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Frequently Asked Questions
What virtual programs are available for my student?
Sarasota County School District contracts with multiple outside virtual instruction providers approved by the Florida Department of Education and the Sarasota County School Board. Teachers are highly qualified teachers, employed by one of our virtual providers. Based on the grade level and specific needs of the student, SVS families have the option of using any of the district contracted providers. (K12, Edgenuity, FLVS, and the district’s part time virtual course offerings) You can expect that your child will spend 4-7 hours each school day on coursework. SVS FT students completing graduation requirements will be awarded a Sarasota County high school diploma.
Students who wish to enroll in a full-time virtual program may do so by meeting with the SVS Academic Advisor during our annual open enrollment period, selecting one of the participating providers, and completing the online enrollment process.
How much does it cost to attend virtual school?
There is no cost to attend. Sarasota Virtual School is a public school - free to all students who meet eligibility requirements.
Who will provide the instructional materials that are required?
The virtual program provider will supply all instructional materials, the majority are found online as opposed to typical textbooks used in the brick and mortar schools. If necessary, textbooks and/or course materials will be shipped to the student’s home and the parent/student is responsible to return all materials to the virtual program provider at the end of the program.
What if a student does not have a home computer?
In order to be successful in the virtual environment, it is recommended that students have a working home computer with internet access. If a student does not have a home computer with internet access, they may pursue application with the Sarasota Technology Users Group to determine if you meet their requirements.
Will my student be required to take all state standardized tests?
Yes, just like in a traditional brick and mortar school, SVS students are required to participate in all Florida testing requirements. Parents will be notified of the times and locations of those tests. Students taking AP courses will usually take their AP tests at their districted school or other district brick and mortar schools offering the student's AP test.
How are decisions related to promotion, retention, or grade placement made for students participating in the District’s FT Virtual program?
All of the requirements related to student progression are the same for school district VIP students as they are for other students enrolled in the district. These may be found in the District’s Student Progression Plan.
Must students in a district VIP meet compulsory attendance requirements?
Yes, attendance must be taken and SVS students have the same guidelines related to truancy as students in brick and mortar schools. Attendance is reported for SVS students each day that school is in session.
Can exceptional student education (ESE) and/or English language learner (ELL) students participate in the school district virtual instruction program?
Yes, they are eligible to enroll. However, parents of students in special programs are advised to carefully consider the appropriateness of a FT virtual instruction program prior to enrollment. ESE services for students may be limited in a virtual environment. SVS and ESE staff, as well as the IEP or 504 review team at the student’s current school, are available to discuss virtual options and the needs of the student.
What about extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and events?
SVS FT students may participate in certain afterschool activities and sports at their Districted school. Contact the particular school directly to request information and any potential limitations for participation.
Would my child have to report to a physical location?
All SVS students have to attend a few face to face events every year. We do not provide transportation so it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make sure students attend these events. These events may include: enrollment, course scheduling meetings, orientations, and all district/state mandated testing. In addition, in the unlikely event that a student would fall behind or struggle with grades, attendance or academic integrity issues, additional student/parent meetings would be required.
What are some of the responsibilities of parents?
Parents must establish an environment that is conducive to a student’s learning. A FT virtual instructional option is home-based, (public school, not homeschool) giving parents/guardians additional responsibilities for providing instructional support, monitoring daily student engagement, progress and attendance as well as communicating with teachers via email and telephone.
Sarasota County School District contracts with multiple outside virtual instruction providers approved by the Florida Department of Education and the Sarasota County School Board. Teachers are highly qualified teachers, employed by one of our virtual providers. Based on the grade level and specific needs of the student, SVS families have the option of using any of the district contracted providers. (K12, Edgenuity, FLVS, and the district’s part time virtual course offerings) You can expect that your child will spend 4-7 hours each school day on coursework. SVS FT students completing graduation requirements will be awarded a Sarasota County high school diploma.
Students who wish to enroll in a full-time virtual program may do so by meeting with the SVS Academic Advisor during our annual open enrollment period, selecting one of the participating providers, and completing the online enrollment process.
How much does it cost to attend virtual school?
There is no cost to attend. Sarasota Virtual School is a public school - free to all students who meet eligibility requirements.
Who will provide the instructional materials that are required?
The virtual program provider will supply all instructional materials, the majority are found online as opposed to typical textbooks used in the brick and mortar schools. If necessary, textbooks and/or course materials will be shipped to the student’s home and the parent/student is responsible to return all materials to the virtual program provider at the end of the program.
What if a student does not have a home computer?
In order to be successful in the virtual environment, it is recommended that students have a working home computer with internet access. If a student does not have a home computer with internet access, they may pursue application with the Sarasota Technology Users Group to determine if you meet their requirements.
Will my student be required to take all state standardized tests?
Yes, just like in a traditional brick and mortar school, SVS students are required to participate in all Florida testing requirements. Parents will be notified of the times and locations of those tests. Students taking AP courses will usually take their AP tests at their districted school or other district brick and mortar schools offering the student's AP test.
How are decisions related to promotion, retention, or grade placement made for students participating in the District’s FT Virtual program?
All of the requirements related to student progression are the same for school district VIP students as they are for other students enrolled in the district. These may be found in the District’s Student Progression Plan.
Must students in a district VIP meet compulsory attendance requirements?
Yes, attendance must be taken and SVS students have the same guidelines related to truancy as students in brick and mortar schools. Attendance is reported for SVS students each day that school is in session.
Can exceptional student education (ESE) and/or English language learner (ELL) students participate in the school district virtual instruction program?
Yes, they are eligible to enroll. However, parents of students in special programs are advised to carefully consider the appropriateness of a FT virtual instruction program prior to enrollment. ESE services for students may be limited in a virtual environment. SVS and ESE staff, as well as the IEP or 504 review team at the student’s current school, are available to discuss virtual options and the needs of the student.
What about extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and events?
SVS FT students may participate in certain afterschool activities and sports at their Districted school. Contact the particular school directly to request information and any potential limitations for participation.
Would my child have to report to a physical location?
All SVS students have to attend a few face to face events every year. We do not provide transportation so it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make sure students attend these events. These events may include: enrollment, course scheduling meetings, orientations, and all district/state mandated testing. In addition, in the unlikely event that a student would fall behind or struggle with grades, attendance or academic integrity issues, additional student/parent meetings would be required.
What are some of the responsibilities of parents?
Parents must establish an environment that is conducive to a student’s learning. A FT virtual instructional option is home-based, (public school, not homeschool) giving parents/guardians additional responsibilities for providing instructional support, monitoring daily student engagement, progress and attendance as well as communicating with teachers via email and telephone.
