New Florida Virtual School data highlights student achievement across college and career pathways

Press release from Florida Virtual School

ORLANDO, Fla. — As students across Florida prepare college applications this fall, newly released Florida Virtual School (FLVS) data highlights how students are building both college and career readiness through advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and industry-recognized credentials.

During the 2025-26 school year, FLVS students earned 1,206 industry certifications, providing students with valuable workforce credentials while still in high school.

Florida is projected to need approximately 760,000 net new jobs by 2030, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Scorecard, underscoring the growing importance of providing students with both the academic knowledge and career-ready skills needed to succeed in the state’s evolving workforce.

“As Florida continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals across industries,” said Sam Verghese, president and CEO of Florida Virtual School. “Through flexible, personalized learning pathways, Florida Virtual School is helping students build the durable skills, academic foundation, and industry-recognized credentials needed to succeed in college, careers, and Florida’s future workforce.”

FLVS offers 11 Career and Technical Education programs of study aligned with high-demand industries, providing students opportunities to explore career interests while earning industry-recognized credentials. Students can pursue pathways in fields such as finance, information technology, education, health science, and hospitality while completing their high school coursework.

Among FLVS Full Time Class of 2025 students, 56% of graduates earned academic distinction with grade point averages above 3.5. Students completed 1,454 Advanced Placement courses, 18 graduates earned an associate degree through dual enrollment before finishing high school, and 50 students achieved the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma.

The impact of these opportunities is reflected in students like Iliyana Jackson of Orlando, a homeschool student earning college credits through dual enrollment at Valencia College while completing individual courses through FLVS Flex. Jackson is on track to graduate with both her high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously.

She credits her online learning experience with helping her develop skills that extend beyond academics.

“I’ve learned accountability and time management,” Jackson said. “Because my classes are self-paced, I have to stay organized and manage my responsibilities. Those are skills I use in my college courses today and know I’ll use in the future.”

Jackson’s mother, Martha Jackson, said FLVS also provided opportunities outside the classroom that strengthened her daughter’s college applications and supported her personal growth.

“FLVS gave her access to clubs, volunteer opportunities, and experiences that helped create a more well-rounded application,” she said. “Those opportunities have been incredibly valuable.”

“Students are entering a world of constant change,” Verghese said. “Our responsibility is to help them develop not only the academic knowledge needed for their next step, but also the adaptability, critical-thinking skills, and confidence that will help them succeed wherever their path leads.”

Students can enroll in FLVS Flex courses year-round, and FLVS Full Time applications will reopen Nov. 2 for the second semester. For more information, visit flvs.net.