Pasco eSchool

Pasco eSchool
Pasco eSchool official logo and mascot
Location
8916 Angeline School Way

Land O' Lakes
,
Pasco County
,
Florida

United States
Coordinates28°17′13″N 82°32′13″W / 28.28691°N 82.53690°W / 28.28691; -82.53690
Information
School typeOnline school
EstablishedJuly 7, 2009 (July 7, 2009)
FounderJoAnne Glenn (first principal)
School districtPasco County Schools
PrincipalLori Wiggins
Staff~150
GradesK–12
Enrollment1,480 students
Student to teacher ratio19:1
CampusAngeline Academy of Innovation school campus
ColorsRed and Black   
MascotNinja
Accreditation
National ranking6,588
School franchisorFlorida Virtual School
Teaching personnel~123
School funders
School year180 days
Grace period28 days
Websitehttps://eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us/

Pasco eSchool is a public K–12 online school in Pasco County, Florida, United States. Founded in 2009 as part of Pasco County Schools, the school operates as a district franchise of Florida Virtual School. The school maintains office space at Angeline Academy of Innovation, which it uses for administrative and occasional in-person activities. Enrollment significantly increased during the COVID–19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Pasco eSchool has full-time and part-time enrollment options for students. The school has about 150 staff members and over 100 teachers. As of 2025, Pasco eSchool has a total of 1,480 students in the school's full-time K–12 program. The school is funded by the Pasco County School District and the State of Florida. Pasco eSchool offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment by cooperating with local colleges around the county.

Pasco eSchool is accredited by the SACS-CASI[1] and Advanced ED organizations. It operates on a 180-day school year.[2][1][3]

History

Creation

Pasco eSchool was created by the Pasco County Schools on July 7,[1] 2009,[1][4][5] as a virtual alternative school[6] franchise of Florida Virtual School.[7][8] It was founded for the 2009–2010 school year,[9] with the first student graduating class in 2010.[2] The school was founded by former principal JoAnne Glenn.[10] More than 1,000 students attended the school in its first year.[11]

Expansion

Pasco eSchool's passing rate in 2011 was the second highest in the state of Florida, with Pasco eSchool students the top performers in the county on the state’s algebra exit exam.[12]

In 2012, Pasco eSchool added a K–5 program instead of using contracted third-party systems because of low control over the systems to monitor the elementary students' progress. Pasco eSchool first hired two elementary teachers, expanding the school's staff, and creating its own elementary curriculum.[13]

By 2014, Pasco eSchool had become one of Florida's largest online school schools, with some teachers having over 500 students during the school year.[14]

COVID–19 pandemic

Pasco eSchool, like other virtual schools, was one of the alternate schools for students instead of brick-and-mortar schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[15] The school was one of three school options (including mySchool Online, and brick and mortar) that the school district provided for students during the time period.[16][17] In 2021, it was one of two options without mySchool Online.[18][19][20]

Student enrollment increased by 2,807 students in 2020,[15] and by 2021, about 3% of all children in the school district were enrolled in Pasco eSchool.[5][21]

Former campus

Pasco eSchool was based in a fringe rural setting,[22] on the campus of Crews Lake Middle School[23] in Spring Hill, Florida.[22] The virtual school relocated to the newly built Angeline Academy of Innovation in 2023.[24]

Former closure risk

In 2022, a proposal by politician Randy Fine was made to remove all Florida Virtual School district franchises,[4][10] including Pasco eSchool, questioning their affordably to run. It was contradicted by former Pasco eSchool principal JoAnne Glenn, stating that districts would have had to offer fewer courses, would raise the cost per student, and enroll students in the larger, statewide program.[10]

As of 2025, Pasco eSchool and other district franchises of Florida Virtual School stayed and were not removed, letting Florida school agree with FLVS to create their own franchises.[25]

Campus

Since 2023, Pasco eSchool's office has been situated on the school campus of Angeline Academy of Innovation.[26][24] The school administers Florida state testing from the classrooms in Angeline Academy.[27] Pasco eSchool also uses the rooms for provide additional support to students, hold virtual instruction periods,[28] provide offices for teachers,[29] and host occasional in-person visits.[28] High school students have their own in-person events, like learning labs at school.[27]

Staff

Pasco eSchool has approximately 150 staff members working in various sectors and positions.[30]

Principals

As of 2025, Pasco eSchool has had three principals.[31][32][33] Lori Wiggins is the current principal and has served as the position since 2024.[32][33] JoAnne Glenn, the school's founder, was also its first principal.[10]

Teachers

Between 2011 and 2018, the school grew from 3 to 66 teachers, with the largest percent increase of 14 teacher (+366.7%) increase in 2012 from the previous year.[34]

As of 2025, Pasco eSchool has about 123 virtual teachers,[30] with a student–teacher ratio of 19:1.[35] Teachers are employed locally from Pasco County,[27] and at least 92% are certified.[36]

Students

Enrollment

Pasco eSchool has served students K–12[37][38][39] free of charge.[38] At Pasco eSchool, students do their school work using digital devices at home,[40][41] and can work at their own pace during flexible hours.[42][43][7] Students may engage in contact with teachers and classmates during web-based class sessions.[7] Pasco eSchool has a 28 day grace period for students to drop out.[27]

Pasco eSchool enrolls 1,480 full-time students yearly,[44] serving students K–12.[45] Pasco eSchool instructs 8,000 individual students both within and outside of Pasco County in total.[2] It is the third-largest virtual school by number by student enrollment in Florida.[46]

Enrollment programs

The school has a full-time and a part-time enrollment program.[47] All K–12 students in Pasco eSchool full-time enrollment take all of their total six courses digitally at Pasco eSchool.[48]

Academic performance

Pasco eSchool's students' academic performance is frequently evaluated through state assessments.[49] For the 2025–2026 school year, the high school portion (grades 9–12) reported the following rates based on data from the 2023–2024 academic year: 50% in mathematics, 64% in reading, and 74% in science. The school's four-year graduation rate stood at 92%,[50] with very low chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 0.1% to 3.9% of students.[51] In Spring 2025 state assessments, grade 8 students achieved proficiency rates in English Language Arts were similar to district averages. The school overall achieved a B letter grade for the 2024–2025 school year from the Florida Department of Education.[50]

Controversies

Testing remediation disputes

During the 2015 Florida Standards Assessments (FSA), Pasco County Schools, including virtual programs like Pasco eSchool, enforced strict remediation requirements for students failing initial tests, which led to parent protests over "high-stakes" policies. Families argued that the district's refusal to accept alternative evidence of proficiency disproportionately affected online students, contributing to a broader issue that delayed promotions and increased dropout risks. The Florida Department of Education later adjusted guidelines amid backlash.[52]

Competition with Florida Virtual School and enrollment decline

Pasco eSchool has faced ongoing challenges from competition with the state-run Florida Virtual School (FLVS), leading to enrollment declines and funding losses for the district. In the 2023–2024 school year, Pasco eSchool's enrollment dropped by approximately 1,200 students, resulting in a $5 million shortfall in state funding, as parents opted for FLVS due to perceived flexibility and fewer restrictions.[53] District officials responded by launching aggressive marketing campaigns, including emails and calls to parents highlighting FLVS's "inferior" quality and emphasizing eSchool's local support, though media outlets argued this bordered on misleading tactics.[54]

Awards and recognitions

Staff awards

At Pasco eSchool, staff have gotten statewide and national recognitions for their work on online teaching.[46]

School awards

  • During the 2017–18 school year (Pasco eSchool's 10th year open), Pasco eSchool was awarded the Florida Virtual School Franchise of the Year among larger district franchises.[23]

Funding

Pasco eSchool is funded by the Pasco County School Board since 2009.[11][57] The school also receives state funding from Florida, which is contingent upon student learning success.[58]

Courses

Curriculum

Each course at Pasco eSchool is completed digitally and is designed to be finished by students in 18 weeks or less.[40] Courses can be completed at the student's own pace.[16] Pasco eSchool offers the same courses as Florida Virtual School,[27] though it has 50 more elective, career, and technical courses.[3] The school has more course options than any other learning program in the State of Florida.[27]

In July 2012, Pasco eSchool became the first virtual school in the United States to develop its own elective American Sign Language course.[59][60]

Advanced courses

The school offers several Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students.[61][36] The AP participation rate is 32%.[61] There are a total of 23 Advanced Placement courses at Pasco eSchool.[36] Pasco eSchool also has an Accelerated Math program for gifted students.[62][63]

Dual enrollment and Cambridge® courses

Pasco eSchool offers dual enrollment college courses through partnerships with Pasco–Hernando State College and the University of South Florida.[64][65] The dual enrollment participation rate is 4% of students enrolled in grades 9–12.[36] In spring 2025, Pasco eSchool began a dual enrollment collaboration with Zephyrhills High School.[66] The school also uses the Cambridge International curriculum.[36] In 2025, Pasco eSchool expanded its dual enrollment courses through a renewed agreement with Pasco-Hernando State College, mainly viewing virtual delivery and integration with high school campuses.[67]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Pasco eSchool". K12 Academics. February 6, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "eSchool Profile 2022" (PDF). 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Weiss, Kevin (September 28, 2021). "School funding issue highlights Pasco legislative delegation". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (February 21, 2022). "Lawmakers want to shake up Florida's virtual school system". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Horchy, Erick (April 7, 2021). "Pasco schools won't offer mySchool Online option next year". Suncoast News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  6. ^ Tiegen, Alex (July 26, 2011). "Pasco eSchool Opens Doors for Online Learning". New Port Richey, FL Patch. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c Cotey, John (July 8, 2020). "Tough Choices For Wesley Chapel Parents". Neighborhood News. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  8. ^ Givens, Aine (February 25, 2021). "50 Best Online High Schools in America". Newsweek. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  9. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (March 5, 2016). "For first time, Pasco eSchool will have its own graduation". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d LeFever, Bailey (February 25, 2022). "State lawmakers may take district franchises' Florida Virtual School access away". WUSF. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (December 30, 2009). "THRIVING ON A MODEST BUDGET". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  12. ^ Tiegen, Alex (July 26, 2011). "Pasco eSchool Opens Doors for Online Learning". New Port Richey, FL Patch. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  13. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (June 6, 2025). "He's a karate sensei in training — and soon, a historic Pasco grad". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  14. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (May 13, 2014). "Pasco eSchool teachers seek relief". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  15. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (September 24, 2020). "Pasco school enrollment up slightly, with shift to charters, virtual". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  16. ^ a b "Pasco County announces plan for reopening schools this fall". WTSP. June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
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  18. ^ Farrow, Bryan (July 31, 2021). "Pasco County Schools Update COVID-19 Protocols for 2021-2022 School Year". Pasco News. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  19. ^ "Pasco Schools to End MySchool Online Learning Option for Next School Year". Baynews 9. March 30, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
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  21. ^ Manion, B.C. (April 6, 2021). "Pasco schools to drop mySchool Online option this fall". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
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  23. ^ a b Diederich, Gail (August 13, 2018). "Pasco eSchool wins state award". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  24. ^ a b Camunas, Mike (August 15, 2023). "Pasco's Angeline Academy begins its inaugural year". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  25. ^ "District Franchises of Florida Virtual School (FLVS)". Fldoe. June 12, 2025. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  26. ^ "Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise,High School | Land O Lakes, FL". Safe Schools For Alex. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  27. ^ a b c d e f "Parent F.A.Q. | Pasco eSchool - Personalize Your Learning Experience!". eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (November 19, 2019). "No sub available? Pasco schools turn to 'Classrooms on Demand'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  29. ^ "Pasco 23-24". Teacher Quality. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  30. ^ a b "Staff | Pasco eSchool - Personalize Your Learning Experience!". eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
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  38. ^ a b White, D'Ann (August 5, 2021). "Pasco County Back To School Guide 2021-22". New Port Richey, FL Patch. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  39. ^ "School Search: Pasco's choice options include STEM, IB, Cambridge, career academies". Tampa Bay Times. November 1, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  40. ^ a b "Pasco eSchool is the 10News School of the Week powered by Duke Energy Florida". WTSP. April 5, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
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  49. ^ How does Pasco Eschool-virtual franchise rank among America’s best high schools?, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/florida/districts/pasco-county-school-district/pasco-eschool-virtual-franchise-5453. Accessed 10 December 2025.
  50. ^ a b Florida Department of Education. 16 ELA 08 SR S Spring 25 Student Report Spreadsheet. 2025, www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5668/urlt/16ELA08SRSSpring25.xls.
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  52. ^ "Parents fight remediation amid testing debacle". POLITICO. September 15, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  53. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "Pasco eSchool sees enrollment decline as students are diverted to FLVS". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  54. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "Pasco pushes its own eSchool to retain student funding lost to Florida Virtual". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  55. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (June 3, 2020). "Pasco eSchool leader named top national 'digital principal'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  56. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (November 13, 2019). "Pasco eSchool leader named county Principal of the Year". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  57. ^ "2023-2024-Tentative-Budget". www.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  58. ^ "Pasco eSchool". Christensen Institute. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
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  60. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "RECOGNIZING THE NEED". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  61. ^ a b "Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise". US News & World Report. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  62. ^ "Fourth and Fifth Grade FAQs" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  63. ^ "SUMMER MATH ACCELERATION PROGRAM" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  64. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (October 21, 2019). "Pasco school district to offer first online dual-enrollment courses". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  65. ^ "District School Board of Pasco County and Pasco-Hernando State College Dual Enrollment Agreement 2022-2023" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  66. ^ "Dual Enrollment – Spring 2025". zhs.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  67. ^ The School Board of Pasco County, Florida and Pasco-Hernando State College Dual Enrollment Agreement (2025). Available at: https://accelerated.phsc.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2025-2026-pasco-county-dual-enrollment-agreement.pdf. Accessed 10 December 2025.
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