What Florida Virtual School Is and Who Can Attend

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a tuition-free online public school run by the state of Florida. It serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade and is open to Florida residents. FLVS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACSCIS), meaning its diplomas and course credits are recognized by colleges and other schools.

FLVS operates as a full-time school option, though some students take individual courses while attending a brick-and-mortar school part-time. The school uses a self-paced model, which means students move through lessons at their own speed within a term rather than sitting in live classes at set times. Teachers are available for live office hours, one-on-one help, and feedback on assignments, but attendance at specific class periods is not required.

To attend FLVS, you must be a Florida resident. Proof of residency — such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement — is part of the enrollment process. Students who move out of Florida during the school year may finish the term but cannot re-enroll the following year unless they return to the state.

Key Takeaways

  • FLVS is a free public school for Florida residents in grades K–12 that operates entirely online with a self-paced curriculum.
  • Enrollment happens through the FLVS website and requires proof of Florida residency; the school accepts students year-round for some grade levels.
  • Students work through lessons independently but have access to live teacher office hours, email support, and one-on-one tutoring sessions.
  • FLVS requires regular progress toward course completion and may disenroll students who do not submit work or log in for extended periods.
  • Transcripts, diplomas, and course credits from FLVS are recognized by Florida colleges and universities and transfer to other schools.

How to Enroll in FLVS

Enrollment at FLVS begins on the school's website at flvs.net. You create a parent account (if your child is under 18) or a student account and provide basic information: the student's name, date of birth, grade level, and proof of Florida residency. The residency document can be uploaded during the process process.

FLVS accepts new students on a rolling basis, meaning enrollment does not close after a set date. However, the school does have capacity limits for some grade levels and courses, so availability can vary. Once your process is submitted, FLVS staff review it and send a decision by email, usually within a few business days.

After acceptance, you receive login credentials for the student and parent portals. The parent portal lets you track your child's progress, see grades, and communicate with teachers. The student portal is where coursework, lessons, and assignments appear. Most students start within one to two weeks of acceptance, though the exact start date depends on the term and grade level.

Course Structure and Pacing

FLVS courses are organized into terms, typically lasting 18 weeks for full-year courses or 9 weeks for semester courses. Within each term, students have flexibility to work at their own pace — there are no set class meeting times. A student might complete three lessons in one week and one lesson the next, as long as they stay on track to finish by the term end date.

Each course includes video lessons, interactive activities, quizzes, and major assignments or exams. Teachers grade work and provide written feedback within a few days. Students can submit assignments multiple times in some cases, and teachers often allow revisions before the final grade is recorded.

FLVS also offers live synchronous sessions — optional classes held at scheduled times where students can ask questions and get real-time instruction. These sessions are recorded, so students who cannot attend live can watch later. Additionally, students can schedule one-on-one tutoring sessions with their teacher or request help via email.

Costs and What Is Included

FLVS tuition is free for Florida residents attending as full-time students. The school does not charge per course, per term, or for enrollment. This is because FLVS is funded by the state through the Florida Education Finance Program, which allocates money based on student enrollment.

What is included in the free enrollment: all course materials, access to the learning platform, teacher instruction and feedback, and the diploma upon graduation. Students do not need to purchase textbooks or pay for access codes.

Some costs may fall to families outside of tuition. If a student needs a computer or internet connection, those are the family's responsibility. FLVS does not provide devices or internet service. Additionally, some courses — particularly in career and technical education — may have optional lab fees or material costs, though these are rare and typically disclosed before enrollment.

Attendance and Progress Requirements

FLVS does not track attendance in the traditional sense, but the school does monitor student engagement and progress. Students are expected to log in regularly and submit work according to course important date. The school defines "regular progress" as completing assignments and assessments on schedule within each term.

If a student does not log in or submit work for 10 consecutive calendar days, FLVS sends a warning email to the parent and student. If inactivity continues for 20 consecutive days, the school may disenroll the student from that course or from FLVS entirely. This policy exists to may support that students who are not actively learning do not occupy enrollment slots.

Students who fall behind on coursework can request an extension or a term withdrawal, but these must be requested before the term ends. Withdrawing from a course does not affect the student's record; the course straightforward does not appear on the transcript. Failing a course does appear on the transcript.

Grades, Credits, and Transcripts

FLVS uses a standard letter-grade system: A, B, C, D, F. Grades are based on quizzes, assignments, and major exams or projects, weighted according to each course's syllabus. A passing grade is D or higher; a grade of D or F does not earn credit toward graduation but may count toward GPA depending on the student's school district's policy.

Each course completed successfully earns credit toward graduation. High school students need 24 credits to graduate from FLVS and receive a Florida Virtual School diploma. Credits earned at FLVS transfer to other Florida public schools and are recognized by Florida colleges. If a student transfers to a traditional school, the receiving school evaluates FLVS credits and typically accepts them at face value.

Official transcripts are available through the student portal and can be sent directly to colleges or other schools. FLVS also issues an official diploma upon graduation, which is mailed to the student's address on file.

Support Services and Special Circumstances

FLVS provides academic support through multiple channels. Teachers hold office hours (live sessions where students can ask questions), respond to emails within 24 hours on school days, and offer one-on-one tutoring by appointment. The school also has a student services team that handles scheduling, course changes, and enrollment questions.

Students with documented disabilities may receive accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Accommodations might include extended time on exams, modified assignments, or access to assistive technology. Parents should disclose any disability during enrollment or contact student services to discuss what accommodations are available.

FLVS also serves students who are homebound due to illness or injury, students who are working or have other commitments that make traditional school difficult, and students who prefer self-paced learning. The school does not require a reason for enrollment; any Florida resident can attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child take FLVS courses while attending a traditional public school?

Yes. FLVS offers a part-time enrollment option where students take individual courses while remaining enrolled at their home school. Your child's school district must approve dual enrollment, and some districts have restrictions on which courses can be taken at FLVS. Contact your school district's enrollment office to confirm their policy before enrolling at FLVS.

What if my child needs a computer or internet?

FLVS does not provide computers or internet service. However, some Florida school districts loan devices to FLVS students, and some public libraries offer free internet access. Contact your local school district or library to ask about device lending programs in your area.

How does FLVS handle high school graduation requirements?

FLVS follows Florida's high school graduation requirements, which include 24 credits, a passing score on the Florida Assessment of Student Performance (FLASP) in English and math, and completion of a college and career planning course. FLVS offers all required courses, and the school's guidance counselors help students plan their four-year course sequence to meet graduation requirements on time.

Can my child transfer back to a traditional school after attending FLVS?

Yes. FLVS credits transfer to other Florida public schools. When your child enrolls at a traditional school, the receiving school reviews the FLVS transcript and accepts credits that match its course offerings. There is no penalty for transferring, and the student's GPA transfers as well.

What happens if my child fails a course at FLVS?

A failing grade appears on the transcript and does not earn credit toward graduation. The student must retake the course to earn credit. FLVS allows students to retake courses, and some students retake a course in the same term if they have time. The new grade replaces the old one on the transcript.