Lee Virtual Instruction Program to begin accepting applications
The Lee Virtual Instruction Program will soon begin accepting applications for its enrollment period for second semester courses.
They will begin Jan. 5, 2012.
Online applications will be accepted from Nov. 14 through Dec. 9 and can be found at lvip.leeschools.net for kindergarten through 12th grade students. Two orientation sessions are required for those students who are new to the program.
According to the program’s website, its mission “is to expand access for all Lee County students to rigorous, relevant curriculum that incorporates skills and knowledge students need to succeed in the 21st Century.”
Ann Taylor, Lee Virtual School administrative secretary said after the student submits the application they will receive a receipt that it was received. She said she will look at whether the student passed the FCAT with a score of a three or higher as per state law.
After it is determined that the student passed the FCAT she said they will then make the decision of accepting the student into the program if they think the student will be successful in the virtual school.
Taylor said the program takes a much more dedicated student, one who is very disciplined in time management to be successful in the program. Many of the students she said enjoy the program because they can go at their own pace.
A student who graduated last year completed the program in one year as a sophomore with a 5.2 grade point average. Taylor said the student graduated with an associates degree and high school diploma and is now attending the University of South Florida at 16.
The Lee Virtual Instruction Program currently has just under 200 full-time students and more than 35 part-time students enrolled in the program.
Taylor said this year they have added student and parent ambassadors who have been a part of the program since its inception three years ago to provide others with assistance. She said they can refer incoming students and parents to the ambassadors, so they can explain what it is like to be a virtual student, along with what the program is like.
A full-time student is required to take six courses a semester. Taylor said they encourage the student to spend an hour a day on each course.
In addition to the online instruction, Taylor said they also offer get togethers for the students enrolled in the program a few times a month. She said once a month they offer academic based get togethers and another where they can take a field trip together.
There are currently eight teachers with Lee Virtual School who are located in Lee County.