FLVS Named Purple Star School of Distinction for Outstanding Support of Military Families

November 11, 2025

Florida Virtual School is committed to serving military-connected students and families by providing flexible, high-quality education tailored to their needs.

Florida Virtual Full Time Public Schools (FLVS Full Time) has been named a Purple Star School of Distinction in recognition of its strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. 

This prestigious honor, announced by Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas, highlights the ongoing efforts of FLVS to ensure that military families receive the support and resources they need to thrive in an educational environment that understands their unique challenges, which include frequent moves, deployments, and transitions. 

“As the only statewide virtual school district, FLVS ensures that military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, president and CEO of FLVS. “We are honored to support these families and provide the stability and flexibility they need to succeed.”

The district currently has 174 military families enrolled in FLVS Full Time, including 54 students who reside out of state.

FLVS supports military-connected students and their families through a range of key initiatives designed to foster connection, continuity, and care across its full-time schools, including:

• Dedicated military family liaisons at each FLVS Full Time school serve as a consistent point of contact, helping families navigate enrollment, access resources, and feel connected to the school community. 
• Teachers and staff at every school (elementary, middle, and high) receive ongoing districtwide training on best practices for supporting military families and understanding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
• Student-led mentor programs at each FLVS Full Time school help military-connected students transition smoothly into the virtual learning environment. 
• Accommodations that allow students whose families serve in the military and live outside the state to take required state assessments at their parent’s or guardian’s current duty station, eliminating the need to travel back to Florida.
• An annual Letters for Heroes initiative, in which students across the district volunteer to write letters of gratitude that are sent to veterans each Veterans Day, fostering both civic engagement and a sense of belonging.

In 2025, the FLVS Board of Trustees reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to being a military-friendly district and to the continued coordination of resources that support these students and families.

“As a military child myself, it means a great deal to me that we’re able to support these families through our programs,” said Brett Cucuel, FLVS Full Time director of instruction. “Their resilience and commitment inspire us every day, and we’re proud to stand beside them.”

Learn more about FLVS Full Time, which is currently accepting applications for the second semester until Nov. 19.

In addition to the full-time option, FLVS also offers FLVS Flex for families interested in supplementing their learning or homeschool education with individual courses. Registration for individual courses is available year-round.