Virtual School 101
Thank you for your interest in online learning. For
over a decade, Lee Virtual School (LVS) has sought to innovate learning for
students in grades Kindergarten through 12. Prior to making a decision as
important as what type of school a student will attend, it is important to know
as much as possible about the school and how learning works. The
following is a collection of many years of questions from students, parents,
and community members. The answers provided are meant for informational and clarification
purposes. If you have additional questions or to request enrollment
information, please contact our office at 239.337.8178.
What is a
virtual school?
By definition, virtual education is teaching and learning
in which students and teachers are separated by space and/or time. In its
purest form, teachers and students have no physical contact during the
instruction process. Historically, virtual education took the form of “distance
learning,” or “correspondence classes.” With the advent of computers, the
internet, smartphones, tablets, etc., virtual education has become the
fastest-growing form of education in North America.
How can there
be a full-time virtual school and part-time virtual?
All
students in Florida can request one or more online courses as part of or in
addition to their school day. Home Education, Private and Charter school
students can also take one or more public virtual courses and receive credit
for them. These are all examples of “part-time” virtual enrollments. A “full
time” virtual student is actually enrolled with a district virtual school such
as Lee Virtual School. Their records including course progression,
attendance, identification, and testing are managed by the school the same way
as any other public school.
What are the differences between virtual school and Home
School?
Home education is a
parent-directed education. Homeschool parents can choose an individualized
curriculum that reflects their own beliefs and ideas as they see fit to their
child’s learning style. Parents are the teachers in home education. Home
education might not necessarily reflect the same grade levels in place at
formal school settings. Parents monitor attendance and progress and obtain and
direct all curriculum and activities. Curriculum, materials, and activities are
all organized and paid for by the homeschool parent. The parent is solely
responsible for the instruction progress and record keeping. These can come
from a variety of places including faith-based resources and curricula.
In contrast, a virtual public
school is a structured public school within the home of each participant. The
virtual public school provides a complete and comprehensive curriculum that is
on par with equal courses in a traditional school environment. This curriculum contains
the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values their child must acquire. All
materials are provided by the school. Virtual school students move at a minimum
predetermined pace and meet specific chronological benchmarks and performance
assessments. A certified teacher provides instruction and oversees the
curriculum and progress of the student. The faith-based curriculum
cannot be provided by the district. Full-time virtual students have access to
additional activities including field trips, clubs, academic days, award and
graduation ceremonies, that are not available to home education students.
Full-time virtual students have an assigned school counselor for educational
and curriculum guidance and assist with placement in courses and college.
Who takes virtual courses?
Students and families seeking
quality education through a flexible format are potential Lee Virtual School
(LVS) students. LVS students are students who benefit from individualized
instruction. Typically, these include athletes, performers, and students with
commitments outside of the educational environment to their faith, family or
personal goals that preclude them from learning according to a traditional
daily school schedule. LVS enrolls highly motivated students who prefer to accelerate,
students who travel, students with medical issues, and homeschooled students.
How does it
work?
The Lee Virtual School (LVS) has full time elementary,
middle and high school as well as part-time options. Although all are
administered from the same office and focus on students independently achieving
their fullest potential, the operation of each program is slightly different.
LVS Elementary is mainly a full time, K through 5 learning option that
utilizes indirect instruction and a combination of a book based and online
resources. Some courses can be used in a part-time capacity. It is very
challenging from a scheduling and teaching perspective to utilize part-time
online courses for students younger than 4th grade.
LVS full-time 6-12 is completely online and, like
elementary, is the student’s school of enrollment. Full-time students do not
attend a brick and mortar school at all. Students typically work at home, under
the supervision of a learning coach. A learning coach is an adult (usually a parent)
that is responsible for making sure that the student stays on pace and in
regular contact with teachers. At the elementary level, this learning coach is
the actual facilitator of learning. That is, the learning coach is responsible
for preparing each day's learning activities and providing most of the face to
face instruction for the student. As students progress through grade levels,
they become more independent and require less instructional assistance. By the
time students are in grade 6, they work in an autonomous, direct instruction
online environment. They receive all instruction from their teacher and online
courseware. Aside from some novels for Language Arts/English courses and AP
Course materials, the curriculum for grades 6-12 is entirely online. It is
accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days/week, 365 days per year. This creates
universal access in which an independent learner will thrive and achieve at a
rate that is difficult to do in a traditional classroom setting.
Does it cost
anything?
Lee Virtual School is a public school within the School
District of Lee County and is free. Full-time students at all grade
levels are issued a computer and a district student account to manage all of
their digital class files.
I am behind in required credits for my age/grade
level. Can I catch up as a full-time LVS student?
Probably not. LVS does not offer credit recovery
courses. All of our courses are original credit only. They can be used
for grade forgiveness; however, they require the same amount of time in the
course. Since students are typically limited to 6 courses/credits/year,
there is no opportunity for a student to “make up” credits.
I always get my work done early in my classes. I
want to accelerate and finish my current grade level early. Is that
possible with LVS?
Yes. Students can advance as quickly as they
demonstrate mastery of the material in a course. Students receive credit
as soon as they complete a course and can advance to the next level of a
subject or grade level.
How do I know
if virtual school will be good for me or my child?
Virtual education, as it exists today, is not necessarily
the best fit for all students. Virtual curriculum is written for students at or
above grade level in reading and math skills. By its nature, virtual learning
is approximately 97% reading. Students who struggle with reading or are not
reading and comprehending at the same level as other students in their grade
level/age, will have a difficult time and are likely to be unsuccessful in a
virtual program. In addition, there is a certain level of technical ability
required for parents of virtual students. The communication and learning coach
responsibilities require some basic knowledge of electronic communication by
parents and students alike. Students need to be able to communicate with
teachers frequently. Students that have difficulty staying on task for a
prolonged period of time, will face challenges with virtual learning. In
addition, students and families that have difficulty with time management,
keeping appointments, or committing to responsible lifelong learning will
likely not be successful with virtual school.
Is online
learning safe?
All virtual classes are conducted in a secure online
learning system that features strictly protected communication protocols that
essentially eliminate external threats and interference to the educational
process. We provide internet filtering while students are using their school
computer. That being said, it is important to note, that there is no physical
oversight provided into your home from our school. School issued computers
& devices feature regularly updated monitoring and filtering software and
may also be monitored by the School District.
What classes
are offered?
The Lee Virtual School offers all the basic/core subject
areas (Math, English, Science, Social Studies) for grades K12 available at any
other public school. In addition, for grades 6-12, LVS offers a diverse array
of elective courses including Spanish, Personal and Family Finance, Keyboarding,
Digital Media & Web Design, Culinary, Photography, Creative Writing,
Drivers Education, Personal Fitness, plus many more. Please refer to our course
catalog for a complete listing for each school year!
Who can I
can talk to get more information?
After visiting our website, http://lvip.leeschools.net,
free to contact our
administrative, guidance, support or instructional staff. All numbers are
listed and we are all prepared to answer any questions or help you find the
answers you seek. You can call the LVS office at 239.337.8178 between 8 AM to
4 PM Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). We also offer monthly
information nights.
Visit our website http://lvip.leeschools.net
for more information.
Does LVS follow
the same calendar as the school district?
As another quality school within the Lee County School
District, our full-time programs follow the same school year calendar as all
other district public schools. We have abbreviated offerings of core
academic courses, driver’s ed and HOPE during our 8 week summer session.
When are
classes offered?
Full time enrollment courses are offered beginning on the
first day of the school year and ending on the last. Enrollment and orientation
must occur prior to a student starting as a full time LVS student. LVS offers
two enrollment application periods. Application for the upcoming school year
begins around the beginning of February and closes no later than 30 days prior
to the first day of school (usually by July 1st). There is also a mid year Full
time enrollment offered. Students enrolling at mid year, start on the first day
of the second semester. The application period for mid year enrollment typically
runs for about three weeks from November to early December prior to school
dismissing for winter break. STUDENTS CAN NOT BE ENROLLED AS FULL TIME LEE
VIRTUAL STUDENTS UNLESS THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE APPLICATION AND ORIENTATION
PROCESS. Students throughout Lee County can enroll in part time grades 6-12
courses from August through February. Limited courses are offered through our
summer session.
What do
students do if they have questions or problems while taking a course?
Just as in a traditional classroom, our teachers are here
to assist students and help them learn, so a student's first stop should be
their teacher. A student may email, text, instant message or call a teacher any
time for assistance. Teachers are available 8AM-8PM Mon-Fri on all days
school is scheduled. Teachers will respond to students in 24 hours or less
(usually much less). Face to face assistance by appointment is available when
needed. Technical help is available in most courses 24 hours/day via the
help center hotline.
How do parents
know the status of a student in virtual courses?
Parents have
complete access to both part time and full-time student’s work. They can create
a “guardian account” or use their student’s account to see what work the student
has submitted, what grade has been received and read the feedback provided by
teachers. All information is immediately updated showing student progress
in real time.
Do I need to
physically sit in a school building to take a class?
No, but you can! Full time virtual students do not
typically work from a school. However, students at district schools can request
and be placed in a virtual course(s) and then complete work at school, home or
both.
Are students
allowed to accelerate through courses?
Yes. Students can advance as rapidly as they can learn as
long as the assignments, assessments and other course work is done properly and
in order.
Are students
able to meet in person with their teachers?
The Lee Virtual School prides itself on student contact.
All LVS teachers are available for face to face assistance by appointment when
other instructional methods are not effective. This is a part of our
“checklist for success.”
What are the
face to face requirements for full time LVS students?
Full time LVS students are required to attend mandatory
events at the school office approximately 5-10 times per year. This number is
higher for K-5 elementary students who are required to have a minimum of ten
“contact hours” with their teacher each quarter. All full time LVS students
MUST attend the following events: First day(s) of school, class meetings,
student conferences, portfolio reviews, ALL district & state required
testing, and mandatory proctored assessments.
What happens if
a student does not attend mandatory events?
LVS publishes and maintains an online calendar that
includes all events for a school year. Testing dates are published well in
advance. Specific times for testing are published well in advance as well. As a
result, it is an expectation that students and parents will make individual
arrangements to attend these required events. In the event that a student does
not attend or participate in a required event, the student will be submitted
for withdrawal. Although these situations are handled on a case by case basis,
it should be clearly understood that committing to enrollment with the Lee
Virtual School is committing to diligently attending these events which
represent less than 5% of the days of school. Mandatory events apply ONLY to
full time students enrolled with the Lee Virtual School.
Can LVS
students participate in extracurricular activities?
Lee Virtual School also offers enrichment activities
including activity days, field trips, and clubs. Students are encouraged to
partake in our activities and socialize with other students. In addition,
students in grades 6-12 may participate in intramural, extracurricular and
FHSAA sports and activities. Students are assigned to a school within the
assignment zone where they reside. This process is handled entirely by the
office of student assignment. Students enrolled with the Lee Virtual are not
typically able to participate in elective courses (music, art, shop, etc.) at
other schools. However, there is limited availability at certain schools and in
certain classes. These vary from year to year based upon enrollment at the
school. Please contact LVS Guidance or Administration for assistance with this
process.
Do Lee Virtual
Students have to participate in State or District testing?
All full time LVS students must participate in all state
and district testing. “Opting out” is not an option for full time virtual
students per FL statue 1002.45. Part time students whose school of enrollment
is NOT LVS, test at the school or location determined by their school of
enrollment. Home Education Program students are assigned to a testing
location by the HEP office.
How do I
register for virtual classes?
Individual courses can be requested by visiting the LVS
website and clicking on the ‘ENROLLMENT’ link under PART TIME STUDENTS at http://lvip.leeschools.net. Full time LVS
students work with their assigned counselor and/or administrator to select
required and elective courses.
How do I know
what courses to register for?
Students can request any course that they are interested
in as long as they meet the prerequisite(s) for the course. Students may
request a course for grade forgiveness but they have to have received a grade
of D or lower initially. Consult with your school counselor for additional
information. Students may not retake a high school course in which a
grade of C or higher was issued in order to receive a higher grade. In
addition, students may NOT enroll in the same course(s) they are currently enrolled
in. Additional information on course selection is available from school
counselors. Lee Virtual School does not offer “credit recovery” courses.
Are LVS classes
recognized/accredited? Will they transfer to other schools and be
accepted by college?
LVS is an SACS/CASI accredited public school. In
addition, our course and diploma are recognized and accepted by NCAA Division 1
colleges and universities, all branches of the United States Military, Merchant
Marines, as well as all public schools in the state of Florida.
Where did Lee
Virtual School come from?
The Lee Virtual School was started in 2009 when the state
of Florida passed statute 1002.45 which requires each school district to offer
full time virtual instruction as an educational choice for all students in
grades K-12. From our humble beginnings in the 2009-2010 school year in which
we had 1 graduate and less than 50 students in grades K-12, we have grown to
having around 400 full time students and over 2000 part time students. In
addition:
·
Top District led elementary virtual program in
the state of Florida
·
Consistently ranked in the top 3 virtual
programs
·
Ranked in the top 10% of ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS in
the state and the top 1/3rd in the nation according to US News and World Report
Does Lee
Virtual School receive a grade like other district schools? What is it?
Lee Virtual School is graded the same way all Florida
public schools are. We are proud to say we are consistently in the top 10% of
ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the state. LVS is currently an A school.
How do students
complete tests and assignments in virtual classes?
In Middle School and High School, students complete all
tests and assignments online within their virtual classes. Most assignments are
submitted electronically as a document. There are also numerous oral
assessments that are accomplished via phone, internet conference or in person.
How do students
receive grades?
Students receive grades based on their performance on
assignments, projects, discussion based assessments, quizzes, tests and exams.
Students can see their gradebook when they log into their virtual class.
Parents can independently monitor student performance using their own login or
personal “guardian account.” Official report cards are sent via regular
postal mail to students home of residence at the conclusion of the fall and
spring semesters.
What textbooks
are used?
Elementary students use texts, workbooks and online
materials that follow state standards closely. Currently, our curriculum
for elementary school comes from Pearson/Connections. Students in Middle School
and High School use virtual, interactive curriculum. 24 hours a day, 7
days a week! The only texts are for novels (if desired) and some Advance
Placement and Dual Enrollment courses.
Are honors
courses available?
Yes! Students are able to take Honors and/or Advanced
classes.
Are AP
(advanced placement) courses available?
Yes! Students can choose to take a variety of Advanced
Placement (AP) courses.
Can virtual
students enroll in dual enrollment courses at a college or university?
Yes! Students can choose to enroll in dual enrollment
courses just like any other Lee County high school student. They must
meet college admission requirements. There is no charge for the courses.
How are ESE
students with an IEP handled?
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students each have a
written Individual Education Plan (IEP) that documents goals, accommodations
and strategies used to create an accommodation learning environment that is
least restrictive to a student in order to create a method for the student to
achieve. LVS teachers of both full time and part time students are aware of
student's unique needs and accommodations set forth in their IEP. ESE Students
applying for full time enrollment with LVS are essentially changing the
delivery method of their instruction. As a result, an IEP review has to be
conducted before a student can be permanently enrolled with LVS. It is
important to note, that through this process, it may be determined that virtual
instruction is NOT the best fit for a student with certain special needs. LVS
is a “school of choice” and therefore does not offer all of the services that
may be available at other schools. LVS complies with all district, state and
federal laws regarding ESE and IDEA.
Does LVS follow
the same grading scale as other district schools?
LVS follows the same grading scale as all other Lee County Schools: 90-100
A 80-90 B 70-80 C 60-70 D 0-59.99 F
Is LVS approved
by the NCAA?
LVS is SACS/CASI accredited and our courses are
NCAA Division 1 approved.
Are virtual
teachers as good as traditional classroom teachers? Are they highly qualified?
Absolutely! Virtual teachers have the same qualifications
as traditional classroom teachers. All LVS teachers are highly qualified
in their respective subject area. In addition, many LVS teachers and administrators
bring an array of professional experience outside of education to their
teaching including post graduate degrees and action based research.
What is the
difference between Lee Virtual School and Florida Virtual School?
Lee Virtual School (LVS) is a Lee County public school.
Our teachers and staff are part of our community. Our work schedule, pay scales
and events align with those of the district. The funding generated from public
tax revenue is put into our students and teachers right here in Lee County.
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a statewide provider of public virtual
education for students in grades 6-12. LVS is a franchise of FLVS. That is, we
use FLVS curriculum, systems and follow their guidelines. However, the way we
manage our teachers, teach our students and incorporate unique learning
activities is completely designed and implemented locally. When students
complete a class with FLVS, the revenue generated is diverted to FLVS, which is
located in Orange County. That revenue is deducted from the money earmarked for
Lee County students. Over the past 5 years, LVS has reduced the amount of FTE
(Full Time Equivalent: the amount of tax dollars returned to Lee County for
public education) that is deducted for students taking virtual courses with FLVS.
Keeping student learning, teachers and tax dollars here in Lee County is a
critical difference between LVS and FLVS. Students enrolled in FLVS are limited
to 3 courses at a time. LVS has no limit on enrollments or class load. FLVS
accepts all 6-12 students in all courses year round. LVS has set aside
specific windows of enrollment to best serve our students and coincide with the
needs of all district schools. LVS offers courses not available through FLVS.
We also offer the ability for students to meet face to face with teachers,
guidance and administration which is a key component of a truly student
centered learning environment.
Can students
receive a diploma through LVS?
Yes. Students enrolled with LVS who meet all the
requirements of graduation as set forth by the Florida Department of Education
will receive a High School diploma. We have a graduation ceremony that is the
same as any other high school in Lee County. The majority of LVS graduates go
on to colleges and Universities in Florida as well as out of state public and
private universities, the armed forces, and career and technical schools.
What is the
difference between a diploma from LVS and other public high schools?
There is no difference.
What happens if
a student decides that LVS isn’t for them after enrolling?
During the first 14 days of each semester, students are
in what is called a “grace period.” During that period, students may opt to
drop a class or withdraw from LVS and enroll elsewhere with no consequence. If
a student stops working or is not successful beyond the 14 day period, the
following may occur:
● Withdrawal and referral to school assignment office
● Withdrawal to a private or charter school
● Withdrawal to homeschool with reduced course load
Is there any
type of orientation for students prior to enrolling in virtual school?
Part time students can request individual or multiple
courses and promptly begin working in the course with simple guidance from the
assigned teacher during the “welcome call.” Full time LVS grade K-12 students
are required to attend a face to face orientation session accompanied by at
least one parent or guardian. Students will not be enrolled as a full-time
virtual student without attending this orientation. Students and parents are
presented with information and discussion to prepare them for virtual learning
as their primary means of learning.
What is the
difference between fulltime and part time virtual school?
Full Time Virtual students are enrolled with the Lee
Virtual School recorded as their “school of enrollment.” Students are
sometimes enrolled at one school and receive additional instruction from
another. In this situation, the second school is referred to as the “school of
instruction” for the courses served from that school. Part time virtual school
is when a public, private or home education enrolled student takes one or more
courses but retains another school as their “school of enrollment.”
What is a
“hybrid” enrollment?
Hybrid enrollment is when a student participates in half
of their classes virtually and half of them on a traditional campus.
What is blended
instruction/learning?
Blended instruction is an environment in which a student
learns at least in part through online learning, and in part in a supervised
brick and mortar location away from home. These are typically virtual courses
offered in a classroom environment in a traditional school setting. It is
virtual learning under the direct supervision of a teacher.
What are the
options for elementary students to take virtual classes?
Students in grades K-5 may enroll as full time LVS
students during either the annual or mid year enrollment application window. In
addition, students in grades 4-5 who achieve a level four or higher equivalent
on a standardized state test, are able to enroll in middle school elective or
core courses and receive middle school credit.
How many
courses can a student take at one time?
Full time students must be enrolled in 6 courses at the
beginning of each term in order to remain in good standing. Part time students
may take 1-3 courses. In some cases, in the best interest of a student, more
courses may be scheduled.
Will virtual
school/courses replace traditional classrooms and schools?
Virtual teaching and learning is one of, if not THE
fastest learning environment in North America. However, there are many learning
experiences that are not best served by an “all virtual” learning system.
Blended, hybrid and similar dynamic teaching models which incorporate
opportunities for students to work independently to achieve their potential
represent the changing face of education. The Lee Virtual School is proud to be
a leader and innovator in this uncharted territory.
Lee Virtual School Facts and
Achievements
Approximately 400 Full Time students, and 2000 part time
students throughout the year.
Average teacher ratio 145 students/teachers (25:1)
92% Graduation Rate (Class of 2019)
College bound 65% (Class of 2018)
65% of LVS courses offered are accelerated (AP, Honors,
Dual Enrollment)
Over 30% of students are involved in a club activity
5% of FT students participate in private, competitive
athletics
Achievements:
·
Over $890,000 million in scholarships in the
past three four years
·
Florida Virtual School Franchise of the Year
(17/18 School Year)
·
US News and World Report Top 10% of all Public
Schools in the United States
·
Ranked in the top 10% of ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS in
Florida
·
Consistently top ranked district led elementary
program in Florida
·
Teaching staff: 30 full time, degree and
certified veteran education professionals, 33%+ have advanced degrees (masters
or higher)
·
Administration and Support: Principal, Assistant
Principal, Home Education Counselor, Guidance Counselor, and office support
staff including Executive Assistant, Information Specialist, Home Education
Secretary, and Technology Specialist