Cyber Academy director: Online schools mean more options than ever for Florida students

For Florida families, this new school year brings with it more choices than ever for selecting the school — and setting — that best meets the needs of their child.

The educational landscape is constantly evolving. But this school year in Duval is marked by an expanded private school voucher program, broader options for virtual learning than perhaps ever before and an increasing emphasis on early career training and trade certifications for middle and high schoolers.

The brick-and-mortar school model serves many students well. But every student has an individual learning style — and each family has different commitments. Online schools allow enrolled students to learn at their own pace and on their own terms. Most follow a mix of virtual lessons and offline activities that can be tailored to each learner. Students can study at home or wherever there's an internet connection. This eliminates the need for long commutes, leaving more time for learning.

Letters: Issues at small Georgia library an example of larger attacks on democracy

For some students, this represents a chance to learn in the setting that is most productive and supportive for them. Maybe they homeschooled through elementary school and their families want a home-based learning experience but with guided instruction and curriculum as they move into more complex academics. Others want to learn from home but with structured, live teaching online, Or they have immune-compromised students avoiding the latest COVID surge.

Whatever their motivation, online school opens up opportunities that simply would not be possible within a traditional classroom.

For example, Florida Cyber Charter Academy, chartered with Duval, Osceola and Clay counties, enrolls over 2,300 students statewide. The school offers students a daily “live,” synchronous program in which students interact with their teacher and classmates. Additionally, in middle and high school students have access to AVID, advanced programs and dual enrollment with our collegiate partner University of North Florida. We also offer student clubs and in-person social activities throughout the year across the state.

'This is history': $43M Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary, first new Duval school from sales tax, opens to crowd

Our students come from every single district in the state and must meet all the same requirements as they would in a brick-and-mortar. That includes spending a certain amount of time engaged in schoolwork each day and logging at least 180 instructional days a year. Perhaps most importantly, students must take the same standardized tests mandated by the state of Florida as those in a traditional classroom setting.

Because virtual schools are, by definition, technology-enabled, they can also better equip students to thrive in the digital age. The tools and platforms students utilize in online schools like ours often provide them with a digital fluency that exceeds that of their peers — an advantage that will serve them well in higher education and work.

As thousands of families in Jacksonville and across Florida embark on a new school year, the online classroom represents a dynamic and innovative alternative for today's learners.

Jerry Hulshult is director of schools for Florida Cyber Charter Academy, one of three K-12 online schools in Florida and chartered within the Duval County, Osceola and Clay school districts.

This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: New online schools allow Florida students to learn at their own pace