Virtual Instruction Program & Online Course Provider Resources
Please note that private virtual schools and Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) providers are not the same. Private virtual schools may not receive scholarship funding through the various school choice programs. Students who participate in the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities Program or the Florida Tax Credit - Personalized Education Program can use their scholarship funding toward tuition and fees associated with a virtual program offered by a department-approved Virtual Instruction Program provider that has met the specifications in s. 1002.45(2)(a), Florida Statutes. A private school does not qualify under this section. If you wish to operate a virtual private school in Florida, please follow the instructions found on the Opening a Private School page (Virtual and In-Person private schools follow the same opening guidelines).
Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) Provider
What is a VIP? Virtual Instruction Program Providers are providers of online only educational content that has been aligned to Florida Educational standards. They must provide full-time instruction but may offer part-time instruction as well for those grades that they serve. They must contract with Florida school districts or with virtual charter schools to provide complete virtual school programs. All applications are submitted online during the month of September at: https://flvprovider.smapply.org/
Application for new providers: VSP-02 Form for VIP Provider Approval (PDF)
Application for renewing providers: VSP-02R Form for VIP Provider Renewal (PDF)
Online Course Provider
What is an Online Course Provider? Online Course Providers offer individual online courses aligned to Florida standards.
The application for Online Course Provider Approval is to be completed by each Individual/Provider seeking approval to offer Florida-approved online courses which include both the instruction and the curriculum. This approval process is not for curriculum or content providers.
- VSP-03 Form for Online Course Provider Approval (New) (PDF)
- VSP-04 Form for Current Online Course Provider adding new courses (Current) (PDF)
- VSP-05 Form for Online Course Provider Renewal Approval (Renewal) (PDF)
The Provider Approval Process
For all applications the approval process is cyclical, beginning in September and concluding in March. Any approval that is granted will begin the following school year. All applications are submitted online at: https://flvprovider.smapply.org/
Timeline
- August 15th: Registration opens
- September 1-30: Online application submission window is open
- September 30: Window closes at midnight, no further submissions will be accepted for this cycle after this time
- October 1-31: Review of applications
- November: Applicants are notified of any deficiencies found by reviewers and then have 30 days to resubmit corrections
- December: Final submissions with corrections are recieved and a final review phase is conducted
- January: Final review results are determined
- February-March: Applicants are notified of the final results of their application.
Additional Resources
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Frameworks
- Course Additions, Changes and Deletions Summary 2024-25 (PDF)
- Course Alignment Examples
- Course Code Directory
- Course Provider Application Walkthrough (PDF)
- CPALMS - course standards and benchmarks
- Learning Gains Example Document (Excel)
- Memos Announcing Approved Providers
- NSQ Self-Review Course Template (Word)
- NSQ Self-Review Program Template (Word)
- Online Course Provider Approval Rule (6A-6.0982, F.A.C.)
- Tips for filling out an application (PDF)
- VIP Application Walkthrough (PDF)
- VIP Provider Approval Rule (6A-6.0981, F.A.C.)
- VIP Provider Financial Statement (Excel)
- VSP-FS Form for VIP Provider Financial Statement (Excel)