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Florida Scholars Academy

From December 2024 to February 2026 I taught math and science on site at a residential juvenile justice facility, through Florida Virtual School’s partnership with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Role Math & Science TeacherDates Dec 2, 2024 – Feb 13, 2026Location Ocala, FloridaCalendar Year-round

A first-year program

Ours was the first year Florida Virtual School brought its curriculum into Florida’s juvenile justice system. When I started, the classrooms had no internet connection, so we had to work out how to deliver an online curriculum to students who needed it in person, day after day.

Four teachers launched the program: two of us taught math and science, and two taught social studies and English. Students were split into two groups, and I worked with the Mental Health Overlay Services (MHOS) students.

Florida Scholars Academy provides all educational services for residential commitment programs within the Department of Juvenile Justice. Each student follows a tailored path toward a high school or equivalent diploma, industry-recognized credentials, or enrollment at a Florida college, university, or technical college.

72

beds for males aged 15–18

36

Mental Health Overlay Services (MHOS) beds, the group I taught

36

Substance Abuse Overlay Services (SAOS) beds

From campus to classroom

Ocala Youth Academy: an administration building, a training and multipurpose building with the medical clinic, two buildings of two youth dorms each, four classroom buildings, outdoor recreation space, and land for an equine program.

My classroomMHOS36 studentsSAOS36 students Classrooms · select to zoom in

The campus

  • 18 students
  • 3 staff members
  • Me, the teacher

What the work involved

  • Combined the FLVS online platform with in-person teaching so each student had an individualized, standards-based path.
  • Adapted lessons for different learning styles in a nontraditional, secure setting.
  • Worked with facility staff and FLVS administrators on state-standards alignment and student support services.
  • Supported academic growth and engagement for justice-involved youth, with a focus on long-term educational success.
  • Helped students finish many courses and graduate, including students on the GED track.

Add what you learned about motivating and reaching students, one story (no names), and how it shapes your approach to financial literacy.

Add exact numbers for course completions and graduates if you can get them.

The Florida Scholars Academy team standing together in a classroom building
The team at Ocala Youth Academy.

What I taught

Nine courses across math, science, and technology, each adapted to the student in front of me.

Math

  • Algebra 1
  • Algebra 1-A
  • Algebra 1-B
  • Geometry
  • Mathematics for Data and Financial Literacy

Science

  • Physical Science
  • Biology
  • Marine Science

Technology

  • Digital Information Technology