By: Anne Flenner, School Counselor, Florida Virtual School

Choosing to homeschool your student with FLVS Flex is a big decision. However, knowing the facts can put a family’s mind at ease as they choose a learning environment that is best for their student.

Below are three common myths about home education with FLVS Flex.

Myth 1: Since they don’t get a diploma, homeschoolers can’t go on to college.

When home education students graduate from high school, it's true that they do not earn a traditional public high school diploma and there's no graduation ceremony. However, that does NOT make their graduation less meaningful! Home Education students can graduate with a homeschool affidavit that is signed in front of a notary by their parent per the Florida State Statues of Home Education. Homeschool families may also elect to create their own keepsake certificate or register with an umbrella school that issues diplomas as an independent, overseeing educational institution.

It is possible for home education students to go on to college if they meet the college/university requirements for admission. Almost all colleges/universities will accept the student’s official transcript, tests scores (SAT/ACT/PERT) and homeschool affidavit for admission. Since FLVS Flex is an accredited Florida public school curriculum provider, the school can provide official transcripts; however, Flex transcripts will only show courses completed in the Flex program. FLVS Flex boasts homeschool students who have been accepted to Stanford, Purdue, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, University of Georgia, Oklahoma, University of Florida, Florida State University, and so many more! Families are encouraged to check out the admissions websites of the colleges/universities they are interested in to learn more about how home education students are admitted.

Myth 2: Universities don’t want homeschoolers who take online courses.

To the contrary, learning online is a skill. As our education system moves more and more towards online learning, universities want students to know how to be motivated, independent, and organized leaners. Universities across the nation have even encouraged students who need to meet NCAA eligibility to take FLVS Flex core courses as they are widely respected by university admission and NCAA.

Myth 3: Homeschoolers aren’t as well rounded as others.

Having flexibility in online learning affords students to plan their days using all available hours! Many of our FLVS Flex students enjoy volunteering, participating in internships, training for their sport, running their own business, and more, during times when the traditional school day may be happening. In 2014, FLVS surveyed more than 900 of its home education students and 61 percent noted moving to home education/FLVS Flex for flexibility in their education. With this flexibility, students can make themselves even more competitive to colleges/universities by focusing their time on a passion that sets them apart!

If you choose to homeschool your student with FLVS Flex, you can feel confident that your student is receiving a quality, innovative, and accredited education that will make him/her competitive in all future endeavors! To learn more about home education in Florida, check out the Parent Home Education Resources.  To enroll in individual courses through FLVS Flex, visit the Flex Enrollment webpage.

About the author: FLVS School Counselor Anne Flenner has worked to meet the academic, social, personal, and professional needs of FLVS students since 2011. Previously a school counselor in Alachua County, she has received several awards and serves on multiple state counseling boards and committees. She has a Master's degree in Counselor Education from UF. Anne loves working with student athletes, supporting college and career readiness, and focusing on student mental health and wellness.