The Flex Program
At DVS, we know every student learns differently, and families have busy, unique schedules. That’s why we offer Flex, an online learning program available to students who meet school eligibility criteria and are ready for a more independent learning model. Unlike the standard DVS program, which has daily live classes, Flex is for students who want to optimize their learning time and schedule — whether that means restructuring their day or planning around appointments, arts programs, or sports practices.
What is the Flex program?
Families in the Flex program maintain a daily schedule and pace to keep the program’s structure and curriculum in place. Students can access coursework and class recordings anytime, and they’ll connect with a certified teacher throughout their learning journey to stay on track.
It’s important to remember that flexibility doesn’t mean anything goes. Students in this program are still expected to attend all required sessions, including any related to state compliance, testing, special services, or interventions. The flexibility is tied to when and how your student engages with their assigned learning, not to meeting their core academic responsibilities.
Why Families Choose Flex
There are many reasons to choose Flex to fit your family’s needs. Here are some of the main benefits students enjoy:
Optimize Your Learning Time
Flex lets your child complete schoolwork when it works best for your family’s routine. Morning person or night owl? Flex makes it easy to optimize your student’s learning time, while still having structured accountability and required support throughout the week and year.
Students enrolled in Flex must complete all assignments by due dates.
Stay on Track With Support
Students in the Flex program aren’t required to attend live class sessions, except for specific academic support related to special education, English Language Learner (ELL) services, dyslexia support, or other school-required sessions. They can also attend live virtual classes as needed and transition back to a more traditional online school model at any time.
High-Quality Education, Greater Flexibility
Flex students use the same rigorous curriculum as traditional DVS students. They attend homeroom regularly, participate in assessments, and receive all required special services based on their learning needs. They also have access to a variety of other school programs. Flex ensures that learning and growth continue while giving families the freedom to manage their own routines.
Who thrives in Flex?
Flex is ideal for eligible students who are:
Motivated and independent learners
Able to participate in routine online coursework
Ready to set daily schedules and practice consistent time management
Consistently supported by a Learning Coach at home
Students with IEPs, English Learner plans, or other required services will still have mandatory sessions that are part of their individual plans.
Flex Student Requirements
To be selected for the Flex program, students must meet the school’s eligibility requirements while enrolled at DVS:
- Students must maintain a minimum C average (70% or higher) to be eligible for admission and continued participation in the Flex program.
- Students must complete all assignments by due dates.
- If a student’s grade falls below 70% in any subject, they will be entered into a process to be placed back into required Tier 1 general education classes.
- General education teachers will monitor progress weekly to track and assess student attendance and academics and determine whether students remain enrolled in Flex at DVS.
At DVS, the Flex program is conditional. Students who are not meeting academic expectations may be transitioned out of the program.
Questions? Please contact grade band admin:
- K–5: Dr. Brown, [email protected]
- 6–8: Dr. Kittles, [email protected]
- 9–12: Ms. Shadroui, [email protected]
Flex Learning Coach Expectations
Learning Coaches play a key role in student success by:
- Establishing routines and monitoring learning time
- Supporting academic growth and encouraging problem-solving
- Teaching students to ask for help effectively from teachers
- Celebrating progress while allowing students to learn from productive struggle
Flex & Graduation
Flex students earn the same DVS diploma as other students; transcripts do not indicate Flex participation.
Graduation requirements are identical for all students and are set by and aligned with North Carolina state standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Flex different from the standard program?
Flex students organize their own schedules with their Learning Coaches. Unlike standard DVS, Flex doesn’t require daily direct instruction in live online classes — students attend limited live sessions, typically including homeroom and any required additional sessions for support or state compliance. Flex students do, however, have access to all recorded live online classes, so they can watch them as needed or when it fits their learning schedule. Flex students also participate in select mandatory sessions and set academic and personal growth goals.
Is the curriculum the same as standard DVS?
Yes! Flex students use the same online platform, curriculum, and grade-level courses as standard DVS students. They also have access to social emotional learning and may participate in all clubs and social opportunities offered at DVS and K12.
Can students mix Flex and standard DVS?
No, students must choose one program. Families should consider how important live online classes and recordings are to their child’s learning. Families should also consider their student’s independence and ability to stay consistently on track without live, in-class support.
Do siblings need to enroll in the same program?
No. Families often have one child in Flex and another in the standard program, depending on individual learning needs.
What if Flex isn’t the right fit?
Yes! Flex students use the same online platform, curriculum, and grade-level courses as standard DVS students. They also have access to social emotional learning and may participate in all clubs and social opportunities offered at DVS and K12.