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Frequently Asked Questions
Are students required to take a virtual course?
Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, all high school students are required by state law to take one online course to meet graduation requirements. The course can be a full or half-credit course, but it must be completed in its entirety. For example, a student who completes only half of Geometry online has not met the online graduation requirement, since Geometry is a full-credit course. However, a student who completes Economics has met the graduation requirement, since Economics is only a half-credit course.
Who are the instructors?
SVA instructors are local, highly qualified teachers who are employees of the Sarasota County School District. Some instructors are full-time SVA teachers, while others are adjuncts who also teach at one of the district brick and mortar schools during the day.
How can the instructor be reached?
SVA instructors can be reached by phone, text, and e-mail. Each instructor holds various office hours, which are posted on their course homepage.
Where do students take SVS PT classes?
If an SVA course is placed onto the student's daily school schedule, the student will report to the media center or computer lab during that assigned time. If an SVA course is scheduled as an extra class in addition to an already full school schedule, the student should work on the course from home.
Can students do their online work outside of the school?
Yes! Access to courses is available 24/7, and students can log into their SVA courses from any computer with an internet connection. In addition, many students enjoy using mobile devices to access their SVA courses.
How do students check their grades?
The online learning management system keeps up to date records of the students progress and detailed grade reports. Students should become familiar with the gradebook and check it on a routine basis.
Will SVA grades show up on school report cards and progress reports?
Since SVA enrolls students on a rolling enrollment cycle, grades are not issued on report cards. Once a segment (half credit) is completed, the registrar at the student's school location reports the grade directly to the student's academic history.
Do SVA courses affect a student's GPA?
Yes. All courses with SVA are of equal weight as courses taken at a brick and mortar location. Students should treat online courses with the same level of priority as they would with their other courses.
What is the difference between SVA and FLVS?
The main difference is that SVA uses local instructors who are employees of the Sarasota County School District. Florida Virtual School is a corporation based in Orlando, FL. Our instructors have strong relationships with school staff, guidance counselors, and administrators, as well as a working knowledge and familiarity with the district calendar and testing schedules.
What if a student doesn't have a home computer?
It is highly recommended that students have a working home computer with internet access in order to be successful in the online environment. If a student does not have a home computer with internet access, one may be available through the "Personal Technology Program" , which is facilitated through the Education Foundation. For more information, call 941-927-9000. This program is not available over the summer, but students/parents can contact Sarasota Technology Users Group for help locating free computers during that time. They can be reached at 941-539-7401.
What textbooks are provided?
All of the content is digital, and built into each of the SVA courses. There are no paper textbooks associated with the online classes. Lesson content is available to be printed from inside the course.
Can students accelerate through their course?
Absolutely! Students are encouraged to accelerate at a pace that is comfortable and reasonable for them. If accelerating through a course, a student should make the instructor aware of their intention to finish early so that the instructor can help the student accordingly.
How long does an SVA class take to complete?
Each half credit is designed to take an average of 18 weeks to complete, with full credit courses taking an average of 36 weeks to complete. This pacing is consistent with what a student would experience while sitting in a traditional classroom.
What should a student do if part of the course isn't working properly, such as a broken link, invalid website, etc?
Students are able to contact the FLVS Help Desk 24/7 with any technical issues relating to the functionality of the course and website. The FLVS Help Desk is not responsible for troubleshooting issues on school or personal hardware or devices. For personal devices and computers, it is recommended that you update your browsers to the most recent versions, as online technology is constantly changing.
What is the cost to take an SVA course?
Sarasota County offers both full time and part time virtual school options. Both are free to the students.
Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, all high school students are required by state law to take one online course to meet graduation requirements. The course can be a full or half-credit course, but it must be completed in its entirety. For example, a student who completes only half of Geometry online has not met the online graduation requirement, since Geometry is a full-credit course. However, a student who completes Economics has met the graduation requirement, since Economics is only a half-credit course.
Who are the instructors?
SVA instructors are local, highly qualified teachers who are employees of the Sarasota County School District. Some instructors are full-time SVA teachers, while others are adjuncts who also teach at one of the district brick and mortar schools during the day.
How can the instructor be reached?
SVA instructors can be reached by phone, text, and e-mail. Each instructor holds various office hours, which are posted on their course homepage.
Where do students take SVS PT classes?
If an SVA course is placed onto the student's daily school schedule, the student will report to the media center or computer lab during that assigned time. If an SVA course is scheduled as an extra class in addition to an already full school schedule, the student should work on the course from home.
Can students do their online work outside of the school?
Yes! Access to courses is available 24/7, and students can log into their SVA courses from any computer with an internet connection. In addition, many students enjoy using mobile devices to access their SVA courses.
How do students check their grades?
The online learning management system keeps up to date records of the students progress and detailed grade reports. Students should become familiar with the gradebook and check it on a routine basis.
Will SVA grades show up on school report cards and progress reports?
Since SVA enrolls students on a rolling enrollment cycle, grades are not issued on report cards. Once a segment (half credit) is completed, the registrar at the student's school location reports the grade directly to the student's academic history.
Do SVA courses affect a student's GPA?
Yes. All courses with SVA are of equal weight as courses taken at a brick and mortar location. Students should treat online courses with the same level of priority as they would with their other courses.
What is the difference between SVA and FLVS?
The main difference is that SVA uses local instructors who are employees of the Sarasota County School District. Florida Virtual School is a corporation based in Orlando, FL. Our instructors have strong relationships with school staff, guidance counselors, and administrators, as well as a working knowledge and familiarity with the district calendar and testing schedules.
What if a student doesn't have a home computer?
It is highly recommended that students have a working home computer with internet access in order to be successful in the online environment. If a student does not have a home computer with internet access, one may be available through the "Personal Technology Program" , which is facilitated through the Education Foundation. For more information, call 941-927-9000. This program is not available over the summer, but students/parents can contact Sarasota Technology Users Group for help locating free computers during that time. They can be reached at 941-539-7401.
What textbooks are provided?
All of the content is digital, and built into each of the SVA courses. There are no paper textbooks associated with the online classes. Lesson content is available to be printed from inside the course.
Can students accelerate through their course?
Absolutely! Students are encouraged to accelerate at a pace that is comfortable and reasonable for them. If accelerating through a course, a student should make the instructor aware of their intention to finish early so that the instructor can help the student accordingly.
How long does an SVA class take to complete?
Each half credit is designed to take an average of 18 weeks to complete, with full credit courses taking an average of 36 weeks to complete. This pacing is consistent with what a student would experience while sitting in a traditional classroom.
What should a student do if part of the course isn't working properly, such as a broken link, invalid website, etc?
Students are able to contact the FLVS Help Desk 24/7 with any technical issues relating to the functionality of the course and website. The FLVS Help Desk is not responsible for troubleshooting issues on school or personal hardware or devices. For personal devices and computers, it is recommended that you update your browsers to the most recent versions, as online technology is constantly changing.
What is the cost to take an SVA course?
Sarasota County offers both full time and part time virtual school options. Both are free to the students.
