If you or your student is exploring flexible high school options in Florida, you may be wondering: What's the difference between Acceleration Academies and Florida Virtual School (FLVS)? 

While both programs offer alternatives to traditional high school, they differ greatly in structure, support and student experience.

Here's how Acceleration Academies and FLVS compare: 

1. Completion Credentials

At Acceleration Academies, all graduates receive a district-issued high school diploma. Full-time students at FLVS receive a state of Florida diploma upon graduation, but students who choose FLVS’s popular Flex option do not receive one.

FLVS Flex is designed for students who are enrolled in a traditional school or are homeschooled to take individual courses to supplement their curriculum. As a result, FLVS Flex does not issue diplomas. 

2. Learning Model: Hybrid vs. Fully Online

Acceleration Academies offers a blended model that combines online classes with in-person support. Students complete their academic work online but also attend a local Acceleration Academies campus for personalized academic coaching, mentoring and emotional support. While on campus, students can also build friendships with peers so they don’t lose out on the social aspect that comes with attending a traditional school.

In contrast, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is fully online, with no physical location or in-person interaction. While it offers flexibility, students must be highly self-motivated and independent to succeed.

>> Explore Our Florida Locations

3. Academic Structure: One Course at a Time

At Acceleration Academies, students take one course at a time, completing each course in 3–4 weeks. This approach helps reduce stress and allows students to master material more effectively.

FLVS students typically juggle multiple courses simultaneously, which can feel overwhelming for those who need more structure or have fallen behind.

>> Read Some Success Stories from Florida Acceleration Academies Students

4. Support System: Coaches, Mentors and Advocates

One of the biggest advantages of Acceleration Academies is our comprehensive support team:

• Academic coaches who help students stay on pace
• Career & life coaches who guide post-graduation planning and help students navigate life challenges 
• Graduation candidate advocates who provide emotional and social support

Each academy’s entire support team is available to students and their guardians in-person and virtually.

FLVS does offer teacher access via phone or email, but students often report feeling isolated or unsupported.

5. Learning Environment: A Place to Belong

The Acceleration Academies learning spaces are designed to feel safe and welcoming. With lounge areas, learning pods and quiet testing zones, students can focus without distractions. It's a student-centered school environment that respects individual needs.

FLVS students work entirely from home, which may not be ideal for those who lack a quiet space, encounter feelings of isolation or need face-to-face accountability.

6. Graduation Support and Credit Recovery

Acceleration Academies specializes in helping students who are behind on credits or have left high school. We offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Credit recovery options
• Support for early graduation

FLVS may work well for students already on pace, but it doesn’t offer the same level of re-engagement support.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a program that combines the freedom of online learning with the accountability and connection of in-person support, Acceleration Academies may be the right fit.

We’re designed for students who want to catch up, graduate faster or thrive in a more personalized setting. And best of all? At Acceleration Academies, you’re never on your own.

>> Is Acceleration Academies Right For You?