About Us
FLVS FT’s predecessor, Florida Connections Academy, opened in August 2003 and operated a full-time K-8 program through the Florida Department of Education through the 2008-2009 school year. In 2008, Florida Virtual School and Connections Academy joined forces to become Florida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS FT). For the 2010–11 school year, we have expanded the grades we serve: K–12 for district (public school) students, and 6–12 for Home Education students. Through this best-of-breed partnership, we offer the virtual school program that has been rated an "A" by the Florida Department of Education for the fourth year in a row! The school also met the high accountability standards of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), earning it the designation of “met AYP” for the 2009–10 school year.
FLVS FT is able to serve students currently through two authorized public school programs in Florida:
- District Virtual Instruction Program: A full-time program serving students in grades K–12 operated by school districts in Florida. Students must reside in a school district offering a program, must have been in public school during October and February of the prior school year and may be subject to other limitations imposed by their resident district. Students must meet all public school requirements for attendance and standardized test participation. Click here for a list of participating school districts.
- Home Education: A full or part-time selection of courses in grades 6–12 that is available to any Florida resident student. Students in this program are considered “Home Education” students which means that they must register in their districts as a home education (i.e. homeschooling) student. There are no other eligibility requirements to participate and students are not required to take the FCAT. Students do follow a standard school calendar. Additional courses for students in grades 6–8 who want a more flexible schedule than the FLVS FT 6–12 program are also available through the Florida Virtual School. Visit Florida Virtual School for more information.
Need help finding out which program is right for you? Use this tool to find the Florida Virtual School Full Time program available to you.
Both Connections Academy and Florida Virtual School are fully accredited by AdvancED, and the Southern Association of Colleges and School Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).
Parent Satisfaction
Over 97% of Florida Virtual School Full Time parents agree our curriculum is high quality. View our parent survey results.
Contact Information
For information about Florida Virtual School Full Time, call 1-877-500-FLVS (877-500-3587), email us at info@connectionsacademy.com, or send us a request for information.
To find out how to bring the FLVS FT program to your district, contact your district's Regional Liaison at Florida Virtual School (flvsft@flvs.net), or call 407.513.FLVS (3587).
Principals
Dr. Marcie Mathews (Grades 9–12)
mmathews@flvs.net
407-513-3587, x5465
Esilda Ross (Grades K–8)
epross@connectionsacademy.com
407-857-6588, ext. 320
Administrative Office
Florida Virtual School Full Time
1707 Orlando Central Parkway
Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-857-6588
Fax: 407-857-8218
Partnership/Program Administrators:
Florida Virtual School: Cathy Brown, cbrown@flvs.net
Florida Department of Education: Sally Roberts, sally.roberts@fldoe.org
With Connections Academy, we are able to break up the schoolwork throughout the day. My son is thriving in this environment, working a full grade level ahead in math. Even though his dad works nights, with Connections Academy, his dad can actually do some of the lessons with him. It helps us stay connected as a family.
~ Tammy Lenze
Florida Virtual School Full Time