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INTRODUCTION
Broward Virtual School (BVS) seeks to prepare students for success in college and careers through the provision of excellence in teaching and advanced technology (Broward Virtual School [BVS], 2017a). Its mission statement states that, "The Broward Virtual School learning experience will provide students with an individualized, rigorous and engaging instructional model through a technology driven, interactive format" (BVS, 2017f, para. 1). BVS is committed to providing the necessary resource and tools to ensure students receive the skills need to be successful. It is a virtual school that strives for excellence while establishing a flexible and challenging alternative for students. BVS continues to meet the challenges that virtual schools face and they have reached a level that has made them a viable school of choice for students and parents within the county and beyond.
ABOUT BVS
BVS is a part of the Broward County Public School System (BCPSS) (BVS, 2017a). Students within the county have the ability to take virtual courses through BVS free of charge. BVS was formerly located in Davie, Florida, but has since transitioned to Coconut Creek High School's campus, in Coconut Creek, Florida. BVS partners with Florida Virtual School to offer secondary courses, and K12 Inc. to offer K-5 courses to bring quality distance learning courses to K-12 students throughout the county, state and other areas. In 2016, BVS serviced more than 15,000 students (Royes, 2017a). BVS courses are 100% online with the exception of some exams, labs, and some meetings. Since BVS is a part of BCPS, it is fully accredited through AdvancED (BVS, 2017a). BVS takes pride in helping students prepare for success in colleges and careers.
BVS COURSES
BVS is comparable to traditional schools due to the nature of providing quality educational experiences to students (LishonSavarino, 2013). BVS is a flexible alternative for students that is designed with content that is at or above grade level (BVS, 2017c). The courses at BVS are an alternative for students that is not only flexible but challenging as well. The BVS curriculum encourages problem solving skills and critical thinking skills, as students work on real-life projects. BVS offers opportunities for students to utilize the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their courses. BVS recommends that students devote approximately one hour...