On Monday, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Florida Virtual School (FLVS) announced that the Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), a new unified education system for DJJ students, is now operational across Florida. This partnership will provide in-person instruction for students within all 44 DJJ residential commitment programs.
“This marks a significant milestone in our path to create brighter futures for Florida’s juvenile justice-involved youth,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “With the Florida Scholars Academy officially operational, our youth will soon benefit from a seamless, high-quality education to enhance their academic achievement and propel them on the path to success.”
“It is exciting to see the hard work behind the Florida Scholars Academy come to fruition,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “The educational opportunities made possible by this education system will have a major impact on the future achievements of these students in both higher education and the workforce.”
“The launch of the Florida Scholars Academy marks great progress towards strengthened communities in Florida,” said Senator Jonathan Martin. “Through the personalized education offered by the academy, youth will have better opportunities upon release leading to reduced recidivism and safer communities for all.”
FSA aims to provide individualized support to approximately 2,300 students under DJJ care, helping them achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value, or enroll in a postsecondary program at a Florida college, university, or technical college.
“Since Florida Virtual School was named the operating education service provider for Florida Scholars Academy in October 2023, our team of passionate educators has been hard at work to create an environment that cultivates academic and resiliency skills,” said Robin Winder, Chief Academic Officer of FLVS. “Our goal is to meet these students where they are by helping them establish a feeling of self-worth and belief in themselves as they progress through life.”
FSA classes are set to begin on July 10. For more information about FSA, visit https://floridascholarsacademy.com/.
About the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
The DJJ is recognized as one of the most comprehensive juvenile justice systems in the country and works to enhance public safety across Florida. The system covers services ranging from prevention for at-risk youth to rehabilitating serious juvenile offenders in residential commitment programs. DJJ employs data-informed, evidence-based decision-making across its continuum and provides high-quality services delivered by professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida.
About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
FLVS places students at the center of every decision it makes. For 26 years, certified online teachers have worked one-on-one with students to understand their needs and ensure their success. As a fully accredited statewide public school district offering tuition-free online education options for grades K-12, FLVS has seen its students complete 7.3 million semester courses since its inception.
About Florida Scholars Academy (FSA)
FSA is an educational system designed for students assigned to DJJ residential commitment programs. Through in-person instruction, FSA offers individualized educational pathways aimed at helping students achieve academic credentials or enroll in postsecondary programs at colleges or technical institutions.