Online high schools in Florida
Florida Virtual School is the largest online public school in the nation, according to the Sunshine State's Department of Education. Virtual public education in Florida is offered through several different set-ups:
- Florida Virtual School or FLVS offers programs of the "classic" and full-time variety. Operating year-round, FLVS teaches K-12 public, private and home-schooled students.
- District Virtual Education operates the Virtual Instruction Program or VIP, where high school students are measured by state or AP assessments; district franchises use FLVS curriculum; and all grade levels can receive part-time instruction.
- Virtual Charter Schools combine classroom and online instruction at the district level. They are open to students enrolled in traditional charter schools.
Eligibility for Florida online high schools
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to attend online high schools in Florida:
- Enrolled in a public school or virtual school in the prior year
- Have a sibling who is currently enrolled or was enrolled in a virtual school program in the prior year
- A dependent of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who moved to the state within the past 12 months
Florida resident students in public, private and charter schools are eligible for free access to the FLVS. Priority is given to the following students:
- home-schooled
- seeking early graduation
- enrolled in low-performing schools or at schools with limited course offerings
Students can also enroll in online classes to make up credits and to take Advanced Placement classes.
Technology available at Florida Virtual School
On the cutting edge of technology, FLVS offers its students a variety of mobile applications from iTunes and the Android store to computer applications from AppUp. The school is also collaborating with the Florida Department of Education to provide the state's high school students with educational videos and podcasts from iTunesU.