By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School

As a statewide public school district, FLVS Full Time supports students academically and socially with certified teachers, counselors, and a full calendar of school experiences.

Open enrollment for students and families interested in applying for Florida Virtual School Full Time Public Schools (FLVS Full Time) for the 2026-27 school year will begin June 1. 

FLVS Full Time is a statewide, tuition‑free online public school district that serves nearly 10,000 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and employs more than 500 Florida-certified teachers. Students experience school much like students in traditional public schools, following a 180‑day school calendar. FLVS is the only fully virtual school district in the state and is recognized as a national leader in online education.

“Families who choose FLVS Full Time are choosing a public school option that balances flexibility with accountability, and personalized instruction with clear expectations,” said Katie Santana, senior director of instruction for FLVS Full Time. 

As the upcoming open enrollment period approaches, families are encouraged to consider how FLVS Full Time may work for their family and review eligibility requirements, required documentation, and application timelines on the FLVS website.

What to Know About FLVS Full Time Enrollment

What “Full Time” Means

Enrolled full-time in FLVS Full Time Public Schools,  students earn academic credits each semester and meet Florida’s public school requirements for attendance, assessment, and graduation.

During the school year, students take core and elective courses, receive grades/credit, attend live lessons with teachers and classmates, receive regular feedback from Florida‑certified teachers, and progress toward promotion or graduation based on Florida state standards. 

Learn more: What Is FLVS Full Time?

FLVS Full Time Public Schools

FLVS Full Time students are considered public school students, so there is no tuition. The district has an elementary, middle, and high school, each fully staffed with a principal, administrators, teachers, and support specialists, including Exceptional Student Education (ESE) staff. Additionally, school counselors guide students academically and socially throughout the school year. 

The district is run by Superintendent and CEO Dr. Louis Algaze and the FLVS Board of Trustees.

FLVS offers more than 200 courses, including world languages and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Advanced academic options include Advanced Placement® (AP®), Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma program, and dual enrollment through partner state colleges.

As public school students, FLVS Full Time students are eligible to participate in extracurricular sports at their zoned school, subject to district policies.

Eligibility Requirements for FLVS Full Time

FLVS Full Time is available to eligible Florida residents. Enrollment requirements vary by grade level and include proof of age, residency, immunization records, and academic history. Some grade levels or programs have additional eligibility criteria.

Application Windows and Enrollment Timing

FLVS Full Time applications are accepted twice per year during specific enrollment windows, typically prior to the start of the school year and the second semester. Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment, as applications are reviewed and approved based on eligibility criteria.

School Year Calendar

FLVS Full Time follows a structured academic calendar. Families are encouraged to review key dates and understand expectations around attendance, holidays, and teacher availability.

Important 2026-27 dates:

• First day of school: Aug. 19, 2026
• Labor Day: Sept. 7, 2026 (no school, offices closed)
• Veterans Day: Nov. 11, 2026 (no school, offices closed)
• Thanksgiving break: Nov. 23–27, 2026 (no school, offices closed)
• First semester ends: Dec. 17, 2026
• Winter break: Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027 (no school, offices closed)
• First day of second semester: Jan. 6, 2027
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 18, 2027 (no school, offices closed)
• Presidents' Day: Feb. 15, 2027 (no school, offices closed)
• Spring break: March 15–19, 2027 (no school, offices closed)
• Memorial Day: May 31, 2027 (no school, offices closed)
• Last day of school/second semester ends: June 4, 2027

Teacher in‑service days:

• Sept. 15-17, 2026
• Jan. 4-5, 2027
• June 7-9, 2027

Students may continue working during holidays, school breaks, and teacher in‑service days; however, teachers are not available.

Daily Schedule and Student Engagement

While FLVS Full Time offers flexibility in how students manage their time, students follow a defined academic schedule with pacing and attendance expectations. Students complete lessons, submit assignments, take assessments, and communicate regularly with teachers. Instructional support, academic guidance, and live learning opportunities are built into the school experience. Regular engagement is essential to staying on track and making academic progress.

Live Lessons

Live lessons give FLVS Full Time students the opportunity to learn in real time with their teachers and classmates, helping make online learning feel more personal and connected. Held via Zoom, these interactive sessions allow students to ask questions, join class discussions, and receive immediate feedback. Live lessons also include activities like polls and group conversations that keep students engaged and actively learning. While participation expectations vary by grade level, students must join from a quiet space with a video-capable device.

Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs)

Discussion‑based Assessments, or DBAs, are one‑on‑one conversations by phone or Zoom between students and their teachers designed to check understanding in a more personal, interactive way. Rather than taking a traditional test, students talk through what they have learned, ask questions, and demonstrate their knowledge while receiving real‑time feedback and support from their teacher.

Explore schedules:

• A Day in the Life: Grades K–5

• A Day in the Life: Grades 6–12

Technology Requirements

Students must have reliable internet access and meet basic technology requirements to participate in online coursework. Supported operating systems include Windows 1, macOS Ventura (13), macOS Sonoma (14), and macOS Sequoia (15). Google Chromebooks are not to be used due to technical limitations and incompatibility with progress monitoring platforms. Families are encouraged to review technology expectations in advance to ensure students are prepared for full‑time online learning.

Assessment, Accountability, and Graduation Requirements

FLVS Full Time follows all Florida state curriculum and accountability requirements. Students participate in required state assessments, including Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring and End‑of‑Course (EOC) exams, when applicable. Assessments are administered in person at the student's zoned school or designated testing site.

Graduates earn a standard Florida high school diploma issued by FLVS Full Time Public Schools and are invited to an in‑person FLVS Full Time High School graduation ceremony held each May at the University of Central Florida.

Student Support Services

Students have access to a range of support services, including school counseling, academic support, and services for eligible students with disabilities, such as Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations. These services are designed to support student success in an online learning environment.

Clubs, Activities, and Student Connections

Across all grade levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade, FLVS Full Time students enjoy opportunities to connect beyond the virtual classroom through clubs, activities, and school-sponsored events. While our middle and high schoolers benefit from an even broader range of social programming, students of every age can find a community to call their own. These opportunities help students build connections and engage with peers across Florida. With more than 80 student clubs and activities, ranging from robotics and creative writing to coding and art, there's something for every student.

Determining Whether FLVS Full Time Is the Right Fit

FLVS Full Time works best for students who can stay organized, manage deadlines, and engage consistently in an online learning environment, with family support as needed. Families are encouraged to consider their student’s learning style, academic needs, and daily routines when deciding whether full‑time online learning is the right option.

Looking for individual courses instead? Families interested in individual online courses may want to explore FLVS Flex. FLVS Flex allows eligible students to enroll in one or more online courses on a flexible, year‑round schedule to supplement their current traditional schooling, support their homeschool curriculum, or meet specific academic needs. Learn more at www.flvs.net/enrollment/flex.

About the Author: Content and Public Relations Specialist at Florida Virtual School, Katie Hodgins, leverages her extensive experience and passion for storytelling to highlight the people, places, and opportunities that define the FLVS community. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is proud to have planted roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.