People In Florida Taking Florida Virtual School?

Question

Do you have to pay for Florida Virtual School?

Answer 1

Florida Virtual school is free for Florida students. You only have to have been a student in a public school for one year if you want to become a part of the full-time program. That is not required. You can also join a homeschool program or just register as a homeschooler with your district and start taking FLVS courses anytime. The only benefit to being in FLVS Full-time is getting a diploma. Otherwise you will receive your diploma through a homeschool program or your district. Either way, it is still a diploma and you can still take FLVS courses for free.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, this chat history has confused two different virtual programs.  The Florida Virtual School has several different offerings.  The longest running program is NOT bound by time.  It is free and offers only courses in the 6-12 grades.  There are no attendance requirements, but students are encouraged to complete the courses in an 18 week time frame.  Many students finish earlier.  Teachers are available from 8am-8pm, six days a week.  In this program, students have to make their own arrangements for the computer and internet connection.
The confusion is with the newer programs (last 3 years).  The Legislature put virtual education back into a box which attendance requirements similar to brick and mortar schools in this totally separate program.  This program is called the VIP (Virtual Instuction Program).  A computer and internet connection is provided to students who qualify under rules developed by the local school district (usually free and reduced lunch qualifier).  All of these are availiable free to Florida students, and it is the PARENTS and STUDENTS who make the choice, NOT the school district.  Do not let the school bully you into not participating (they lose the funding, is why).  Want to know more about Florida Virtual School? Visit www.FLVS.net or call 407-513-FLVS (3587).  By the way, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a public school, Florida Virtual Academy (FVA) is operated by a private, for-profit company and is restricted to the normal 180 day brick and mortar school requirements of attendance.  Both are free to Florida students, but have different rules and pupil teacher ratios (FVA has higher class sizes).