FSA Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System

July 2, 2024

Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System for Juvenile Justice Youth

Caption: Leaders from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Florida Virtual School watch the ribbon cutting ceremony, launching Florida Scholars Academy

This New School System Will Serve as a National Model to Improve Educational Opportunities and Career Pathways for Juvenile Justice-Involved Students in Florida

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (July 2, 2024) – On Monday, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Florida Virtual School (FLVS) announced that the Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the new unified education system for DJJ students, is operational across Florida. The partnership between DJJ and FLVS will now provide in-person instruction for students within all 38 DJJ residential commitment programs.

“This marks a significant milestone in our path to create brighter futures for Florida’s juvenile justice-involved youth,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “With the Florida Scholars Academy officially operational, our youth will soon benefit from a seamless, high-quality education to enhance their academic achievement and propel them on the path to success.”

“It is exciting to see the hard work behind the Florida Scholars Academy come to fruition,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “The educational opportunities made possible by this education system will have a major impact on the future achievements of these students in both higher education and the workforce.

“It was an honor to come together with our partners to celebrate the first day of operations for the Florida Scholars Academy and a new beginning for our students to thrive academically,” said Senator Jennifer Bradley. “The Florida Scholars Academy represents our unwavering commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to lead and succeed in the future.”

“The launch of the Florida Scholars Academy marks great progress towards strengthened communities in Florida,” said Senator Jonathan Martin. “Through the personalized education offered by the academy, youth will have better opportunities upon release leading to reduced recidivism and safer communities for all.”

FSA will provide individualized support to approximately 2,300 students in the care of the DJJ, helping them achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value to start their career, and or/enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college.

“Since Florida Virtual School was named the operating education service provider for Florida Scholars Academy in October 2023, our team of passionate educators have been hard at work to create an environment that cultivates academic and resiliency skills,” said the Chief Academic Officer of Florida Virtual School, Robin Winder. “Our goal is to meet these students where they are by helping them establish a feeling of self-worth and belief in themselves as they progress through life.”

FSA classes will begin July 10. To learn more about the Florida Scholars Academy, visit the FSA website.

Related News

Florida Scholars Academy Team Members of the Year

September 29, 2025

Florida Scholars Academy Names Outstanding Teacher, Principal, and Staff Member

Florida Scholars Academy, the unified school district serving students in Florida Department of Juvenile Justice residential programs and operated by Florida Virtual School, has named its 2027 Teacher, Principal, and School‑Related Employee of the Year.

Florida Virtual School 2027 Teacher of the Year and 2026 Principal, Assistant Principal, and School-Related Employee of the Year

September 26, 2025

FLVS Names Outstanding Team Members of the Year

In its annual recognition of outstanding staff, Florida Virtual School has named its 2027 Teacher of the Year and 2026 Principal, Assistant Principal, and School‑Related Employee of the Year. This year’s honorees are: Teacher of the Year: Michaele Ann Elliott Principal of the Year: Suzanna Pacheco Assistant Principal of the Year: Kaleigh McCoy School-Related Employee of the Year: Michael Jata

September 3, 2025

FLVS Students Excel in ‘AI in Math’ Enrichment Program

More than 80 Algebra 1 FLVS students in sixth-11th-grade completed the first-ever “AI in Math” enrichment program, developed in partnership with the University of Florida and the Concord Consortium in June 2025. The pilot cohort showed measurable gains in AI literacy, math motivation, and confidence.