Frequently Asked Questions

Important News!

  • Second semester enrollment for all district K–8 virtual school programs begins Monday, November 16, 2009 and remains open through Friday, January 15, 2010. 
  • Enrollment for the Home Education program (for students in grades 6–8 statewide) remains open until further notice. 

Who is eligible to enroll in a Connections Academy program in Florida?

  • Students entering grades K–5:
    Eligible students must have been enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2008 and February 2009. Students who were enrolled in the state-operated program or in a district K–8 virtual school program during these time periods were in a public school and are therefore eligible to enroll for 2009–10. Additionally, the resident district must have a contract for the Florida Virtual School’s Connections Academy program.
  • Students entering grades 6–8:
    District Program:
    Students who reside in a district that offers the FLVSCA program and were enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2008 and February 2009 may enroll in a district-operated program. If students were enrolled in the state-operated program or a district K–8 virtual school program during these time periods, they were in a public school and are eligible to enroll for 2009–10. You may register for a district program even if your district does not currently have a contract; we are continuously negotiating with additional districts to offer our district program.
    Home Education:
    Students who reside in a school district that does not offer the FLVSCA program or who were not enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2008 and February 2009 may enroll in FLVSCA. They will need to be registered with their district as “Home Education” students. These students will be considered “homeschooling” students by the resident district. These students must still follow the FLVSCA school calendar and all school policies and procedures, including reporting attendance. Students and families will be provided with instructions to register with their resident school district as “Home Education” students.
  • Children of U.S. Armed Forces:
    The legislature has currently provided an exception for students who are dependent children of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was transferred within the last 12 months pursuant to a permanent change of station. These students, including students entering grades K and 1, do not have to meet the requirement for previous public school enrollment.

What are the differences between the district and FLVS-operated programs?

There are very few differences in the educational program (except as indicated below) or the school’s policies and procedures. The differences as follows:

  • District: Technology may be available to students based on district-defined hardship criteria. Students are required to take the state’s standardized tests (FCAT). Students are considered public school students. Students must attend full-time. Your school district, not FLVSCA, will make the final hardship determination.
  • FLVS: Students use their own technology. Students must be registered as “Home Education” students with their resident district. Students are not considered public school students and are therefore not eligible for any program limited to public school students. Students are not required to take the state’s standardized tests (FCAT). Students generally will attend full-time, but part-time enrollment is also permitted.

Are students who were not in Florida public schools last year eligible?

Yes, but only students entering grades 6–8 are eligible.

What is the last day to enroll?

The last day of enrollment for the Spring Semester will be January 15, 2010. Please register for enrollment as soon as possible so that your resident district can be informed of your interest. Enrollment for all programs is being accepted on a contingent basis.

Is there a required school calendar?

Beginning in the fall semester, all students are required to be enrolled for 180 days. For students beginning the district virtual program in the second (spring) semester, they are required to be enrolled for 90 days. Attendance must be recorded for all students, even students registered as "Home Education" students. The first day of school for 2009–10 is August 24, 2009; school ends June 4, 2010. The spring semester begins January 21, 2010.

Will students receive a computer, printer, or a subsidy payment for an Internet connection?

Students enrolled in a district program must meet their hardship eligibility requirements, which generally will be registration as a free or reduced lunch student. Other students will be required to provide their own technology. 

Is there a program for part time students?

Students in the FLVS-operated 6–8 program may enroll part time. The course list for part-time students has not been finalized at this time. Please check back for new information or request to receive updates.

Is there a 9–12 program?

The requirement for a full-time grade 9–12 program was just passed by the legislature.  More information will be provided soon.  Please check back or request to receive updates.

 


Read additional Connections Academy FAQs.