Answers to FAQs
What is Sunshine Online Academy?
Sunshine Online Academy is a fully online private school program operated through Sunshine State Academy K–12. Students complete online courses through EdOptions Academy, while Sunshine State Academy K–12 maintains enrollment, academic records, transcripts, graduation review, and diploma issuance for eligible students.
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Is this the same as the umbrella school option?
No. Sunshine Online Academy is a structured fully online program with online courses, assigned teachers, course pacing, grading, and progress monitoring.
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Does Sunshine Online Academy accept state scholarships?
No. Sunshine Online Academy does not currently participate in state scholarship programs for the fully online option. Families who are using a state scholarship should visit Sunshine State Homeschoolers for available homeschool support options instead.
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How are courses delivered?
Courses are completed through an online learning platform. Students complete lessons, assignments, activities, assessments, projects, labs, discussions, and exams online. Some courses may also include live instruction, teacher support, one-to-one help, recordings, or additional resources.
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Who teaches the courses?
Online courses are supported by virtual teachers. Teachers may monitor progress, grade assignments, provide feedback, communicate with students, and offer help when students need support.
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Can students work at their own pace?
Students have flexibility, but they must stay on pace and complete courses within the assigned enrollment period. Students may work ahead when allowed, but falling behind may lead to reminders, academic intervention, probation, course failure, or withdrawal.
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How much time should students spend on coursework?
Time varies by grade level, course difficulty, student independence, and term length. Students should expect to work consistently each week and may need daily coursework time to remain on pace.
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How do parents monitor progress?
Parents/guardians receive access to a guardian dashboard where they may view progress, grades, assignment completion, activity, and teacher contact information. Parents should check progress regularly and help students stay organized.
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What is the parent’s role?
Parents are expected to support student engagement, help students maintain a schedule, monitor progress, respond to school communication, and ensure students have reliable technology, internet access, and time to complete coursework. Younger students may need more daily support.
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What should students do if they need help?
Students should contact their online teacher when they do not understand a lesson, assignment, or concept. Students should use available teacher support, feedback, live help, recordings, and course resources instead of falling behind.
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Are assignments and exams required?
Yes. Students must complete all required course components. Some assignments are automatically graded, while others require teacher review. Some courses require final exams or end-of-semester assessments, which may be locked or proctored.
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What if my student has technical issues?
Families are responsible for maintaining reliable internet access and compatible technology. Platform-related technical issues should be reported promptly so the student does not fall behind.
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Are accommodations available?
Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualifying students based on documentation and program suitability. Families requesting accommodations should provide appropriate records, such as an IEP, 504 Plan, evaluation, medical documentation, or accommodation plan.
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Is the fully online program a good fit for every student?
Not always. Online learning requires consistent engagement, reading comprehension, organization, communication, technology use, and the ability to work independently with support. Sunshine Online Academy may determine that the program is not appropriate for every student.
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What happens if my student does not participate?
Students who do not log in regularly, fall behind, fail to submit work, ignore communication, or show a pattern of nonparticipation may be placed on academic probation or withdrawn from the course or program.
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Who issues the transcript and diploma?
Sunshine State Academy K–12 maintains official academic records and issues transcripts and diplomas for eligible students. Completion of online coursework does not automatically guarantee diploma eligibility unless all Sunshine State Academy K–12 graduation requirements are met.
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Does Sunshine Online Academy guarantee college, scholarship, athletic, or Bright Futures eligibility?
No. Outside organizations make their own eligibility decisions. Families are responsible for reviewing requirements for colleges, scholarships, athletics, Bright Futures, NCAA, FHSAA, military enlistment, certification programs, or other outside opportunities.