By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School

Bella V. didn’t know Florida Virtual School (FLVS) classes were an option until her Cypress Lake Middle School math teacher and team coach, Mrs. Wendland, suggested it. Since elementary school, Bella loved and excelled in her math classes. As a sixth grader at Cypress Lake Middle School in Fort Myers, Bella continuously sought to enhance her knowledge. This is why she jumped at the opportunity when Mrs. Wendland recommended she take a pre-algebra online course, the 8th grade advanced math class, over the summer with FLVS before 7th grade.

Competition Ignites Love for Math

Due to her excellent grades and love of math, Bella was asked to join her school’s math team. Meeting before and after school, the team members prepared for competitions. Competing against other students in their district, Bella and her teammates competed in three rounds: a team round with logic puzzles, an individual round, and the quick-answer final round, where the top 10 students answered questions as quickly as possible. At the end of her first competition, Bella placed 2nd in the individual round and 1st in the quick-answer round! 

To expand her math knowledge and help her team place even higher next year, Mrs. Wendland recommended Bella take pre-algebra with FLVS over the summer.

Florida Virtual School Offers Flexible Schedules

“Taking pre-algebra over the summer was so great because I could move at my own pace,” said Bella. “There were some weeks where I accelerated my work and completed seven assignments, which allowed me to take time off from school when we were on a family vacation!”

Having spent most of her education in a brick-and-mortar classroom, Bella liked that the FLVS pre-algebra course allowed her to go back and listen to lessons again when she needed additional help understanding a concept. “I was able to look back at notes, and if I read a question too quickly or clicked the wrong answer, I could go back and retry,” she said. 

The course also allowed Bella to tailor her learning to her schedule. “I could work when I had the most energy and found I was more successful working that way.”

Supportive Virtual Teachers

When I asked Bella what her favorite part of taking the pre-algebra course with FLVS was, she said whole-heartedly: the teachers! “I absolutely adore my pre-algebra teacher, Mrs. Malphurs. She is so nice and understanding and terrific at teaching.” Bella continued, “When I didn’t understand something, she was really good at explaining it.”

Bella’s mom, Ali, shared similar thoughts, “FLVS worked out perfectly for us. Mrs. Malphurs made all the difference!”

Mrs. Malphurs shared similar kudos. “Bella was very eager to learn new material and better her understanding. She utilized the available resources and reached out for tutoring sessions when she had additional questions or could not identify her mistakes. It was an absolute pleasure working with her.”

The Equation for Future Success

What will Bella do now that she has completed 8th grade math as a sixth grader? Next year, in 7th grade, she will take the regularly scheduled 7th grade math class course. She hopes she’ll be better prepared to build on what she learned at FLVS so concepts come more easily to her. 

The exciting part comes the following year when, as an 8th grader, Bella will take a 9th grade math class at her high school. “It’s exciting to walk over to class at the high school and gain a feel for what high school will be like,” said Bella.

Moving forward, Bella is excited about taking additional FLVS courses, like electives in Career and Technical Education, so she can follow her passions and interests.  

Explore courses today to accelerate your learning in  middle school and  high school. You can enroll in individual courses with FLVS Flex year-round by  clicking here.

About the author: Katie Hodgins brings her wealth of experience and passion to the FLVS team, assuming the role of Content and Public Relations Specialist. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories about people, places, and opportunities to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is excited to plant roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.