was going to be just fine. After all, I successfully attended public school growing up, so I really didn’t think it would be that different.

Sadly, I was shocked to discover just how much things had changed since I was a child. Within the first two weeks of Kindergarten starting at the local brick-and-mortar school, I found myself having to withdraw my child from public school and enroll him into Florida Virtual School. The bottom line was that the brick-and-mortar school could not truly handle my son’s diabetes, and homeschooling appeared to be the solution.

The idea of homeschooling my son seemed to be rather intimidating, scary, and far-fetched. Continue reading


Using Hamilton the Musical in the Classroom

By on September 28th, 2016

hamilton-blogThe winner of the 2016 Tony for Best Musical was “Hamilton,” an untraditional, hip-hop musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda about the life of Alexander Hamilton.

The popularity of this musical is impossible to deny – and the most amazing thing is that this hip-hop soundtrack to a founding father’s life has captivated teenagers in a way perhaps no other musical ever has before.

There is no denying this musical crosses age and cultural gaps and has brought a new love for musical theater that is refreshing and powerful. Many teachers are using this incredible soundtrack to start discussions about our history and to reinvent how students study such an important time period.

It is possible teachers of any content could use Hamilton’s addictive appeal to energize their classrooms, but I will share some ideas specifically for English and History teachers. Continue reading