Pasco eSchool

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Pasco eSchool
Pasco eSchool official logo and mascot, Neo the Ninja[1]
Location
Map
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
Motto"Dream more, learn more, do more!"[2]
EstablishedJuly 7, 2009; 16 years ago (July 7, 2009)
FounderJoAnne Glenn (first principal)
School districtPasco County Schools
PrincipalLori Wiggins
Staff~150
GradesK-12
Age5 to 18
Enrollment1,480 students
Student to teacher ratio19:1
CampusUses campus of Angeline Academy of Innovation
ColorsRed and Black   
MascotNinja
Accreditation
National ranking6,588
InformationGrace period: 28 days
Franchise ofFlorida Virtual School
Teaching staff amount~123
Funded by
School year length180 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 over 100 staff members. 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. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment by cooperating with local colleges around the county.

Pasco eSchool is accredited by SACS-CASI[3] and Advanced ED. It operates on a 180-day school year.[4][3][5]

History

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Creation

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Pasco eSchool was created by the Pasco County Schools on July 7,[3] 2009,[3][6][7] as a virtual alternative school[8] franchise of Florida Virtual School[9][10] beginning in the 2009–2010 school year.[11] The first student graduating class was in 2010.[4] The school was founded by former principal JoAnne Glenn.[12] More than 1,000 students attended the school in its first year.[13]

COVID–19 pandemic

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Virtual schools, including Pasco eSchool, were one of the schools used instead of brick-and-mortar schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[14] 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.[15][16] In 2021, it was one of two options without mySchool Online.[17][18][19]

Student enrollment increased by 2,807 students in 2020,[14] and by 2021, about 3% of all children in the school district were enrolled in Pasco eSchool.[7][20]

Former campus

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Pasco eSchool was based in a fringe rural setting,[21] on the campus of Crews Lake Middle School[22] in Spring Hill, Florida.[21] The virtual school relocated to the newly built Angeline Academy of Innovation in 2023.[23]

Campus

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Since 2023, Pasco eSchool's office has been situated on the school campus of Angeline Academy of Innovation.[24][23] The school administers Florida state testing from the classrooms in Angeline Academy.[25] Pasco eSchool also uses the rooms for provide additional support to students, hold virtual instruction periods,[26] provide offices for teachers,[27] and host occasional in-person visits.[26] High school students have their own in-person events, like learning labs at school.[25]

Staff

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Pasco eSchool has approximately 150 staff members working in various sectors and positions.[28]

Principals

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As of 2025, Pasco eSchool has had three principals.[29][30][31] Lori Wiggins is the current principal and has served as the position since 2024.[30][31] JoAnne Glenn, the school's founder, was also its first principal.[12]

Teachers

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As of 2025, Pasco eSchool has about 123 virtual teachers,[28] with a student–teacher ratio of 19:1.[32] Teachers are employed locally from Pasco County,[25] and at least 92% are certified.[33]

Students

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Pasco eSchool serves students K–12[34][35][36] free of charge.[35] At Pasco eSchool, students do their school work using digital devices at home,[37][38] and can work at their own pace during flexible hours.[39][40][9] Students may engage in contact with teachers and classmates during web-based class sessions.[9]

The graph of the enrollment of students in Pasco eSchool throughout the years in 6–12[41]

The school has a full-time and a part-time enrollment program.[42] All K–12 students in Pasco eSchool full-time enrollment take all of their total six courses digitally at Pasco eSchool.[43] Pasco eSchool has a 28 day grace period for students to drop out.[25]

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.[4] It is the third-largest virtual school by number by student enrollment in Florida.[46]

Academic performance

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Pasco eSchool's students' academic performance is frequently evaluated through state assessments.[47] 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%. 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.[48]

Controversies

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Testing remediation disputes

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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 birthed widespread 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.[49]

Administrative misconduct allegations

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In 2018, Pasco eSchool's principal was temporarily removed from duties amid allegations of ethical violations, including misuse of resources and improper handling of student data. An internal investigation by Pasco County Schools cleared the principal of all charges in February 2019, leading to reinstatement.[50]

Competition with Florida Virtual School and enrollment decline

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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.[51] 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.[52]

Disability services settlement

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In March 2024, Pasco County Schools, including its virtual programs like Pasco eSchool, reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations of discrimination against students with disabilities. The district was accused of failing to provide adequate educational plans and support, leading to suspensions, flawed threat assessments, and law enforcement referrals for disability-related behaviors. Under the agreement, the district has agreed to implement major reforms as part of the settlement.[53]

Awards and recognitions

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Staff awards

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

School awards

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  • 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.[22]

Funding

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Pasco eSchool is funded by the Pasco County School Board since 2009.[13][56] The school also receives state funding from Florida, which is contingent upon student learning success.[57]

Courses

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Each course at Pasco eSchool is completed digitally and is designed to be finished by students in 18 weeks or less.[37] Courses can be completed at the student's own pace.[15]

Class options

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Pasco eSchool offers the same courses as Florida Virtual School,[25] though it has 50 more elective, career, and technical courses.[5] The school has more course options than any other learning program in the State of Florida.[25]

In July 2012, Pasco eSchool became the first virtual school in the United States to develop its own elective American Sign Language course.[58][59]

Advanced courses

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The school offers several Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students.[60][33] The AP participation rate is 32%.[60] There are a total of 23 Advanced Placement courses at Pasco eSchool.[33] Pasco eSchool also has an Accelerated Math program for gifted students.[61][62]

Dual enrollment and Cambridge® courses

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Pasco eSchool offers dual enrollment college courses through partnerships with Pasco–Hernando State College and the University of South Florida.[63][64] The dual enrollment participation rate is 4% of students enrolled in grades 9–12.[33] In spring 2025, Pasco eSchool began a dual enrollment collaboration with Zephyrhills High School.[65] The school also uses the Cambridge International curriculum.[33] 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.[66]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Pasco eSchool's Post". Facebook. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  2. ^ "About Pasco eSchool". Pasco eSchool. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d "Pasco eSchool | K12 Academics". www.k12academics.com. February 6, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "eSchool Profile 2022" (PDF). 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Weiss, Kevin (September 28, 2021). "School funding issue highlights Pasco legislative delegation". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  6. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (February 21, 2022). "Lawmakers want to shake up Florida's virtual school system". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Horchy, Erick (April 7, 2021). "Pasco schools won't offer mySchool Online option next year". Suncoast News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  8. ^ Tiegen, Alex (July 26, 2011). "Pasco eSchool Opens Doors for Online Learning". New Port Richey, FL Patch. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c Cotey, John (July 8, 2020). "Tough Choices For Wesley Chapel Parents". Neighborhood News. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  10. ^ Givens, Aine (February 25, 2021). "50 Best Online High Schools in America". Newsweek. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  11. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (March 5, 2016). "For first time, Pasco eSchool will have its own graduation". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  12. ^ a b LeFever, Bailey (February 25, 2022). "State lawmakers may take district franchises' Florida Virtual School access away". WUSF. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (December 30, 2009). "THRIVING ON A MODEST BUDGET". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  14. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (September 24, 2020). "Pasco school enrollment up slightly, with shift to charters, virtual". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Pasco County announces plan for reopening schools this fall". wtsp.com. June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  16. ^ Weiss, Kevin (November 10, 2020). "How Pasco Schools is navigating through COVID-19". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  17. ^ Farrow, Bryan (July 31, 2021). "Pasco County Schools Update COVID-19 Protocols for 2021-2022 School Year". Pasco News. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  18. ^ "Pasco Schools to End MySchool Online Learning Option for Next School Year". baynews9.com. March 30, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  19. ^ "Pasco Schools will not offer mySchool Online learning for 2021-2022 school year, superintendent says". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). March 30, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Manion, B.C. (April 6, 2021). "Pasco schools to drop mySchool Online option this fall". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  21. ^ a b "Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise". US News & World Report. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  22. ^ a b Diederich, Gail (August 13, 2018). "Pasco eSchool wins state award". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Camunas, Mike (August 15, 2023). "Pasco's Angeline Academy begins its inaugural year". The Laker/Lutz News. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  24. ^ "Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise,High School | Land O Lakes, FL". www.safeschoolsforalex.org. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (November 19, 2019). "No sub available? Pasco schools turn to 'Classrooms on Demand'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  27. ^ "Pasco 23-24". PDF. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  28. ^ a b "Staff | Pasco eSchool - Personalize Your Learning Experience!". eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  29. ^ "Personnel Appointments from 11/8/22 Board Meeting". www.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  30. ^ a b Solochek, Jeffrey (August 6, 2024). "3 Pasco County schools get new principals". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  31. ^ a b "Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 32, Issue 18, September 3, 2024". Issuu. September 2, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  32. ^ "Pasco Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)". US News & World Report. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  33. ^ a b c d e "Explore Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise in Spring Hill, FL". GreatSchools. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  34. ^ "Pasco eSchool & eSyncTraining | IMS Global Learning Consortium". www.imsglobal.org. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ "School Search: Pasco's choice options include STEM, IB, Cambridge, career academies". Tampa Bay Times. November 1, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  37. ^ a b "Pasco eSchool is the 10News School of the Week powered by Duke Energy Florida". wtsp.com. April 5, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  38. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (March 19, 2020). "No computer? Pasco schools will hand them out for distance learning". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  39. ^ "Pasco Schools Offering 3-Pronged Return-To-Class Approach". baynews9.com. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  40. ^ Greenstein, Dale (July 10, 2020). "The Latest School Reopening Plans for the Tampa Bay Area". baynews9.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  41. ^ "Pasco Eschool-virtual Franchise (Ranked Top 50% for 2025) - Land O Lakes, FL". Public School Review. May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  42. ^ a b c "podcastED: SUFS president Doug Tuthill interviews Pasco County Principal of the Year". NextSteps: Step Up For Students. August 5, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  43. ^ "Student Progression Plan" (PDF). go.boarddocs.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  44. ^ "Pasco eSchool - Instruction Program in FL". Niche. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  45. ^ "Pasco County School District,Homestay and Guardianship for stude". The Custodian USA. February 1, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  46. ^ a b "2023 Pasco County District School Board" (PDF). flauditor.gov. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ "Parents fight remediation amid testing debacle". POLITICO. September 15, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  50. ^ staff, Jeffrey S. SolochekTimes. "Pasco principal cleared of charges, reinstated to district job". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  51. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "Pasco eSchool sees enrollment decline as students are diverted to FLVS". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  52. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "Pasco pushes its own eSchool to retain student funding lost to Florida Virtual". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  53. ^ Florida, News Service of (March 6, 2024). "Pasco County Schools and the Justice Department reach a settlement in an alleged discrimination case". WUSF. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  54. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (June 3, 2020). "Pasco eSchool leader named top national 'digital principal'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  55. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (November 13, 2019). "Pasco eSchool leader named county Principal of the Year". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  56. ^ "2023-2024-Tentative-Budget". www.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  57. ^ "Pasco eSchool". Christensen Institute. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  58. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (September 13, 2012). "Sign language joins online offerings at Pasco eSchool". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  59. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey. "RECOGNIZING THE NEED". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  60. ^ a b "Pasco Eschool-Virtual Franchise". US News & World Report. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  61. ^ "Fourth and Fifth Grade FAQs" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  62. ^ "SUMMER MATH ACCELERATION PROGRAM" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  63. ^ Solochek, Jeffrey (October 21, 2019). "Pasco school district to offer first online dual-enrollment courses". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  64. ^ "District School Board of Pasco County and Pasco-Hernando State College Dual Enrollment Agreement 2022-2023" (PDF). Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  65. ^ "Dual Enrollment – Spring 2025". zhs.pasco.k12.fl.us. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  66. ^ 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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