By: Anne Flenner, FLVS School Counselor

As more families nationwide explore homeschooling, many turn to online resources to enrich their educational experiences. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has become a trusted education option for thousands of homeschooled families, offering more than 200 online courses that can be adapted to students' individual needs. Homeschooling online can provide a flexible, tailored approach to education but requires careful planning and thoughtful integration. 

Whether you’re a parent interested in homeschooling in the online learning environment or are homeschooling virtually and need tips, I’ve put together seven best practices for families to homeschool online with FLVS successfully. 

1. Leverage individual courses (FLVS Flex) for maximum flexibility

One of the greatest strengths of Florida Virtual School is its flexibility. Our individual courses option (FLVS Flex) allows students to take one to six courses on a schedule that works for them. This is ideal for homeschoolers who want to supplement their curriculum with specific subjects or courses unavailable at home. Whether it’s advanced math, world languages, or unique electives like computer programming or art, FLVS offers a variety of options.

Best Practice: Discover opportunities for growth or areas of passion in your homeschool curriculum and use (FLVS Flex) to fill those needs. For example, if parents are uncomfortable teaching high-level math or science, they can enroll their child in FLVS courses like Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus or Biology, among many others. With these courses, students will receive one-on-one support from certified teachers who are experts in these subjects. 

2. Create a consistent learning routine

While online learning with FLVS offers schedule flexibility, it’s important to create a routine that maintains a consistent flow of learning. Without a traditional school bell to structure the day, homeschoolers benefit from having a clear schedule that balances online coursework with offline learning activities. FLVS Flex teachers are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm to meet the scheduling needs of our active families.

Best Practice: Work with your child to design a daily and weekly schedule that includes time blocks for FLVS courses, independent study, hands-on projects, and physical activities. Ensure there are designated hours for FLVS online sessions to prevent procrastination while allowing flexibility to explore specific topics when needed.

3. Monitor progress with technology platforms 

FLVS offers a range of tools that allow parents to monitor their child’s progress in real-time. Our learning management system (LMS) provides access to grades, teacher feedback, and course completion status. This can help homeschool parents stay involved in their child’s online learning journey without micromanaging.

Best Practice: Regularly review your child’s FLVS performance through the LMS. Print out the course pace chart that dictates which assignments should be completed each week. Set aside weekly check-ins to discuss their progress, address any concerns, and celebrate achievements. If your child needs extra support in a particular subject, you can contact their FLVS teachers for additional support and resources.

4. Encourage independent learning

One of the key goals of homeschooling is to foster a sense of independence and self-motivation in students. FLVS courses are designed with this in mind, encouraging students to manage their time, complete assignments, and engage in interactive lessons at their own pace.

Best Practice: Use FLVS as an opportunity to teach your child important skills such as time management, self-discipline, and goal setting. Set clear expectations for completing assignments and allow your child to take responsibility for their own learning. Foster autonomy by encouraging them to communicate directly with their teachers, seeking help when needed.

5. Supplement online learning with offline activities

While FLVS provides an award-winning online curriculum, blending online learning with offline activities is crucial for a well-rounded homeschool experience. Hands-on projects, field trips, and creative work can complement the online curriculum, making learning more dynamic and engaging.

Best Practice: Design offline activities that align with the courses your child is taking with FLVS. For example, if they study environmental science, plan nature hikes or visit science museums. If they’re learning about world history, consider taking them to local historical sites. These real-world experiences help to reinforce the concepts learned online and keep your child engaged.

6. Utilize support services

FLVS offers various resources to support both students and parents throughout the learning process. FLVS teachers are available via phone, email, or virtual office hours to provide personalized assistance. Encourage your students to attend live lessons, where our teachers teach specific real-time content. Additionally, FLVS provides a variety of student clubs and activities that provide social interaction and personal development outside of academic courses.

Best Practice: Prompt your child to ask for teacher support when they encounter complex concepts or need clarification. This ensures they receive personalized help when needed, allowing you to focus on other aspects of homeschooling. Additionally, students can enroll in one of the more than 80 online clubs to promote socialization and extracurricular involvement. This helps create a more balanced homeschooling experience that goes beyond academics.

7. Adjust based on student needs

One of the best things about homeschooling with FLVS is the ability to adjust based on your child’s evolving needs and interests. Whether they need more challenging material or additional support, the flexibility of FLVS allows you to make real-time changes.

Best Practice: Regularly evaluate how your child responds to their online and offline learning experiences. Are they engaged and motivated? Do they need more or less structure? By reviewing progress and getting feedback from your child, you can make informed decisions about how to tailor their education to best suit their needs. If necessary, you can adjust their course load or switch to different subjects as their interests change.

Homeschooling online with Florida Virtual School offers a unique, flexible, and customizable education path that can be tailored to your child’s needs. By selecting the right courses, creating a structured routine, encouraging independence, and balancing online lessons with hands-on activities, you can create a rich and rewarding learning environment for your child. The best practices will ensure your homeschool journey with FLVS is successful and engaging, providing your child with both academic excellence and personal growth.

Learn more about incorporating individual courses (FLVS Flex)  into your child’s homeschool journey by visiting the Homeschool webpage.