New homeschoolers often ask what the difference is between FLVS (Florida Virtual School) and FLVS flex. While many consider the curriculum itself to be public school at home, there are ways to use this curriculum as a homeschooler. Is FLVS right for your child? Would FLVS flex be a better fit? Use the information below to decide whether or not you want to utilize this option for your home education program.
FLVS
FLVS follows a curriculum path that mirrors public schools and requires the standard vaccine and doctor physical forms (or exemption forms) just as public and private schools require. FLVS does provide a diploma if your student graduates. Plus, there are guidance counselors who assist your student in making decisions about electives and staying on track for graduation. It can be easier to move from FLVS back to public school if you so choose because your student is on the path they would be on in public school, usually with a full class-load each semester. Plus, end of course exams and FSA assessments are given to FLVS students, just as they are given in public schools.
When taking FLVS classes, the teacher for each course will be in contact with your student regularly to find out how things are going and to do the occasional quiz or test verbally. You and your student can also contact the teacher to chat about any questions that pop up in the coursework. The teachers are busy but are happy to help. Be sure to give them time to respond as they have many, many students.
FLVS Flex
FLVS flex is the way it sounds, more flexible. FLVS flex does use the same curriculum and teachers as FLVS, this is not flexible. However, you may pick and choose classes instead of having to take all courses offered for your middle or high school child’s grade level which is why they termed is FLVS flex. Last time I checked, elementary kids had a general teacher who dealt with all classes and the student was enrolled in the general class. This may change eventually so be sure to research on your own as well before joining in FLVS flex.
As a homeschooler with a letter of intent, you have the option of using FLVS flex for one or more classes. On the other hand, if your child is signed up to homeschool through an umbrella school, that umbrella must have an articulation agreement with FLVS so that your child can take classes. If you choose an umbrella school, ask about this option before signing up. If you want FLVS flex and they have no agreement, then you should choose a different umbrella school or use a letter of intent.
Some homeschool families only use FLVS flex for classes such as photography, foreign languages, and driver’s education. Others use FLVS flex for core classes, too. You may use one or two classes at a time or complete a full course load all at once. Though the pacing is not very flexible, the class choices are very flexible using FLVS flex.
Transcripts
FLVS and FLVS flex keep transcripts for your child. However, if your child earns a poor grade, receives an incomplete, or only uses FLVS/FLVS flex for a short time, you may want to write your own transcripts. This works well for FLVS flex specifically because home education students generally use a transcript their parents write whether they use FLVS flex or not. In this case you may include a marine biology class from FLVS, but not a Spanish I class simply because your child found the coursework to be presented in a way that does not work for them and chose to withdraw and take the class somewhere else or with a tutor. Writing your child’s transcript is also an option if you use FLVS for only part of high school and home or unschool during the rest of high school. If, however, your student uses FLVS and/or public high school for all four years of high school, they are likely wise to use the transcript for college admittance and job interviews.
Keep in Mind
If your student prefers hands-on learning or one-on-one instruction, FLVS and FLVS flex may be difficult for them. This program is mostly online and very comprehensive, so it is best used by those who are self-starters and who are comfortable with online courses. Some students prefer a hard copy of a textbook or hands-on class. FLVS and FLVS flex may not be the best fit in that case.
Also, there have been some issues with instructors not calling students and then kicking them out of classes. Even with proof of no calls, texts, or emails, guidance and principals have been unhelpful in many of these cases. Additionally, many of the online textbooks and materials used are skewed from a colonialist perspective rather than a worldview where all cultures are equal. Keep in mind that you may have to supplement history courses with additional information if you utilize them. I highly suggest the following books to begin:
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States
Are FLVS and FLVS flex Free?
The short answer is yes, FLVS and FLVS flex is free for most students. However, if your student has the Gardiner Scholarship (for some special needs) through Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarships, then there is a fee per class per semester or per year to use FLVS flex. The fee information can be found here. Gardiner students cannot use regular FLVS because they must be home education students to receive the Gardiner Scholarship. This is why FLVS flex is helpful for home education students.
Ultimately the choice is up to you and your student. There is no harm in trying a class, especially if using FLVS flex, and then dropping it if you do not like the program. However, there are other home education curricula available and it is important to understand this this is only one of many options for your family.
If you would like a consultation to help you decide what will work for your student, please contact me through the form at this link. Put my experience to work for you!