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FLVS news releases are listed in chronological order. All images are for editorial use only by news agencies, journalists, and student reporters in connection with broadcast media and newspaper, news magazine, trade publication, and educational articles about Florida Virtual School. Any other use of these materials is strictly prohibited. Under no circumstances may these materials be used for any personal or commercial purposes.


Florida Virtual School Launches One Of The First Artificial Intelligence Learning Pathways For High School Students

May 25, 2023

The School District Announces 10 Exciting New Online Courses, Including Artificial Intelligence in the World, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics 1, and More


As the world races toward an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven future, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) unveils one of the first AI programs of study, a progression of industry-focused classes, for high school students. The first course, Artificial Intelligence in the World, is now open for enrollment. Plus, the school announced nine additional new courses with an emphasis on electives that enable students to discover their passions and interests before heading off to college and/or the workforce. 

The AI industry is expected to experience a steady job growth of 37% between 2023 and 2030 and currently, more than 77% of the world’s population uses an AI-powered device or service. 

“Our hope is that our AI courses will encourage students to embrace rather than fear AI,” said Amy Heflin, Sr. Manager, Curriculum Development. “But more importantly, it is imperative that we teach students about how to use AI appropriately and ethically.” 

The new Florida Virtual School courses are a mix of core and electives, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement, world languages, math, and science to give students the time and space they need to explore what interests them and what they want to do after high school. The courses are tuition-free for Florida high school students and include:

New Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses: 

  • Artificial Intelligence in the World - This introductory course will guide students through the concepts, tools, and building blocks of artificial intelligence and provide them with a broad overview of how AI is used in decision-making and problem-solving worldwide. They’ll also have the opportunity to explore the various parts of AI with hands-on activities through the use of chatbots and other interactive elements. This is the first course in the new Artificial Intelligence Foundations program of study. 

  • Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction - Students will get a glimpse of the classroom environment and develop their portfolios, participate in field observations, and observe children of various ages to see firsthand how teachers carry out lessons in the classroom. This course is the third and final in the Principles of Teaching program of study and is an honors-level course. 

  • Hospitality & Tourism Marketing Management - Students will learn marketing and management principles and procedures specific to the hospitality and tourism industry in this course. With the sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship skills necessary to succeed in future jobs, they’ll look to future career opportunities and understand the employment qualifications necessary to embrace them. This course is the third and final in the Hospitality & Tourism Program of Study. 

  • Principles of Entrepreneurship - In this course, students will identify characteristics and traits of entrepreneurs and assess personal strengths and weaknesses for entrepreneurial success. It also outlines the steps in starting a business, the role of the economy in small businesses, the basic principles of marketing, selling, distributing, and financing, and the workforce readiness skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur. This is the first course in the new Entrepreneurship program of study. 

New Core Courses: 

  • Astronomy/Solar Galactic - Students will journey through the universe on a stellar exploration through space and time, and discover ancient astronomy and the instruments used to investigate the properties and motion of celestial objects. They’ll also examine planetary conditions in our solar system and beyond, including  experimentation and investigation of the physics of light, the interactions between Earth, sun, and moon in our solar system, the luminosity of stars, and theoretical observations and developments.

  • Mathematics for College Liberal Arts - Students will explore a range of mathematical concepts and fields, all while connecting ideas to their application in our world. Major topics in this course include linear and exponential functions, geometry in the real world, analysis of data and probability, and the use of functions as models. Logic and theory as they apply to the practical use of mathematical concepts are introduced, giving students an understanding of how the principles of higher-level math connect to everyday life. 

  • Mathematics for Data and Financial Literacy - In this course, students will explore specific math skills to understand how money will impact their life from a personal and a business perspective. They’ll see how properly managing money can lead to financial success and learn how to analyze data to help make decisions.  

New Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: 

  • AP Computer Science Principles - This college-level course is ideal for incoming 9th graders and sets the foundation for learning concepts and challenges of computer science and its impact on society. Students will stretch their creativity and problem-solving skills to build solutions for the issues they find important. They’ll also learn how to design, develop, and evaluate computer programs using algorithms and the JavaScript programming language, and practice analyzing data and simulations to extract knowledge from information. 

  • AP Physics 1 - This algebra-based, introductory physics course will guide students through a college-level learning experience. Students will develop an understanding of physics through rich content, engaging activities, and an inquiry-based laboratory. Additionally, they will explore concepts such as analyzing motion, force interactions, energy, rotational motion, and waves. Students who successfully complete this course will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for their next steps in many medical, environmental, or scientific career paths.

New World Languages Courses: 

  • French 3 Honors - In the French 3 Honors course, students will sharpen the increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills acquired in French 1 and 2. Communication remains the main focus through speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Students will dive a little deeper into the francophone culture and apply what they learn through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, electives/specials, World Languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success.

For families that would like to incorporate one or more individual online courses as part of their education plan for the upcoming school year, FLVS Flex is open for enrollment year-round. Enrollment for our full-time option, FLVS Full Time, which combines the flexibility of online learning with the structure of a traditional school calendar, will open on June 5, 2023.

To learn more about FLVS Flex, FLVS Full Time, and other options, visit flvs.net/online-school-options

Click here to view the News Release (PDF)


Enrollment For Florida Virtual School Full Time Is Open Now For The Spring

Nov 03, 2022

Families are Encouraged to Submit Their Applications by November 18 to Enroll Their Kindergarten-12th Grade Students in the District’s Full-Time Option that Combines the Flexibility of Online Learning with the Structure of a Traditional School Calendar  

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ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2022) – As Florida families continue to consider their children’s education options, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has opened enrollment for the spring semester for FLVS Full Time, an option that combines the flexibility of online learning with the structure of a traditional school calendar. Families are encouraged to submit their applications by November 18 to ensure their students are enrolled and ready to start the first day of the spring semester.

Research suggests that parents are now looking for a more personalized and flexible education for their children due to their experiences during the pandemic. According to a recent report by Tyton Partners, 52% of parents want to tailor their child’s K-12 learning experience, compared with just over a fifth who want to follow an already established path.

“We are a great option for families who are looking for a more individualized and flexible learning experience,” said Robin Winder, Senior Director of Instruction for Florida Virtual School. “The FLVS instructional model includes evidence-based approaches. Our goal is to help students succeed by meeting them where they are.”

With FLVS Full Time, students experience the structure of a 180-day school year with the flexibility of online learning, take six courses per semester, and earn their diploma upon meeting graduation requirements. Alternatively, students looking to incorporate one or more individual online courses as part of their education plan for the spring semester can enroll in FLVS Flex year-round.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and individual course flexible options for grades K-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, electives/specials, world languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using award-winning curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success. Plus, students can participate in more than 60 clubs from gardening to coding, and more.

While families are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by November 18, those that need additional time have until March 3, 2023, to enroll their K-12 students. However, if families apply later than November 18, it is not guaranteed that their students will be enrolled in time for the start of the spring semester. 

To learn more about FLVS Full Time, FLVS Flex, and other options, visit flvs.net/online-school-options. Students outside of Florida can also enroll through FLVS Global School; visit flvsglobal.net for more information.


New Florida Virtual School Courses Focus on Increasing Engagement and Helping Students Prepare for Their Future

Jun 07, 2022

Courses include Digital Art Imaging, Health Science Foundations, Hebrew 2, and More, Giving Students the Choice to Learn About What Interests Them

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To give students more choice in what and how they like to learn, Florida Virtual School is launching new courses for the 2022-23 school year with an emphasis on elective courses that allow students to discover their passions and interests before heading off to college and/or the workforce.

More than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, educators agree that student engagement is critical to their achievement and success. In fact, according to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center, after the first half of the 2021-22 school year, Kindergarten-12th grade student motivation and morale were significantly lower than they were prior to the pandemic for several reasons, including low engagement.

Additional research confirms the positive impact providing courses that align with students’ interests has on their engagement. Author and award-winning middle school teacher Heather Wolpert-Gawron conducted a nationwide survey of sixth-12th graders to understand what engages them most as learners. The top response was student choice. And, according to education researcher Robert Marzano, choice “has also been linked to increases in student effort, task performance, and subsequent learning.”

The new Florida Virtual School courses are a mix of career and technical education, art, accelerated, and World Languages that give students the time and space they need to explore what interests them and what they want to do after high school. The courses are now open for enrollment, tuition-free for Florida students, and include:

New Career and Technical Education Courses (High School-Level):

  • Accounting Applications 1 - Students will learn the basics of accounting, which can help them start and run a business, get a head start in college courses, and teach them how to create a personal budget. The course also focuses on transferable skills in communication, ethics, problem solving, organizational skills, and time management. Plus, students have the opportunity to earn an industry certification in QuickBooks. Accounting Applications 1 is part of the Finance Program of Study and is an Honors level course.
  • Health Science Foundations - For students who have a passion for helping people, this is the perfect course to learn what it takes to be a healthcare professional. Students will learn first aid skills, what it means to have a healthy lifestyle, explore the responsibilities of healthcare professionals, and more. Health Science Foundations is part of the Allied Health Assisting Program of Study and is an Honors level course.
  • Introduction to the Teaching Profession - Designed to explore what it takes to be a teacher, students can discover the technical and soft skills needed to become a professional educator, and get field experience in a variety of settings. Introduction to the Teaching Profession is part of the Principles of Teaching Program of Study.
  • Technology for Hospitality and Tourism - This course focuses on how technology impacts the tourism industry. Students will learn the computer technology and computer-related skills necessary to succeed in tourism. Students can also earn an E-commerce Specialist certification. Technology for Hospitality and Tourism is part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program of Study.

New Art Courses:

  • M/J Digital Art and Design 1 - Students transfer their art skills from a sketchbook to the computer screen and create digital still images in this middle school course. Using computers, digital cameras, digital software and more, students can create original work and measure their artistic growth through the critique process and hands-on activities.
  • Digital Art Imaging 1 - Everyday students interact with digital art, and in this high school course, students can learn how to create it by exploring the fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques of digital imaging. This course fulfills a performing/fine art requirement for graduation.

New World Language Course:

  • Hebrew 2 - Florida Virtual School has expanded its extensive World Language catalog and the Hebrew Program with the addition of Hebrew 2. This high school-level course builds on student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills acquired in Hebrew 1 while exploring Israeli culture around the globe.

New Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Courses: *Only available for FLVS Full Time students in grades 9-10.

  • Cambridge AICE Environmental Management AS - FLVS Full Time high school students who are ready to build a brighter and more sustainable future can learn research methods, scientific processes, how to evaluate strategies, and create solutions to take on the global problems facing humanity in this course.
  • Cambridge AICE Media Studies AS - From printed newspapers to podcasts, FLVS Full Time high school students can uncover the impact of media across cultures and daily life in this course. Students can also develop a deeper understanding of international media by engaging with a variety of media products and concepts.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, elective/specials, World Languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using award-winning curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success. Plus, students can participate in more than 60 clubs from gardening, to coding, and more.

Enrollment for the FLVS Full Time option is now open, while families that would like to incorporate one or more individual online courses as part of their education plan for the upcoming school year, can enroll in FLVS Flex year-round. Students outside of Florida can also enroll through FLVS Global School; visit flvsglobal.net for more information.

To learn more about FLVS Full Time, FLVS Flex and other options, visit flvs.net/online-school-options.


Enrollment for Florida Virtual School Full Time is Now Open

May 17, 2022

Families have until July 15 to enroll their Kindergarten-12th grade students in Florida’s full-time and flexible online option 

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As the 2021-22 school year comes to an end, Kindergarten – 12th grade students can now enroll in Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Full Time for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. The enrollment deadline is July 15, giving families the time they need to make the decision that works best for them. With FLVS Full Time, students experience the structure of a 180-day school year with the flexibility of online learning, take six courses per semester, and earn their diploma upon meeting graduation requirements. Alternatively, students looking to incorporate one or more individual online courses as part of their education plan for the upcoming school year can enroll in FLVS Flex year-round.

After more than two years of the pandemic, thousands more students and parents have seen the benefits of online learning, including better and more communication between parents and teachers, comprehensive and engaging courses, an individualized experience that allows for more meaningful one-on-one time between students and teachers, flexibility as to where, when, and how students learn, and more.

In fact, the FLVS Full Time student count has nearly doubled over the past two years – from 5,770 student completions in the 2019-20 school year to more than 10,500 students expected to complete this year. Plus, this year’s FLVS Full Time graduating class is the largest ever – with a total of 1,345 students.

“For more than 20 years I’ve seen the positive impact of online learning, and now that families gleaned greater insight into their kids’ learning by virtue of being at home together, they’re seeing the benefits too,” said Robin Winder, Senior Director of Instruction for Florida Virtual School. “It’s exciting to see that enrollment has stayed relatively the same over the past two years for our full-time school because it shows that what we’re doing is making a difference in the lives of students and families.”

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, elective/specials, world languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using award-winning curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success. Plus, students can participate in more than 60 clubs from gardening, to coding, and more.

To learn more about FLVS Full Time, FLVS Flex and other options, visit flvs.net/online-school-options. Students outside of Florida can also enroll through FLVS Global School; visit flvsglobal.net for more information.


From Supplemental Digital Courses, to Homeschool Online, and Alternative Education Programs, Students Can Choose Their Own Path at Florida Virtual School

Apr 27, 2022

The School’s Flexible Option Provides Students with Year-Round Access, Individualized Teacher Support, and the Ability to Take One or Multiple Courses Throughout the Year

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With the finish line for this school year quickly approaching, families with children in Kindergarten-12th grade can enroll for the 2022-23 school year or this summer in Florida Virtual School (FLVS), joining the school’s Flex online option that allows families to enroll year-round, work at their own pace, and incorporate one or more courses as part of their education plan.

In a survey conducted by National School Choice Week, 52% of American parents considered finding a new or different school for their child within the past year, with 26% considering full-time online school and 25% looking into full-time homeschooling. These numbers highlight that after more than two full years of educational change due to the pandemic, families are re-evaluating to find options that better serve their children’s learning needs.

With FLVS Flex, students can either supplement their learning with digital courses while still attending their traditional in-person school, be a homeschool student using FLVS digital curriculum, or enroll in an alternative education program that uses FLVS curriculum. Below are three examples of current students and how they use FLVS to fit their personal learning style:

Supplemental Courses to Achieve Individualized Learning
Delaney Brown, a 12th grade student at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, FL, has big plans for her future, all thanks to the courses she took through Florida Virtual School. In her freshman year of high school, Delaney began taking supplemental online courses with FLVS Flex. This fall, she will be attending Florida State University where she will study political science and business, with the ultimate goal to become a lawyer.

“I was looking to differentiate myself from other students because that’s what college admissions are looking for,” said Brown. “While all other students are taking the same classes and learning the same concepts, I wanted to take unique online courses like political science and law studies that prepared me for my future. Taking courses online is also preparing me for balancing my course load in college, showing me how to manage my time effectively.”

Homeschooling 2.0
Since Kindergarten, Aiden Cardoza and Sylar “SySy” Borden from Lake County, FL, have been learning online as homeschoolers with FLVS Flex. Aiden, now in fifth grade, and SySy, now in fourth, learn together at home with the guidance of their mothers - Monica and Sofia.

“Someone once told me that one of the most important things to do as a mom is to surround your children with a strong village to help them grow,” said Monica. “FLVS has become our village, with teachers constantly checking in to offer support, as well as teaching our kids that they have a voice and can make a difference in the world.”

At only 11 and 10-years-old, Aiden and SySy are doing just that - making a difference through their YouTube channel and nonprofit, Captain A TV, Inc., created to spread awareness on how to help animals, the environment, and the world. It all began when Aiden learned about the rainforest and endangered animals in one of his FLVS courses. A trip to the Tampa zoo changed everything for the boys, and now they run their own website and social channels, creating videos that discuss important topics like climate change using a kid-friendly approach.

Learning Life Skills Through Alternative Education Programs
Colossal Academy, a microschool located on a farm in Fort Lauderdale, FL, launched in August of 2020 with the mission to place students at the center of their learning through hands-on learning experiences and a project-based approach. As an affiliate of Florida Virtual School, students use FLVS curriculum and have guidance from FLVS teachers, all while learning practical life skills through farming/permaculture, surfing, skateboarding, and mindfulness.

“Our students are thriving in this environment, and we’ve seen their self-esteem and confidence increase. My goal is to help students self-actualize at a younger age, by helping them build strong portfolios and introducing them to purposeful internships,” said Shiren Rattigan, Colossal Academy Director and Founder. “By doing this, students can make a meaningful contribution to the world in careers that are needed to solve some of the most serious challenges, like 3D designers, cybersecurity officers, industrial farmers, and more.”

At Colossal Academy, a typical day starts with students arriving at the farm, doing a physical activity to help them wake up, like yoga, and then start farming. After their lunch break, students take their core classes with Florida Virtual School, meet with Ms. Rattigan one-on-one to discuss what they’re learning, and end the day with cleaning and putting shovels and buckets away since it is an active farm.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, elective/specials, world languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success. Enrollment for FLVS Full Time will open next month, stay tuned for more details.

For more information about FLVS Flex, visit flvs.net.

Click here to view the News Release (PDF)