How Does Online School Work in Florida?
How Does Online School Work in Florida? - Connections Academy
How Online School Works in Florida
Discover how Florida Connections Academy can expand your child's learning and help them go further.
A Day at Florida Connections Academy
What Online Learning Looks Like
At Florida Connections Academy, students can learn where and when it works best for them with the support of dedicated educators. Online school offers you flexibility to make school work for your unique student, so they can find a pace that works for them or pursue their individual passions.
Take a look at our sample daily schedules to start imagining what online school might look like for your child.
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30 HOURS Per Week
Learning and growing with their Learning Coach
5 Hours Per Day
Learning Coaches spend overseeing schoolwork
30% of school day doing schoolwork on a computer
70% of school day working offline
30 HOURS Per Week
Learning and growing with their Learning Coach
2-3 HOURS Per Day
Learning Coaches spend overseeing schoolwork
75% of school day doing schoolwork on a computer
25% of school day working independently offline
30 HOURS Per Week
Learning and growing with their Learning Coach
1-2 HOURS Per Day
Learning Coaches spend overseeing schoolwork
90% of school day doing schoolwork on a computer
10% of school day working independently offline
Charlotte M.
Elementary
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FAQs
How the Florida Connections Academy Program Works
Want to learn more about how our program works at Florida Connections Academy? Explore some of our most asked questions from families in Florida.
Which grades does Florida Connections Academy serve?
Florida Connections Academy currently serves students in grades K–12.
How is Florida Connections Academy different from traditional schooling?
Florida Connections Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education that is personalized to meet each student’s individual needs. This level of personalization is not commonly available in traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Using our accessible technology, we connect parents, teachers, and students from home or anywhere there is internet service.
Families also benefit from the unique flexibility of creating their schedule, something that typically isn’t possible in a traditional setting. Parents are also able to control their student’s learning environment, ensuring a safe and stimulating atmosphere.
Is online learning right for your student—and for your family? We encourage you to explore the Connections Academy Blog to learn more about the benefits of attending school online—and to get an inside look into what joining the Connections Academy® learning community may look like for you.
What does a Florida Connections Academy family receive?
First-Class Curriculum: Our program features curriculum developed by leading educational publishers. Florida families receive a combination of physical textbooks, online textbooks, workbooks, comprehensive lesson plans, and exciting enrichment courses.
Exceptional Teaching: Our Florida-certified teachers are specially trained in online instruction and work one-on-one with students and their parents to instruct, review assignments, and customize the curriculum. Florida Connections Academy teachers provide extra help for struggling or gifted students, including enrichment, honors, special education, and Advanced Placement®* options.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Families receive online communication, planning, and learning management tools; online lessons and library resources; and technology literacy courses. At Florida Connections Academy, a limited number of computers will be available for households that do not already own a personal computer that can be dedicated to schoolwork and are approved for a technology hardship exception.
* Advanced Placement® is a registered trademark of the College Board. Used with permission.
Is Florida Connections Academy accredited?
Yes. Connections Academy schools are supported by Connections Education LLC, which is accredited by Cognia, an organization that offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning and improvement services to institutions and other education providers around the world. In addition, Florida Connections Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accrediting division of Cognia, formerly AdvancED.
Why is accreditation important? Watch the video.
What sets Florida Connections Academy apart?
Families choose Florida Connections Academy because they trust us to give their children a unique, personalized school experience that prepares students for a bright future—whether that includes college, technical training, or career readiness.
Supported by Pearson, the world’s learning company, Connections Academy® schools provide a complete, full-time education for children—one that includes all the core courses, electives, and social opportunities K–12 students need. Caring teachers specialize in online learning and work with parents to help students learn.
Want to learn more? Check out our full list of frequently asked questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Flexible
What Does Flexibility in Online Learning Really Mean?
Flexible Learning
A School Day Built for You
Learning online at Florida Connections Academy means more freedom when planning your child’s school day. While they must meet Florida attendance requirements and some tasks are on a fixed schedule, your child can complete many of their lessons at whatever time of day works best for them, and their teachers are ready to help whenever they need guidance.
Through a mix of independent work in their dedicated online learning portal and regularly scheduled LiveLesson sessions with teachers, students have more space to tailor their schedule to meet their needs and pursue their passions.
Parent Involvement
Your Role as a Learning Coach
As your child’s Learning Coach, you’ll provide essential, day-to-day support for your student. Although the specifics of your responsibilities will shift as your child gains confidence and independence, you can expect to:
monitor attendance and participation
help structure your child’s day using our online scheduling tool
stay in touch with teachers by phone or email
provide one-on-one support with learning activities
What Else You Can Expect
Check Your Eligibility
We serve students in grades K–12 across Florida. Check whether your student is eligible for enrollment.
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Clubs & Activities
Online Extracurriculars for K-12 Students
There is so much to see and do all over Florida. Our voluntary field trips give your child a chance to experience these amazing places firsthand. From historical sites to zoos, museums, the great outdoors and so much more, your child can go on adventures alongside their fellow students, exploring, learning and having fun together on school trips throughout Florida.
Student Clubs
A sample of online school clubs and activities offered to students
Art Club (Grades 6-12)
Designed to spark student creativity by exploring two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, photography, and graphic design through techniques and styles associated with each medium. Students have the opportunity to create original designs and artwork, share their artwork with peers, learn about appropriate critique guidelines, and provide feedback to other club members..
Arts and Crafts Club (Grades 2-5)
Encourages students to create crafts using materials found at home and in nature. Integrated with subjects such as social studies, science, and math, students work on a variety of creative projects.
Chess Club (Grades K-12)
Offers a unique opportunity to learn from chess experts and enjoy playing chess with other students in biweekly LiveLesson sessions. Club members are encouraged to enjoy friendly competition through the use of an online chess gaming system. All club members are invited to participate in chess tournaments throughout the year.
Drama Club (Grades 6–12)
This lively club provides students with the opportunity to explore the world of theater, including performance, stage management, and major genres. Includes collaborative creative projects with other students and constructive feedback. LiveLesson® sessions and an engaging Message Board are designed to inspire, challenge, and motivate every student’s creativity.
Gaming and Technology Club (Grades 2–12)
Allows students who have an affinity for technology and gaming to explore and discuss gaming styles and genres, learn about careers in the gaming and technology industry, and share their original work in LiveLesson sessions. Individual and collaborative projects may include creating elements of video games and investigating internet safety and cyberthreats.
Gross Science Club (Grades K-5)
Kids get to learn about yucky, gooey, stinky things in science. They get to do fun experiments like making fake poop and boogers. Explore the weird world of gross science with cool activities.
Kindness Club (K-5)
Members inspire each other to build up virtual students from around the country and world, and complete regular challenges to scatter kindness throughout their communities.
Mini Monthly Marvels (Grades K-1)
Members are encouraged to join monthly meetings to participate in fun activities such as arts and crafts and games that are focused around monthly themes. Students share their experiences, creations, and observations.
Pop Up Events
Ever-changing assortment of unique online get-togethers
Gross Science
Storytelling, Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
NASA News Flash
Financial Literacy/Money Smarts
Bring Your Pet to School
Snack & Chats
STEAM
Celebrating Diversity
Earth Day
Makers’ Lab
Mysteries of Math
Photography Showcase
Talent Shows
Special Events
Variety of special events
During the school year, the Connections Academy Clubs & Activities team offers a variety of events to provide opportunities for students to interact with other students, explore topics, and showcase talents. These special events occur during specified time periods and do not require club enrollment.
Some examples of special events include the Photography and Music Showcases, and Hour of Code (to celebrate Computer Science Week). There’s something for everyone in the online National Clubs & Activities program!
20
Clubs & Activities offered to students in grades K-12
10+
Interactive pop-up events each month
94%
Of students would recommend their club to a friend*
*Students responding to the 2026 Spring Club Surveys
Athletics
Can Online Students Play Sports?
Because learning at Connections Academy takes place virtually, our flexible schedule gives students the opportunity to play recreational or club sports in their local communities.
In addition, our schools participate in Connections Esports, which brings together several Connections Academy Esports Clubs. Depending on grade level, your middle or high school student can participate in competitions by playing Rocket League or Valorant. In 2022, we were ranked #1 nationally in Rocket League!
Montessori Academy of Tampa Bay
Established in 1993, provides a hands-on Montessori education for children ages 14 months through 3rd grade. Our classrooms are designed with mixed-age groups that encourage collaboration, independence, and leadership among students of all levels. From the earliest learners to our elementary students, children explore Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Geography, and more through engaging, hands-on experiences. Each child progresses at their own pace, guided by dedicated Montessori teachers who nurture curiosity and confidence. Our vibrant school community celebrates learning through special events such as Science Fairs, International Festivals, Family Day, Kindergarten Graduation, and Honors Day Programs. Spanish is also taught to all students, enriching their cultural awareness and language development. Our elementary program blends Montessori and traditional educational approaches, helping students build a smooth, confident transition into middle school and beyond.
