Hernando eSchool FAQ
What is the difference between Hernando eSchool and FLVS?
Hernando eSchool and FLVS are two different schools.
Hernando eSchool offers courses that are taught by Hernando County teachers using Canvas as our Learning Management System. We are also a franchise of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), which means that we use some of their curriculum (specifically in math and science) taught by Hernando County teachers.
Hernando eSchool employs local, highly qualified, Florida-certified teachers, and each high school has a learning lab where students can connect with Hernando eSchool teachers. Because of these factors, we are able to provide a personal touch and special opportunities, such as tutoring and in-person connections.
Here are some reasons why we think you should choose Hernando eSchool:
- Hernando eSchool offers the same great courses as FLVS.
- Our pace chart requirements are the same (up to 18 weeks per semester course. Students are always allowed to work ahead).
- We have no waiting lists for course placement. Once guidance approval is given, students are classroom assigned within 24-48 hours. Students requesting courses with FLVS are placed according to their institution’s procedures and capacity and this process can last several days at times.
- Our school-wide success rate for completion in courses is higher than the state average.
- Our teachers and counselor are local, and actively communicate with the student’s school counselor, parents, and lab facilitators.
- Students taking eSchool courses have priority to seats in the learning lab. Students taking FLVS courses do not have seats in the learning labs; they must complete these courses outside of school hours.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Full Time Program?
Elementary Program:
Eligibility requirements for grades K through 5 include FSA/ELA and Math Level 3 or higher, Stanford Achievement Test Reading Score at 50th percentile or above, Grade-level proficiency on an official standardized test administered by another state public school system, and having been successfully promoted to the next grade level at the end of the previous school year. Face to face live lessons is a requirement for our program.
If you are not able to attend the live lessons, you will not be able to participate in our program.
Live lessons are located at Pine Grove Elementary. Live lessons are an important aspect of our online program. Students will be required to participate in a live lesson each week. These lessons are scheduled by the teacher and take place during normal school hours. They will take place on the same day and time each week. Caretakers are not expected to take part in these lessons and are not required to be present when the student is attending the lesson. If a student misses more than 2 live lessons, for any reason, they may be dismissed from our program at the end of the quarter.
Middle and High School Requirements:
Eligibility requirements for grades 6 through 12 include credits on track for the current school year, GPA above 2.0, test scores on grade level (level 3 or higher) and successful promotion to the next grade level. Attendance and disciplines are also considered during the eligibility process. There are no live lessons for middle and high school students; everything is online.
When can my child enroll?
Students taking eSchool courses on a part-time basis can register at any time for a course and we do offer courses for summer registration. Registration deadlines are in effect for full-time eSchool students. Please see our registration page for the latest information on upcoming registration deadlines for full-time students.
Elementary aged students (grades K-5) are only accepted during the Open Enrollment window from April to July for the following school year. We do not accept mid-year elementary enrollments.
Once the Open Enrollment window has closed, students cannot attend Hernando eSchool through our full-time program. Students may be eligible for our Home Education Partnership Program.
A computer is required. What if I can’t afford a computer or internet service?
A computer is required for students enrolled in Hernando eSchool courses. For students taking Hernando eSchool courses while co-enrolled with another school, computers and internet access are available on the campus of local schools in our Media Centers and school labs or classrooms. Hernando eSchool does not participate in the one-to-one device directive through the District. If a student has a school laptop and is considering coming full time or through the Home Education Partnership program, that school issued laptop will need to be returned to their current school of enrollment.
Technology Requirements for Enrollment in Hernando eSchool Courses
Students will need a modern laptop or desktop computer. Lightweight devices such as Chromebooks and tablets may not have the ability to perform all tasks required in a course.
Canvas System Requirements: View the Browser and Plugin Requirements here https://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support
FLVS / Educator System Requirements: View the Hardware Requirements here https://www.flvs.net/student-parent-resources/more/system-requirements
In order to have a seamless online learning experience, it’s crucial to have a stable internet connection with sufficient speeds. Slow internet speeds can result in various performance issues such as delayed page loading, sluggish portal performance, video playback issues, slow online quiz performance, and more. It’s recommended to have a minimum internet speed of 2 Mbps or higher to avoid encountering these problems and to have an uninterrupted learning experience.
What do we do if we have technical issues?
If technical issues arise, your child’s online teacher(s) will be there for initial support. You will also have access to a technical support team if the issue extends beyond the teacher’s ability.
What if my child starts an online class and discovers that this style of learning is not right for them?
This situation is okay. Online learning may not be for everyone. The student, parents/guardians, and teachers work together to make this decision. Students in our full time and Home Education programs can return to their zoned school at any time. Ultimately, we want to make sure that students are placed in a learning environment that is right for them. Please note that grades do not transfer from the online environment to the face-to-face environment. Students must complete their semester courses in order to gain the credit. Switching from the online environment back to face-to-face in the middle of a semester may cause students to be behind in coursework.
What are some challenges I might expect with my child taking online classes?
With online classes, students (with the help of their parents/guardians) must make a greater effort to stay organized, create a schedule and manage their time, and work towards staying on pace with work. As a parent/guardian, you will need to make sure you are periodically going online to check the progress of your child.
What are some positive changes that I might see in my child as a result of them taking online classes?
Students have the opportunity to develop skills related to organization and time management, develop a sense of responsibility, as well as take charge of their own learning.
Can my child still participate in sports, school activities, etc. in the full-time program?
Yes, full-time eSchool students can participate in sports and school activities at all schools in Hernando County. Students in our Home Education Partnership can only play sports at their zoned schools. For Prom and Homecoming events, all full time and Home Education Partnership Program students must be invited by a student who attends the zoned school and a permission slip will need to be signed off on by eSchool’s principal. Please note that seniors in either the full time or Home Education Partnership Program are not allowed to attend Grad Bash with any school.
Does my child have to log in at a specific time?
No. For each online class, there is a pace chart with due dates that breaks down what work should be done each week. As long as your child sticks to this pace and completes work each week, there is not a specific time or day that they must be online. Students are allowed to work ahead of pace as well.
Can my child work on the weekends?
Yes. One of the benefits of taking online classes is that students can work during non-traditional school hours such as evenings and weekends.
Can my child finish the class early?
Yes. Another benefit of taking online classes is that students can work ahead of schedule and finish classes early. However, students must be in the course a minimum of 14 days (21 days for HOPE) per semester. The first DBA (Discussion Based Assessment) cannot be completed sooner than day 7, final DBA cannot be completed sooner than day 13, and the final exam cannot be completed sooner than day 14. Day 1 starts when the student submits their first assignment (not when the student is assigned to the course).
Is there a graduation ceremony?
Yes, Hernando eSchool hosts its own graduation ceremony, including all of the traditions that make the occasion special for family and friends. The ceremony is typically held at Hernando High School’s theater. Only those students in the full-time program with Hernando eSchool will receive a diploma at the end of their senior year. Seniors in the Home Education Partnership Program receive a completed set of transcripts at the end of the year.
How often do I need to make contact with my child’s online teacher(s)?
You will have contact with your child’s online teacher(s) at least once a month to discuss their progress. It will be very important that you supply your child’s online teacher(s) with a phone number and email address that you can be reached at. You can contact the online teacher(s) at any time as well with questions.
Our family will be out of town for a period of time. Can students work on their online classes out of state?
Yes. If a student has a computer and internet access they can continue to work in their online classes wherever they are. If there is a period of time when the student cannot submit work, it is on the student to notify their teacher about the prolonged absence.
Does Hernando eSchool offer tutoring?
Yes, teachers are available for tutoring. Students must check the announcement pages of their courses to see availability and how to reach out to teachers to set up a tutoring session.
Do we follow the school district’s calendar?
Yes. However, if students are behind in their courses it is recommended that they work over breaks and holidays to get caught up.
Do we honor Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans?
Students who have an IEP or 504 plan are able to take online courses as well as participate in both the full time and Home Education Partnership programs. Please note that there may be specific accommodations on an IEP that Hernando eSchool cannot support. The school counselor will notify families if that is the case and in person learning may be recommended at that point.
How long does the process take to be enrolled in the Home Education Partnership Program?
Families will need to fill out the Home Education Notice of Intent and checkmark Hernando eSchool as their curriculum provider. Once the Home Education department processes the Notice of Intent, it is then sent over to Hernando eSchool. Once an eligibility determination is made, an email will be sent from the school counselor. If eligibility requirements are met, the email will contain the next steps of the registration process. Families will need to complete the online orientation and fill out the enrollment forms. Once that is completed, the forms come directly to the school counselor who will complete a credit check and create the schedule for the student. That will then be sent via email to students and parent/guardians. Students are placed in their courses within 24-48 hours after that point.
Do I have to take a full course schedule?
Students will be given a full course schedule in order to make sure they are meeting the requirements for their grade levels.
Can I still take Dual Enrollment and/or Advanced Placement courses?
Yes. Hernando eSchool does not offer AP courses, however students can take those courses with FLVS or another district virtual school if Hernando County does not offer it. full time Hernando eSchool students may take Dual Enrollment courses as long as they meet the requirements and apply by the deadline. Students in the Home Education Partnership Program can take Dual Enrollment classes but they follow a different articulation agreement with PHSC and will need to follow those policies and procedures to enroll.
Can I be an eSchool student while living outside of Hernando County?
Students in our full-time program may live outside of Hernando County. Home Education students are required to use their district’s virtual program. *For example, if you live in Pasco County you would use Pasco eSchool.
Can I take classes at my zoned school or FLVS if eSchool does not offer those specific courses?
Yes. You will need to contact the zoned school to enroll in those courses and to make sure seats are available. Students and families are required to provide their own transportation to and from the school on the days and times of classes. Students must leave campus directly after their classes end. Students will need to follow district and school dress code requirements.
Do I lose my seat at a magnet school?
Yes. If a student is currently enrolled at a magnet school in Hernando County and chooses to come to Hernando eSchool through either the full time or Home Education Partnership Program, they will lose their seat at the magnet school.
Does my work transfer from in person school to the online environment at any point of the school year?
No. We do not accept transfer grades, and we do not give transfer grades. Hernando eSchool only accepts completed course credits. However, if the student will be attending eSchool at the beginning of a semester, previous semester grades will transfer to the online setting.
What is the difference between the full-time program and the Home Education Partnership Program?
Students in both programs will receive a full schedule of courses and full-time students are required to attend all state testing sessions needed for their grade level. Home Education does not require testing, but it is recommended that they opt into testing. Hernando eSchool students will test at our portable located at Hernando High School and Home Education students will test at their zoned school. Seniors in the full-time program will receive diplomas at the end of their senior year whereas seniors in the Home Education program receive a completed set of transcripts at the end of the year.
Can I have a job while attending Hernando eSchool?
Students are allowed to work at a job while attending eSchool. Some companies may require a waiver for students to work during traditional school hours. Please reach out to the school counselor to receive the paperwork.
Do I need to provide transcripts to my zoned school if I leave Hernando eSchool and return?
Hernando eSchool utilizes Skyward, the same student information system that all schools in the district use. Transcripts will not be required to return to a zoned school as all completed courses will be available to be viewed on Skyward.
Is testing required?
Students in the full-time program are required to test. Home Education does not require testing, but it is recommended that students opt into testing. Please see the Testing FAQs for more specific information regarding testing.