Student Success
Keeping the Student at the Center
By The Virtual Voice 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
Student Shark Advocate Works with Legislators
By Guest Blogger on February 13th, 2019
This post was written by FLVS student and Model United Nations club member James A. La Fayette Jr.
Sierra Boodhoo is a 16-year-old student on a mission to make a positive impact on society. After experiencing racial profiling and bullying at her previous school, she switched to FLVS Flex in 7th grade where her interest in marine biology began. Her interest was sparked when she watched an episode of Shark Week with shark nets. She kept the flame going and researched sharks despite discouragement from others due to age, gender, and other societal bias.
She was told, “You are just an 11-year-old girl. Quit sharks. Switch to something girly like ballet.” Continue reading
Win an iPad in our #FLVSCodes Contest
By Marissa Draeger on December 3rd, 2018
To celebrate our tech-savvy students, FLVS is hosting a contest from Dec. 3, 2018 through Jan. 14, 2019. We want to see how our students are engaging in computer science activities — from coding to construction!
Three lucky winners – one in elementary, one in middle, and one in high school – will be chosen to receive an iPad generously donated by the FLVS Foundation. Winners will be selected based on the quality, creativity, uniqueness, and relevance of their entry. Continue reading
6 Ways to Help Your FLVS Elementary Student
By Allison Voltaire on August 27th, 2018
As the author Thomas Fuller once said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.”
Whether your child is new to online learning or you are a returning FLVS elementary family, our team is here to help you navigate our new curriculum and find ways to best meet your son or daughter’s educational needs. Your teachers are here for you! Don’t hesitate to ask them for help. The Flex Elementary team is also hosting weekly welcome sessions to help families find their way. Have questions or feedback? Our administrative team would love to hear from you!
With this in mind, we wanted to share a few helpful tips for our online elementary parents. Continue reading
Meet Sierra, FLVS Student & Shark Barrier Inventor
By Guest Blogger on July 27th, 2018
My name is Sierra and Florida Virtual School has provided me the opportunity to pursue various ambitions. My first step with FLVS was taken when I was in 7th grade. This year, I will be going into 11th grade with FLVS Flex. When I attended public school, I was harassed to the extent I had no choice but to leave the school. After much discussion, my parents and I agreed that FLVS was my best option. The summer I started virtual school was peaceful. I just had my school work, family, and the freedom to explore. It was the first time that year that I didn’t have to worry about being bullied.
With my newfound freedom, I watched my first Shark Week episode that summer. My mom and I spent the rest of that week watching, including an episode featuring Dr. Craig O’Connell’s Shark Safe Barrier. The concept of an innovative shark barrier sparked my imagination and was tangled in my thoughts for a while. Continue reading
Celebrating a Year of High School Success
By Guest Blogger on May 24th, 2018
As the FLVS Full Time High School Principal, I am happy to report that we saw more student success in our courses this school year than ever before.
For both students and staff, the beginning of the 2017-18 school year was not quite as expected. We had a visitor named Irma that was intent on making our start anything but smooth. Irma did present us with some challenges, but our students stood tall and persevered through it all. Continue reading
20 Years of Student Success
By Guest Blogger 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
Where FLVS Students See Themselves in 20 Years
By Marissa Draeger 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…
Announcing our 2017 Photo Contest Winners
By Marissa Draeger on November 16th, 2017
For the last several years, FLVS has hosted photo contests allowing students to share their success stories and what it’s like to be an online student. This school year, we put a new twist on the contest as FLVS celebrates 20 years of innovative student learning. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: September Highlights
By The Virtual Voice 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