Orange County Virtual School FAQ
How do I enroll full-time in Orange County Virtual School?
Enrollment in our full-time program is available during the application window before the first and second semesters of the school year. Parents should complete the prospective full-time student application online during the application window. Applications must be completed in full. Once an application is received it is reviewed and we will make contact with the parent via email. To make application go to this page.
Are OCVS classes like the Launch Ed classes that were available during the pandemic?
Launch Ed classes were live classes taught at the time that students were attending the class. Launch Ed classes had assignments presented in daily increments during the live class. OCVS curriculum is presented to the student in an independent format and a "pace chart" or calendar of assignments due is provided to the student upon enrollment. Students may work on assignments at any time. Live lessons with the teacher are available on a voluntary basis at various times for students. In addition recorded lessons allow students to review class content on demand.
How do I enroll part-time in Orange County Virtual School?
Students who attend a traditional OCPS school and want to take additional courses online with OCVS may take classes part time. Course requests must be approved by the student's guidance counselor and parent/guardian. Classes may be taken throughout the year. To enroll go to this page.
Do I need to get approval from my guidance counselor to enroll in OCVS virtual courses?
Yes students require approval from their zone school counselor if they are taking courses part-time with OCVS. When students sign-up for a course, it is digitally sent to counselors for their approval. Students can enroll in courses at any time due to our rolling enrollment for part time.
What is the difference between OCVS and FLVS?
OCVS is a school and a part of Orange County Public Schools. FLVS is the curriculum and platform which is utilized by OCVS. OCVS courses are taught by local OCPS teachers. Additionally, our program combines online instruction and face-to-face support at our campus.
Is Orange County Virtual School accredited?
Yes. Along with all Orange County Public Schools, OCVS is fully accredited by Cognia (formerly Advanc Ed). Orange County Virtual School is also registered with the Florida State Department of Education and a part of the Orange County Public School system. Our accredited online high school diploma and all credits earned at OCVS are accepted by other 6-12 schools, colleges, universities, the military, and employers.
Can I use a diploma from Orange County Virtual School to enroll in college, join the military or gain employment?
Yes. Orange County Virtual School has a solid reputation within the academic community. OCVS offers a standard State of Florida high school diploma that meets state and school board requirements. Our graduates seamlessly move on to post-secondary education, employment, or enlist in the military. OCVS graduates attend major colleges and universities throughout the country.
Is Orange County Virtual School available to everyone?
OCVS is a public school serving grades K-12. If students meet OCVS admission requirements and parents have determined that online learning is suitable for the student's needs, parents are encouraged to apply for enrollment for students during the open enrollment window. OCVS thrives on diversity and feels our diverse student body is what sets us apart from other traditional schools. We offer a well-rounded learning experience designed to prepare students for a successful future.
What is the latest date that students can be enrolled for the school year?
Our full-time application window for enrollment are open two times during the school year at the beginning of each semester. However, our part-time program continues to have rolling enrollment throughout the year. for enrollment application.
How does attendance work at Orange County Virtual School?
OCVS offers a true distance learning experience that does not require seat time in a traditional classroom. Periodically, standardized testing and academic interventions require students to attend face-to-face activities. Teachers may exercise the option of having students take face-to-face proctored assignments and exams to ensure fidelity. Students are expected to actively participate in all courses on a weekly basis in order to maintain educational integrity. Students are considered truant if there is no participation in the online courses for more than one week without prior approval and will be reported as truant to the proper authorities.
How do I know if online learning right for me?
A successful online learner is a motivated self-starter and is committed to the success of his or her education. While OCVS offers world-class educational opportunities, there is a high degree of accountability placed upon the student. OCVS is not an alternative school or dropout prevention program.
Is there a cost to enroll?
As a public school, enrollment at OCVS is free to Orange County residents.
Who teaches the online courses at OCVS?
All online courses and programs are taught by highly qualified Orange County Public School instructors that meet Florida Department of Education certification requirements. You can be sure that quality in education is our highest priority.
What if the student has questions or problems while taking a course?
Students are assigned an instructor for each course. Instructors are available daily M-F via phone or email. Teachers also have online office hours throughout the week. For full time OCVS students support services are available students through our guidance department.
What is the difference between OCVS and traditional brick-and-mortar schools?
Standards based curriculum is provided by both OCVS and traditional schools. There is a significant difference in the flexibility offered to all OCVS students in the way they can earn their courses/credits online.
Is OCVS less challenging than other traditional accredited schools?
No. As an accredited school, OCVS offers a flexible alternative for students. It is not an easier option than traditional accredited schools. All courses are written at or above grade level and require an average of one to two hours of focused study on a daily basis to complete one course/course segment within the traditional semester time frame. Our courses engage students in real-life projects, requiring the use of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired.
As a parent, will I be kept informed of my students' progress?
As a parent, you will likely receive more updates and information about your student's progress than ever before. We strongly feel that a parent's involvement in a child's education is the key to success. Our teachers are in frequent communication with parents. You can always see how your child is performing by logging into the FLVS parent account which you create.
What do I do after completing my online Drivers Ed course?
There is a process to be done after completing the course. Get more information.
Do OCPS students have to withdraw from their physical school in order to apply at OCVS?
For fulltime enrollment the OCVS application is first completed and then when accepted the student can be withdrawn from the zone school. Do not withdraw the student prior to acceptance from OCVS.
My child is already enrolled in an OCPS school. Do I still have to fill out the registration packet and turn in all of the documents?
After a student is accepted after the application is completed the registration packet will need to be filled out whether you are a new or current OCPS student. This is a district requirement. Instructions for the registration documents will be provided in the acceptance email.
For children in groups such as ESOL, ELL, gifted, and other special needs, will OCVS offer more options to meet the needs of these children?
ELL students are provided equal access to educational programs offered in OCPS, as established by the Consent Decree. OCVS highly qualified teachers will provide instruction in alignment with the Florida State standards and virtual curriculum to ensure grade-level instruction. OCVS will ensure that ELLs receive comprehensible instruction using effective strategies and accommodations.
Are AP courses, Science courses with labs, and/or elective classes be provided at OCVS?
OCVS offers Advanced Placement Courses. There are also many elective courses offered online. Students can explore their interests in many areas such as photography, guitar, creative writing; world languages, 2D studio art and game/simulation and design. Please review our Course Catalog for more information.
Will OCVS provide students with devices (computers)?
OCVS students enrolled in our Full-time K-12 programs can receive a school-issued device for the semester/school year.