As a homeschool student, Kelsey Gray didn’t like history or English. Math was even worse. Each year, the curriculum grew more difficult – finally prompting her mom, Mendy Gray, a former public schoolteacher, to seek alternatives.

She turned to other homeschoolers, who shared a secret: Florida Virtual School.

Kelsey Gray's mom introduced the teen to online education, a few classes at a time.

The 16-year-old online education program, the largest in the country, offers more than 120 courses from Algebra to Sociology. Classes are taught by certified teachers and available for free to K-12 students enrolled in public, private and charter schools – and even home schools.

More than 149,000 students participated in Florida Virtual School part-time, taking up to five classes, in 2011-12, the most recent figures available. Of those students, 23 percent were homeschoolers with the rest attending district, charter or private schools.

The option appealed to Mendy, who wanted her daughter to learn at her own pace at home. Kelsey, 13 at the time, started off slow, signing up as a part-time virtual student and taking language arts and U.S. history.

Her first thought: “I actually have a teacher. I’m scared.’’

Mom tried to reassure her. Virtual education is a perfect complement to homeschooling, she said. You’ll like it.

Mom was right. (more…)