What to know if you are considering enrolling your child in virtual school

More than ever parents are opting for virtual school. Lee schools have doubled enrollment from this time last year and the state virtual program has seen a 42-percent increase since last summer.

And there is still time to sign up your kids if you are wanting to enroll them.

There are two places to enroll in online school: The state one, which is Florida virtual school, and your district, like Lee virtual.

“We did Lee Virtual School for 4th and 5th grade, and then Florida Virtual for 6th through 8th grade,” Frannie Shaw said.

“The programs follow the same curriculum and all full-time students must enroll in the core four subjects: math, science, English and social studies,” said a virtual school teacher who talked to WINK News.

And older children also get two electives.

Teachers are the biggest difference when comparing programs. You communicate with them over the phone, text or email.

Teachers with Florida Virtual Full-Time are anywhere in the state and available on school days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lee Virtual teachers work in the county and are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on school days.

And the Florida Virtual Flex program is less structured, offering more flexibility with teacher availability 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday.

The biggest difference is the ability to talk to your teacher face to face with Lee Virtual.

And if you enroll in your district’s virtual school those tax dollars stay within the district, otherwise, they’re sent to Orange County, where the state program is based.

Shaw says before you make any decision make sure you understand it’s still a commitment for you.

“If you chose to do it, you do need to be involved. On weekends, you’re kind of becoming the teacher and making those lesson plans,” Shaw said.

Enrollment in all virtual school is free and they provide you with equipment.

Collier county is transitioning virtual school to a new program created in light of the pandemic called “E-Collier Academy.”

The details of that program will be released next Wednesday.

For more information you can visit the various virtual school webpages in the links below:

Lee Virtual School

Florida Virtual School

Charlotte Virtual School

Collier Virtual School