Sarasota Virtual School Begins Open Enrollment for the 2017-18 Year

From Sarasota County Schools: Sarasota Virtual School will begin open enrollment for the 2017-18 school year starting Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 and ending Thursday, July 13, 2017. Sarasota Virtual School (SVS) is a district public school which provides a full-time online learning option for students in grades K-12. Sarasota Virtual School is an interactive learning environment created through technology, in which the student and teacher are separated by time, space or both. Students access lessons and assignments and receive assessments via the internet. Using technology, teachers communicate with students and parents in many different ways. The school meets all Florida public school standards and requirements. Students completing graduation requirements will be awarded a high school diploma.

The Sarasota County School District contracts with four outside virtual instruction providers approved by the School Board. Connections Academy, K12 Florida and Florida Virtual School provides the district with online learning services for students in grades K-12, and Edgenuity serves district students in grades six-12. High school students have the option of using either of the four providers to meet their specific needs.

The school uses a state-approved curriculum with instructional materials that include text books and a variety of printed materials. Computers and internet access may be provided at no charge to eligible students who meet family income requirements. Instructors are highly qualified and/or certified teachers, as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Sarasota Virtual School is graded, just as all schools in Florida receive a grade each year. Teachers monitor student progress and give assignments online and through physical materials shipped to and from students. Student attendance is monitored, based on online activity, completion of material, and successful assessments. Textbooks and traditional instructional materials are used, but much of the content is delivered via the providers’ websites, www.connectionslearning.com (grades K-12), www.k12.com/flvp (grades K-12), www.flvsft.com (grades K-12) and www.edgenuity.com (grades six-12).

For the 2017-18 school year, all students in grades K-five are eligible for enrollment. Students who were enrolled in a Florida public school (traditional, charter, virtual or alternative) since Sept. 30, 2016, and are in grades six-12 will also meet the enrollment eligibility criteria. According to current Florida Statute, students in grades six-12 who were home-schooled during the 2016-17 school year are not eligible for SVS. Parents that are interested in this option must schedule an appointment with the SVS administrator to discuss their student’s needs and eligibility status. The Sarasota Virtual School office can be reached at 941-927- 9000 or via e-mail at SVS@sarasotacountyschools.net.

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