Virtual Schools

Florida offers two tuition-free virtual schools for grades K through 8. While the parent is actively involved in teaching his/her student at home, these are not truly homeschooling programs. The child is enrolled in public school and as such, has to take the FCAT or other tests. The parent must attend certain events, have semimonthly conference calls, and must also provide work samples on a monthly basis. The child must progress at the pace set by the program. So, while the curriculum is free, the family loses much of the freedom cherished by homeschoolers. The programs currently available are listed below.

Florida Virtual Academy
Connections Academy

Both of the virtual academies use internet connections to deliver part of their lessons and to track grades and progress. Both schools also offer supplemental classes including cooking, genealogy, patriotism, and more.

Florida Virtual Academy is supported by K12, the company founded by Bill Bennett, former Secretary of Education. The lesson plan that K12 follows is based upon the Core Knowledge sequence that may be found in E.D. Hirsch's books, available in our library system. The K12 curricula may be purchased by subject or grade by families who like the curricula but do not want supervision by the state. It can be pricey, but many specials are available, especially during the winter for the following school year.

Connections Academy has Calvert School's curricula as its base with additional material from other vendors. Connections Academy does not offer its program outside of the public virtual school environment.