Many students choose to take classes online on Florida Virtual School, FLVS for short, in addition to their regular classes. Students use computers to take their classes and learn through the online lessons. Some classes are even capable of being done on mobile devices.

FLVS has a wide range of classes to choose from. While some take a traditional core class (English, math, science, or history), others take classes that can give them their fishing or learners license.

It is now a graduation requirement in Hillsborough County to take at least one high school course online at FLVS.

Junior, Joshua Lyons, takes creative photography online, “I take creative photography because it counts as my online class for graduation, as well as my performing arts credit.”

Another option students have is to take a FLVS course in place of one of their class periods, letting them leave school early.

By having an abbreviated schedule, it allows for some student athletes to go home before they must go to practice. This small amount of time allows them to get ahead on homework or take a quick break from their hectic day.

Students have mixed feelings on virtual school. Some students take a single online course and decide that they prefer the traditional classroom setting, while others expand their use of FLVS.

“Not having a seventh period allows me to get to the gym earlier and it gives me a chance to do more things after school,” Lyons continued, “I plan on taking two or three FLVS classes next year.”