Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to enroll in a Florida Virtual School Full Time program for the 2010–11 school year?

  • Students entering grades K–5:
    Eligible students must have been enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2009 and February 2010. Students who were enrolled in the state-operated program or in a district K–12 virtual school program during these time periods were in a public school and are therefore eligible to enroll as well. Additionally, the resident district must have a contract for the Florida Virtual School Full Time program.
  • Students entering grades 6–12, there are two programs 
    District Program:
    Students who reside in a district that offers the FLVS FT program and were enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2009 and February 2010 may enroll in a district-operated program. If students were enrolled in the state-operated program or a district K–12 virtual school program during these time periods, they were in a public school and are eligible to enroll for 2010–11. 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 FLVS FT program or who were not enrolled in a Florida public school during both October 2009 and February 2010 may enroll in FLVS FT. 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 FLVS FT 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.
    • All 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.

    Which program is available for my student? 

    Use this tool to find the Florida Virtual School Full Time program available for your student.

    What are the differences between the district and home education 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 must take the state’s standardized tests (FCAT). Students are considered public school students. Students must attend full-time. Your school district, not FLVS FT, will make the final hardship determination.
    • Home Education: 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 6–12 (new for 2010–11 school year) are eligible.

    What is the last day to enroll?

    Enrollment for the 2010–11 school year is now open. However, enrollment for the District Virtual Instruction Program (grades K–12) will close on September 10, 2010 at 5:00 PM ET.

    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.

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

    FLVS FT households will generally need to provide their own computer, printer, and Internet service. Please check to be sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. If your student is enrolled through a school district (District Virtual Instruction Program), you may be eligible to apply for a technology hardship. Your school district (not Florida Virtual School Full Time) will make the final hardship determination.