Florida Online Public / Charter Schools (Orlando, Sarasota: homes, public school, college)

[Needachange03]

I'm considering a move to the Orlando area with my wife and three kids. We are currently in northeast PA and the kids are attending PACyber Charter School. My oldest, in 2nd grade, loves the virtual class setting and we've found the program works great for us. Through my research online, I see that there are a number of options for online public / charter schools in Florida. I was wondering if anyone here has any real experience with any of them, specifically for the K-8 grade range? Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated!

[mylittletyguy]

So, my son attends a charter school in sarasota county and it has left a TON to be desired. My friend is a teacher in Polk county for the 5th grade, and I have spoken to her on many levels as to the school system here in FL in general.

Our consensus is that, if she didn't have to work...her kids would be in the virtual school.

We are going to be moving within a few months from Sarasota county to Lake county and we plan on enrolling our kids in the Florida Virtual school.

I have no specific real life experience on the virtual option, but anyone and everyone that I have spoken to about it speak of it in high regard.

[Needachange03]

I know about Connections Academy (FVS's partner provider) since they are available here in PA. They were our second choice behind PACyber, mostly because we preferred their curriculum choices when my oldest started pre-K. My wife and I would definitely prefer to continue our kids' online education and going with Connections would not be bad in our opinion. Would love to hear from anyone who currently has their kids enrolled there (FVS), especially in the 1st through 4th grades, but again, any input is appreciated!

[forevermickey]

What is the difference in education they receive (btwn Florida virtual school and actually being in a Florida classroom)?

[Needachange03]

I couldn't say what the difference is in Florida. In PA, the curriculum is different (less common core, more traditional coursework) and they have the ability to take elective-type courses much earlier than the public school kids. We also like having the flexibility of being able to attend class from wherever online.

[beckycat]

My son took some of his high school classes through FVS. I was very pleased with the outcome. He got a lot of one on one with the teacher. The teacher talks to the student on the phone and makes the student explain the work to make sure they know it before they can move on. If you can keep up with the timing of getting the work in, it's a good option.

They also offer virtual classes to help with tutoring. You can work with the teacher or other students live online if you don't understand something. There are many options. I feel sometimes when a student is in a large class and doesn't understand, they fall behind because teachers can only do so much with so many students. I just like the idea that you can all the teacher up until 8PM with any questions.

[Plibster]

Both of my high school kids are in the FLVS Home School program and love it. Basically it is the same as FLVS but we don't do the testing like FCAT and such. I have homeschooled the kids for 8 years and wanted their junior and senior year to be online under other teachers to get them ready for college. They have done great. The teachers call them for assessments and the kids can text or webmail their teachers if they are having issues or need more guidance. We are very pleased with their education thus far. Good luck!