By: Florida Virtual School

Today’s students are growing up in a world that’s more connected, more personalized, and more dynamic than ever, and their education should reflect that. In celebration of National Distance Learning Week, we’re highlighting how Florida Virtual School (FLVS) offers a cutting-edge approach to learning that provides families with the flexibility, support, and academic excellence they seek, empowering school choice throughout Florida. 

Whether your child is enrolled in a traditional brick-and-mortar school and wants to supplement their learning with individual courses, or you're exploring a full-time online public school, FLVS has an option that suits your needs.

FLVS is a fully accredited public school option available to all Florida students, and it’s designed to meet families where they are.

Why Online Learning Works

Online learning isn’t just convenient, it’s proven to help students thrive. Recent research indicates that integrating digital learning tools has a positive impact on academic achievement, increases motivation, and fosters student autonomy in learning.  At FLVS, these benefits are reflected in student performance: FLVS learners consistently rank among the best in the state on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments, demonstrating the power of a well-supported virtual learning environment.  

Here’s why families are choosing FLVS

• Flexibility and freedom
  Students can learn when they’re most focused, whether that’s early morning or late evening. This flexibility helps students balance academics with sports, travel, health needs, or other commitments. Research published by Springer confirms that flexible pacing in online learning environments can lead to improved academic outcomes.
  

• Personalized learning paths
  With more than 200 courses to choose from, students can explore electives, accelerate their learning, or receive extra support, all at their own pace. A comparative study of FLVS and traditional schools found that FLVS students in core subjects, such as Algebra and English, performed as well or better than their peers in brick-and-mortar schools.
  

• One-on-one teacher support that builds confidence
  FLVS teachers are Florida-certified and trained to support students in a virtual environment. They provide personalized feedback, one-on-one help sessions, and regular communication to ensure every student feels supported. The FLVS Research and Evaluation Team has documented how this individualized support boosts student confidence and performance.
  

• Live lessons that bring learning to life
  Weekly live lessons are required for Full Time Public Schools (elementary, middle, and select high school students) and available as an option for FLVS Flex students. These sessions offer real-time instruction, peer interaction, and opportunities to ask questions, helping students stay engaged and connected. According to a white paper published by FLVS, collaborative learning in online environments fosters deeper engagement and improves student outcomes by combining real-time instruction with peer interaction and teacher support.
  

• Socialization that supports growth
  Online learning doesn’t mean learning alone. FLVS offers a vibrant community where students can build friendships, collaborate, and grow socially:

• Clubs and extracurriculars — from coding and art to leadership and service
• Field trips and events
• Group projects and class discussions
• Peer mentoring and study groups

Research indicates that students who feel socially connected are more likely to remain motivated and achieve academic success. A 2025 study found that social presence in online learning significantly boosts student satisfaction and engagement.

Two Ways to Learn with FLVS

FLVS offers flexible options to meet your family's needs, both are fully online, and students are fully supported:

• Flex (Individual Courses): Enroll anytime in any of our 200 tuition-free* courses. Ideal for students in traditional schools who want to strengthen their skills, advance academically, or explore new subjects. Flex is also a great option for homeschool families seeking additional learning opportunities. Courses are free to students who do not receive a Florida School Choice Scholarship. *Unique requirements apply to Florida students who receive scholarship funding.
  
  
• Full Time Public Schools: Applications for second semester enrollment are now open. This is a comprehensive, tuition-free public school that follows a traditional 180-day calendar and awards diplomas to students who meet graduation requirements at an optional in-person graduation ceremony held each May. 

As we recognize National Distance Learning Week, it’s clear that online education is more than a trend; it’s a transformative opportunity for students across Florida. With flexible options, personalized support, and a proven track record of success, FLVS continues to empower families to choose the learning path that’s right for them. Whether you're seeking enrichment, acceleration, or a full-time public school, FLVS is here to help your child thrive.