Virtual school registration opens Monday

School districts are now required by the Florida Department of Education to offer a virtual-school online learning option for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Eligible students may register Monday, Nov. 23 for the 2009-2010 second semester of the Sarasota County School District’s interactive, online learning option, known as Sarasota Virtual School.

Teachers will monitor student progress, communicate via e-mail and telephone and give assignments online and through physical materials shipped to and from students. Attendance will be monitored based on online activity.

“Students and their parents who have signed up for Sarasota Virtual School are finding that the school meets their needs,” said Deborrah Metheny, supervisor of School Choice programs for the district. “They have lots of different reasons, but they’re all happy to have this online option.”

Sarasota Virtual School uses a state-approved curriculum with instructional materials that include a computer, Internet access and printed materials. Computer and Internet access may be provided at no charge to eligible students who meet family income requirements.

To be eligible, students must have been enrolled in a Florida public school (traditional, charter or alternative) since Oct. 1, 2008; be dependents of a member of the U.S. military transferred to the state within the last year; or be enrolled in 2008-2009 in a school district virtual-instruction or an approved K-8 virtual school program.

For more information on eligibility, registration dates or enrollment, contact the Sarasota Virtual School office at 927-9000, Ext. 32171, or e-mail [email protected].