What is the difference between Seminole County Virtual School and Florida Virtual School?
Seminole County Virtual School (SCVS) employs all local, highly-qualified, Florida-certified teachers. SCVS is a franchise of FLVS. We purchase some of our curriculum from FLVS, Edgenuity and others we create ourselves.
If I am a homeschool student taking all virtual courses, does that mean I am an SCVS full time student?
No, the number of courses does not determine if you are a SCVS student or not. If you are a Charter, Homeschool or Private school student, you will simply be using SCVS as your curriculum. You are not a registered full time student with SCVS. SCVS will not be providing transcripts, guidance, testing or diplomas. Please refer to the SCPS homeschool website for homeschool questions.
Why choose Seminole County Virtual School over Florida Virtual School?
*Flexibility
*Tax dollars remain in Seminole County
*Full time, local teachers
*Face-to-face sessions
*No waiting lists
Does my child have to log in at a specific time?
For each online class there is a pace chart that breaks down what work should be done each week. As long as your child sticks to this pace and completes work each week, there is not a specific time or day that they must be online.
For elementary students, there will be specific required times that your child has to log in to a weekly zoom session.
Can my child work on the weekends?
Yes. One of the benefits of taking online classes is that students can work during non-traditional school hours such as evenings and weekends. Teachers will have up to two evening sessions per week that they are available to answer questions or help. Teachers will not be available on the weekends or school holidays.
Can my child finish the class early?
Yes. Another benefit of taking online classes is that students can work ahead of schedule and finish classes early.
Do I have unlimited time to finish a course?
No. Students are expected to follow the pace chart given to them once a course is started. Courses are designed to be completed in 18 weeks or less, the same amount of time as in a brick and mortar semester. Courses are not given unlimited time to complete.
How often do I need to make contact with my child’s online teacher(s)?
You will have contact with your child’s online teacher(s) at least once a month to discuss their progress. It will be very important that you supply your child’s online teacher(s) with a current phone number and email address. You can contact the online teacher(s) at any time Monday-Friday between 8am-8pm with questions.
How often does my child need to have contact with the online teacher?
Students are required to make contact with each course instructor monthly. This is an excellent opportunity to touch base and review pace and progress in the course.
What are DBA’s (Oral Assessments)?
DBAs (or Discussion Based Assessments) are oral assessments between the student and instructor. DBA's are required in each course and cannot be skipped or and may only be completed one at a time, according to the pace chart. In order to have a great DBA experience, it is important that students are in a room without distractions or other people. The instructor will ask questions pertaining to the previous module. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate a mastery of the module topics/concepts.
*Guardians are not required to be present during a DBA, but may complete the monthly contact after completion of the DBA testing.
What are some challenges I might expect with my child taking online classes?
With online classes students (with the help of their parents/guardians) must make a greater effort to stay organized, create a schedule and manage their time, and work towards staying on pace with work. As a parent/guardian you will need to make sure you are periodically going online to check the progress of your child. Parent accounts are available to monitor student progress.
What are some positive changes that I might see in my child as a result of them taking online classes?
Students have the opportunity to develop skills related to organization and time management, develop a sense of responsibility, as well as take charge of their own learning.
What do we do if we have technical issues?
If technical issues arise your child’s online teacher(s) will be there for initial support. You will also have access to a technical support team if the issue extends beyond the teacher’s ability.
What if I can’t afford a computer or internet service?
Home School students must provide their own computer and internet access.
Is there a graduation ceremony?
Home School students do not earn a diploma from SCVS.