By: Hailey Lawson, Communications Specialist, Florida Vritual School

A Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Full Time 2026 graduate, Iris Alexandra Fernandez Godwin, poses in front of club displays at the 2026 Club Awards, held May 14 in Orlando. The annual event recognizes student involvement and achievements across FLVS clubs.

As families prepare for the 2026–27 school year, understanding how clubs operate and what each one offers can help parents and students select activities that fit their interests and schedules. 

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) offers more than 80 clubs and activities across academics, arts, athletics, career‑focused interests, honors, language, service, special interests, and technology, giving learners opportunities to build skills, explore interests, and connect with peers outside the virtual classroom

Club Rush, a virtual event held at the start of the school year, is one way Full Time and Flex families can preview available clubs and learn about meeting schedules and expectations before choosing where to get involved.  

Middle and high school Club Rush is scheduled for Sept. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT, and elementary Club Rush will take place Sept. 11 from 10 to 11 a.m. EDT. During each session, families can hear from club sponsors, learn about meeting expectations, and ask questions before registration opens. Recordings will be posted on the Club Rush webpage for those unable to attend live.

Families will also have the opportunity to learn about three new clubs available to Full Time and Flex students: 

• Scribble Squad - A writing club available for both Full Time and Flex students in grades Kindergarten through fifth. 

• Music Makers - A music club available for both Full Time and Flex students, in grades third through fifth. 

• Math and Money Lab - A financial literacy and stock market club available for Full Time and Flex students in grades sixth through 12th.

“Clubs give students a place to connect, try new things, and discover what they enjoy,” said Mae Martin, FLVS Student Activities Manager. “There’s truly something for every interest, and Club Rush helps families see all the possibilities.” 

Questions to Ask During Club Rush

Club Rush also provides an opportunity to ask practical questions before registering. Families may want to confirm:

• Meeting frequency and schedule

• Typical meeting activities

• Requirements such as grade level, GPA, fees, or equipment

• Eligibility for FLVS Flex, FLVS Full Time, or both

• Technology needs, such as software or applications

• In‑person components tied to the club

A club may sound appealing, but the best choice is one that a student can realistically participate in throughout the year.

Questions to Consider Before Joining

As families review club options, a few practical questions can help determine which activities may be the best fit for the school year.

1. Student interests  

Clubs tend to be most meaningful when they align with a student’s current interests or goals. With more than 80 options available, students can usually find a club connected to a favorite subject, hobby, or future aspiration.

2. Purpose for joining  

Students participate in clubs for different reasons—meeting new people, competing or performing, developing leadership skills, or simply staying engaged through a lower‑pressure activity. Understanding that purpose can help narrow the choices.

3. Schedule fit  

Most clubs meet online once or twice a month using Zoom, and some include in‑person competitions or events. Families can review meeting details using the Find a Club feature on the FLVS Clubs and Activities page. Students with full course schedules or other commitments should consider whether they can attend regularly and stay involved.

Once families have answers to these questions, it becomes easier to identify clubs that match a student’s interests and availability.

Choosing the Right Number of Clubs

FLVS elementary students may join up to two clubs, while middle and high school students may join up to four. After Club Rush, students can apply using the registration link provided by FLVS and may rank multiple club choices on the application. Students renew their club selections each year, so records remain current, and families can choose options that fit the new school year.

For students new to extracurricular activities, starting with one or two clubs may be the most manageable approach. Consistent participation in a small number of clubs is often easier than joining several and struggling to stay involved. The most suitable club is one that aligns with a student’s interests, fits their schedule, and supports regular participation. Club Rush gives families an opportunity to review available options, ask questions, and identify clubs that may be a good fit for the year ahead.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities report a stronger sense of belonging, improved social skills, and higher engagement in school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). NCES studies also link club involvement with better attendance and increased academic persistence, underscoring the role these activities play in supporting students’ overall development. Additional research shows that participants in extracurricular activities are 20 percent less likely to report feelings of social isolation, and many students report increased confidence after just a year of involvement.

More information, including registration links and recordings, is available on the FLVS Club Rush webpage for families reviewing club options for the new school year.