Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pasco eSchool offers free enrollment in a full-year program featuring the best of tradition and innovation in education. Students and Learning Guides receive instructional oversight by highly qualified teachers and apply the latest technology for online learning.
There are many reasons to educate your child outside the traditional classroom. A public virtual school provides an opportunity for parents who want to be more directly involved in their child’s education. Pasco eSchool enables you to share the gift of your time and talent with your child. Our virtual school’s instructional model provides individualized learning plans and easy to follow lesson plans designed to meet your child’s specific educational needs and goals.
- What is Pasco eSchool?
- Will my child’s curriculum be aligned to the Common Core?
- What are my options in accessing elementary virtual instruction within Pasco County?
- How do I enroll or register for Pasco eSchool?
- Can my student be enrolled in two schools?
- If I live outside of Pasco County can I still enroll my child with Pasco eSchool?
- How much does it cost?
- What does Pasco eSchool provide?
- Do I need internet access?
- Do I need a computer?
- May I request a placement testing for my child?
- Will there be a face-to-face registration &/or orientation?
- What kind of a time commitment is expected with the Pasco eSchool Elementary program?
- Is this school right for me?
- Is there a trial period?
- What does a successful 28-day grace period include?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- May I enroll my child mid-year?
- How will IEP’s and 504 plans be coordinated?
- What subjects will my child study?
- Is there a physical education program?
- Do I have to be “tech savvy” with a lot of computer skills?
- Will there be a pace chart for families to follow?
- Are there attendance and participation requirements?
- Is my child eligible to participate in the virtual instruction program if he or she needs reading or math remediation, as identified by the FCAT or future statewide assessments?
- How do the parents participate?
- Can you tell me more about the teacher?
- Is there an opportunity for my child to gather with classmates?
- Is Pasco eSchool accredited?
- What is the academic calendar?
- What does it mean to be a virtual student vs. a homeschool student?
- What are the technical requirements for this school year?
Still have questions? No problem! Contact us today and we will be glad to help you!
A: Pasco eSchool is a leading virtual school program that serves Florida residents in grades K-12. The school is based out of the Pasco County School District. It is a tuition-free program that utilizes a standards-based curriculum, supported by local, Florida-certified teachers. The program offers students many benefits, including:
- A high-quality choice for families looking for a personalized educational experience that is student-centered.
- A rigorous curriculum that is driven by state standards. • A blended approach, incorporating age-appropriate online and offline content.
- A flexible educational setting that follows the traditional school year while offering families a chance to develop a partnership with highly qualified teachers with extensive experience in helping students succeed.
Q: Will my child’s curriculum be aligned to the Common Core?
A: The new curriculum is aligned to Florida Standards. The Florida standards can be accessed by visiting the following website: http://www.fldoe.org/bii/curriculum/sss/
Q: What are my options in accessing elementary virtual instruction within Pasco County?
A: As a school of choice, families have the following options to access virtual instruction
- Pasco eSchool Virtual Instruction Program: A high quality, comprehensive virtual curriculum provided by Pasco eSchool teachers.
- Florida Virtual Academy Charter: K12 curriculum
- Brevard or Lee Virtual School: An inter-district agreement featuring the Calvert curriculum.
Q: How do I enroll or register for Pasco eSchool?
A: Enrollment in Pasco eSchool is now open. To ensure your child’s place, please begin by completing our form.
Q: Can my student be enrolled in two schools?
A: Pasco eSchool does allow students to design a schedule that blends virtual coursework with courses on a local school campus. To explore this option, please request an educational planning meeting at your zoned school.
Q: If I live outside of Pasco County can I still enroll my child with Pasco eSchool?
A: Pasco eSchool currently have partnerships directly with the following counties:, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Martin, Nassau, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Union and Volusia districts. If you live in one of these districts, you may enroll. If you live outside of these partner districts, Pasco eSchool will coordinate with your home district to determine your eligibility.
A: Pasco eSchool is a choice within the Pasco County School District. There are no fees for enrolling in a public virtual education program or school. All curriculum materials and resources are fully funded. Parents will need to provide their child access to a computer with internet as a requirement for participation in a virtual education program. (Students may qualify for a technology hardship exception if the family’s income meets the Free/Reduced Lunch program guidelines and if the family satisfies the technology hardship provisions outlined by Florida State Statute 1002.45 and HB 7197.)
Q: What does Pasco eSchool provide?
A: Students who enroll in Pasco eSchool receive rigorous and relevant curriculum, blending tradition, innovation, and technology. Families receive a variety of online and hardcopy texts, and other supplemental materials. Resources will be distributed during our orientation session. Students will receive instructional resources in both hardcopy and electronic forms of text. Families will occasionally need to provide common household items for some projects or activities.
A: Yes, Pasco eSchool’s elementary program incorporates a blend of traditional and online instruction. The student and parent will need access to the internet 2-3 hours a day from your home or through free public access such as a library.
A: Computers with internet access are required to complete a portion of the curriculum, as the Pasco eSchool program is a blended curriculum program. (Students may qualify for a technology hardship exception if the family’s income meets the Free/Reduced Lunch program guidelines and if the family satisfies the technology hardship provisions outlined by Florida State Statute 1002.45 and HB 7197.)
Q: May I request a placement testing for my child?
A: Students are placed within the grade level based on previous school records, and in accordance with Florida Statute 100321(1)(b). Once students are enrolled in our program, we will use many forms of formal and informal sources of data to adjust the appropriate instructional plan for your child. Parent always have an option to conference with school administration, guidance counselors and teachers to review their child’s academic records and determine if there are individual needs in creating an instructional plan for the upcoming school year.
Q: Will there be a face-to-face registration &/or orientation?
A: Our Student and Family Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2014. Our website is being updated and we encourage families to check it regularly. Families are welcome to contact the Pasco eSchool office to meet with administration and/or guidance counselors to address any questions regarding enrollment with the elementary program.
Q: What kind of a time commitment is expected with the Pasco eSchool Elementary program?
A: Trade in the traditional school schedule for a daily schedule that flexes to meet your family’s needs. The Pasco eSchool’s schedule still requires about 25 hours per week, which includes attendance and progress milestones to guide your student’s journey. Pasco eSchool’s team will help you create a weekly schedule that connects your student with engaging curriculum experiences. In addition, there will be live events, parent academies, field trips and live school events. We’ll work hand-in-hand with you to ensure that your student’s academic progress meets or exceeds grade level expectations, and provide ideas to make the experience enjoyable.
The Pasco eSchool virtual instruction program model requires a significant investment of time to support the academic growth for your student, but the experience for your student can be priceless. Let us show you how your time, encouragement, and support coupled with our engaging curriculum and dedicated teachers can unleash your student’s potential.
Q: Is this school right for me?
A: The Pasco eSchool curriculum blends tradition, innovation, and technology. The decision to enroll in Pasco eSchool, however, represents a significant commitment on the part of the family to take an active role in the educational process. Parents must understand and accept their role in partnering with the virtual teacher, or designate another adult to serve as a learning guide. The virtual instruction program is a year-long curriculum, and mid-year enrollment is not permitted.
A: There is a 28-day grace period. This gives families and Pasco eSchool staff time to determine whether virtual enrollment is the right fit for them.
The 28-day grace period begins from the time the family enrolls. These days include calendar days, not school days.
Q: What does a successful 28-day grace period include?
A: A successful partnership with your family:
- Communicating consistently with Pasco eSchool staff
- Meeting minimum weekly work requirements based on class timelines
- Attending regularly, including required sessions – both live and online
- Participating in online lessons
- Adhering to all program requirements and expectations
- Completing assignments for the purpose of developing knowledge and skills with high quality on a consistent basis
- Engaging in any and all assessments
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: The eligibility requirements are:
- Students entering kindergarten must be five years old before September 1st of the school year in which they enroll in the program.
- Students entering first grade must be six years old before September 1st of the school year in which they enroll in the program.
- Students entering grades 2-5 must meet eligibility requirements set forth by Florida State Statue 1002.45, which includes prior enrollment in a Florida public school during the prior school year. Students must have been reported during attendance windows in the October and February survey periods.
- Exceptions for dependent children of a member of the United States Armed Forces are permitted if the family has relocated within the prior 12 months, pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
- Students whose sibling was enrolled in a district virtual instruction program during the prior school year may also qualify.
Q: May I enroll my child mid-year?
A: Our elementary program is a full year program. Students must enroll by September 5, 2014.
Q: How will IEP’s and 504 plans be coordinated?
A: IEPs and 504 plans will be coordinated as follows:
- Students entering kindergarten must be five years old before September 1st of the school year in which they enroll in the program.
- Students entering first grade must be six years old before September 1st of the school year in which they enroll in the program.
- Students entering grades 2-5 must meet eligibility requirements set forth by Florida State Statue 1002.45, which includes prior enrollment in a Florida public school during the prior school year. Students must have been reported during attendance windows in the October and February survey periods.
- Exceptions for dependent children of a member of the United States Armed Forces are permitted if the family has relocated within the prior 12 months, pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
- Students whose sibling was enrolled in a district virtual instruction program during the prior school year may also qualify.
Q: What subjects will my child study?
A: Pasco eSchool provides a well-rounded curriculum. Our curriculum consists of Humanities, STEAM and the Genius block. The humanities block includes so much more than a traditional English and language arts curriculum. Pasco eSchool’s humanities curriculum connects English and language arts to the study of other modern languages, literature, fine arts, history, and communication. The STEAM curriculum provides a framework for teaching across the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Pasco eSchool’s STEAM block will integrate learning experiences grounded in the maker movement’s approach to learners constructing meaning and creating content. In addition, we will have a Genius Hour, which is a wheel of electives. The Genius Hour will Pasco eSchool offers students instruction in world languages, physical education, art, music, and computer coding. The school district will provide the curriculum and materials necessary, though some common household items may be required.
Q: Is there a physical education program?
A: Elementary students are required to have 150 minutes of physical activity each week. The learning coach may use a variety of student-selected activities, team sports, and/or other approved physical activity to meet this requirement. The learning coach will submit attendance and workout logs as directed by the teacher to meet this requirement.
Q: Do I have to be “tech savvy” with a lot of computer skills?
A: No, the program is easy to use. The curriculum is a blended program of online, textbook and other forms of study. There will be orientation prior to the start of school where you can learn the computer skills needed, and the Pasco eSchool staff will provide assistance when needed!
Q: Will there be a pace chart for families to follow?
A: In order for your child to achieve a year’s worth of academic growth, families must adhere to the timelines set forth for each content area. There will be pacing information that will allow students to complete grade-level expectations during the course of the year. Our learning management system (LMS) will include a calendar to assist in organizing your child’s learning.
Q: Are there attendance and participation requirements?
A: Regular participation in classes is critical to student success. Virtual “attendance” is taken each school day in two ways. Attendance in online coursework, course sample submissions and assessments are monitored. Students should also log in to each of their courses for substantive participation daily. To have satisfactory “attendance”, work must be submitted weekly regardless of the student’s pacing, unless arrangements are made in advance with the Pasco eSchool teachers and staff. Additionally, our teachers will engage students and families in reflection conferences monthly.
Q: Is my child eligible to participate in the virtual instruction program if he or she needs reading or math remediation, as identified by the FCAT or future statewide assessments?
A: Students whose score in level 2 for the grade 3-5 FCAT tests may be eligible to participate in the K-5 program, based on placement test results. Generally, these students would be enrolled in appropriate coursework to provide academic interventions matched to their identified needs. These students would receive progress monitoring to ensure that they are making gains toward meeting grade level standards.
Students whose FCAT scores indicate a need for frequent, intense interventions would be required to enroll at a local school to receive the Tier III interventions required by state law. Students scoring at level 1 on the FCAT would fall into this category.
Q: How do the parents participate?
A: Consistent parent or adult participation is a requirement of this program. Families are required to designate an adult to serve as a learning guide. The curriculum is challenging and rigorous, requiring many hours of student/teacher, and parent/student interaction to complete online and offline instructional activities. For younger students, the parent takes an active role in the teaching and learning process. As students mature, the teacher and online resources provide more direct instruction, while the parent provides support and structure.
Throughout the curriculum and school year, there will be parent – teacher conferences or student- teacher conferences to discuss the student’s progress. The conferences will include progress calls and face to face meetings. The student, learning guide, and teacher function as a team working toward a common goal: student success.
Students are also required to participate in annual state and district testing, which will require the parent to provide transportation to the designated testing location.
Q: Can you tell me more about the teacher?
A: Pasco eSchool provides a highly-qualified, Florida-certified teacher for students. The teacher has special skills and experience working with families in virtual environments, and has been specially-selected to create the best learning experience for each student.
Pasco eSchool provides an additional layer of support through our educational support team. Students and parents/Learning Guides will also have access to the educational support team and Pasco eSchool teachers through email, chat, face time, Skype and phone. Our teachers will provide direct instruction. They are available for questions, special assistance, and optional group teaching activities providing multiple forums in which you and your student can participate. The teachers provide experienced support as professional educators, answers to specific curriculum questions, alternative teaching strategies and other practical advice.
Q: Is there an opportunity for my child to gather with classmates?
A: There will be many opportunities throughout the school year to interact both with Pasco eSchool students either virtually or at in-person events. These live or in-person events will be posted well in advance so that families can schedule accordingly. These events are integral component of the curriculum.
Q: Is Pasco eSchool accredited?
A: Yes, the District School Board of Pasco County is a fully-accredited district through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-CASI) and AdvancED (formerly known as the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, or CITA).
Q: What is the academic calendar?
A: As a public school in Pasco County, Pasco eSchool follows the instructional calendar published by the district. In accordance with Florida statutes, students are required to be enrolled for 180 days. Attendance must be recorded for all students.
Q: What does it mean to be a virtual student vs. a homeschool student?
| Pasco eSchool Elementary Program | Home Education Plan | |
| OVERVIEW | Public school program in which parents play an active role in the instructional process with the support and direction of Pasco eSchool and the Pasco County School District | Families are responsible for adhering to state and local requirements. The local school district and slate are not required to determine curriculum, provide guidelines, materials, books and other resources. |
| CURRICULUM | Families can choose from 3 options:
|
Family is solely responsible for choosing, providing, and/or purchasing materials. |
| INSTRUCTION | Instruction is supported by:
|
Family selects both curriculum and selects delivery method of instruction. |
| ASSESSMENT | Participation in district and state assessment program that provides feedback on child’s performance and drives instruction. | Parent must arrange for annual assessments and maintain a portfolio. |
| ATTENDANCE | Pasco eSchool adheres to the same attendance policy and school calendar of the Pasco County School District. | It is the responsibility of the family to determine attendance and provide documentation if necessary. |
| MORE INFORMATION | http://eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us/elementary/ | http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice/home_ed/ |
Q: What are the technical requirements for this school year?
A: Software Requirements:
- 2GHz or faster processor
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Home or later
- Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 3.5
- 2GB of RAM
- 60 GB of available hard-disk space
- 1,024×768 screen resolution
- DVD-ROM drive
- Audio card
- Printer and Scanner, or combination
Optional:
- Headset or speakers and microphone
- Web camera
- Bamboo Pen Tablet or equivalent
Still have questions? No problem! Contact us today and we will be glad to help you!