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Lake County Virtual School outlines options for home-education and scholarship families
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Summary
Lake County Virtual School principals said families can use the district-run program part time or full time, apply Family Empowerment Scholarship funds to district courses, opt out of state testing, and access certified teacher support and flexible scheduling. Contact details and enrollment steps were provided.
Paul Miller, principal of Lake County Virtual School, told families that the district-run virtual program is designed to support — not replace — home-education and Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) families by offering Florida Department of Education–credited courses taught by local certified teachers.
"Our goal here at Lake County Virtual School...is to not replace what is going on. We're here just to support," Miller said, explaining the program provides credited courses, curriculum and tutoring as needed while parents remain in control of their students' overall education.
Samantha Martin, the school's ESE specialist and the home-education and FES coordinator, said students do not have to enroll full time to take classes. "No is the answer. You could totally take a few classes," Martin said, describing an a la carte model that lets families pick as many or as few courses as they want to complement home instruction.
Martin said Lake County Virtual is an approved vendor for scholarship funds and families using programs such as Step Up for Students can apply their scholarship toward district courses. The enrollment process requires a small set of forms; Martin said staff can help by phone or email and that enrollment start dates are available throughout the year, including a summer term.
Miller addressed state testing and said participation in end-of-course or state exams is voluntary for home-education families taking Lake County Virtual classes. "You do not have to come in. It is your choice," he said, while noting some families opt in to get feedback.
On course offerings and support, Martin said the program covers a range of subjects from elementary through grades 6–12, including algebra, geometry, precalculus, physics and chemistry, plus electives. Local certified teachers provide feedback through email, virtual sessions and even text messaging; many courses include pacing calendars and guides to help students and parents keep on track.
Miller emphasized the district's instructional approach: the school follows the Lake County Schools calendar but allows flexible start and finish times and focuses on mastery learning rather than rigid class-period schedules.
For families ready to explore the program, Martin provided enrollment resources and a contact number: callers can reach Lake County Virtual at (352) 483-4265 and ask for Samantha Martin for assistance with paperwork and course selection.
Asked how Lake County Virtual differs from Florida Virtual School, Martin said Lake County Virtual is part of Lake County Schools with local teachers and district affiliation, whereas Florida Virtual School is separate though it may use the same platform. "The benefit of choosing us is that you're gonna get somebody who is wanting to help our Lake County students," she said.
The session closed with Miller encouraging families to contact the school for single courses, tutoring or more extensive virtual enrollment; he reiterated that families retain decision-making control while the district provides support and accredited instruction.
