The New Hybrid: OCPS Opens Select In-Person Courses to Home-Education Families

 

By Susan Clary

ORLANDO – High above an open-air courtyard at East River High, the rhythmic clashing of rescue hooks and the heavy thud of gear hitting the pavement signal that the First Responders Academy is in session.

Senior Tyler Harding leans over a second-story balcony, watching the stopwatch and shouting guidance to his teammates below as they master "hoisting" - a high-stakes maneuver using complex knots and pulleys to lift gear to upper floors.

Tyler is a traditional student who passed up a college football career to become a firefighter. He has transitioned into a leadership role as a mentor in the academy. "It doesn’t even feel like a class anymore," Tyler said. "It’s grown to be like a family."

Now, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is inviting the home-education community to access these specialized learning environments through a unique partnership.

A Custom Fit for Every Grade Level

The "all-or-nothing" approach to schooling is over. Through the Personalized Education Program (PEP), home-education parents can now curate a "hybrid" schedule.

This allows parents to keep a child's education centered at home while "plugging in" to select in-person courses on OCPS campuses. These offerings provide experiences that are difficult to replicate in a home setting:

For Elementary & Middle School: The focus is on collaborative learning and social growth. Families can access select in-person courses at participating campuses, allowing younger students to engage in peer-to-peer discussions and hands-on group projects led by expert instructors.

For High School: The focus shifts to specialized facilities. Students can contract for specific courses giving them direct access to industry-standard equipment in fields like Criminology, Animal Science, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.

Professional Training on Your Terms

At East River, the first responders academy has applications in multiple professional fields. The program is designed to prepare students for the rigors of both fire services and law enforcement careers.

Instructor Matt Rebholz, who oversees the Criminology and Law Enforcement tracks, emphasizes that the academy is about more than just physical skill. "We are teaching them how to think critically and apply the law in real-world scenarios," Rebholz said. "Our goal is to provide a professional environment where every student can find their niche and excel."

On the fire and emergency services side, Instructor Dave Weiss focuses on the transition from student to professional. "We aren't just teaching a trade; we are building professional discipline," Weiss adds. "Whether these students head to a university or straight into a career, they leave here with a level of maturity that puts them ahead of the curve."

A Blueprint for Independence

For East River High Dean Mike Conti, the value of this early exposure is proven. His son, Mike Conti Jr., followed the fire academy path as a traditional student and is now a firefighter with Orange County.

"He fell in love with that cohesiveness," Dean Conti shares. "He’d always been an athlete, and this allowed him to still be part of a team."

By starting early, Conti Jr. was able to secure his professional position just months after graduation. "At the age of 19, he was 100% self-sufficient," Conti said. "Knowing he is in a stable field and already contributing toward his retirement makes me feel great."

Expanding the Menu

The success of these partnerships has the district looking forward to more in-person options.

“We are exploring opportunities to expand PEP course offerings for the upcoming school year,” said Michelle Thomas, Director of School Choice Services. “In collaboration with our schools, we are working to broaden access for more families,” she said. At the same time, OCPS plans on “enhancing support for scholarship students through additional course selections and potential tutoring options across both Orange County Virtual School and our brick-and-mortar campuses.”

How to Get Started

Families must be approved for funding through Step Up for Students or the AAA Scholarship Foundation to participate in these a la carte offerings. Once funded, parents can choose the level of access that fits their budget and goals:

• In-Person Learning ($1,000 per course): These are the high-impact, campus-based courses (like the First Responders Academy) that provide access to specialized labs and face-to-face instruction.
• Virtual Learning ($350 per course): Offered through Orange County Virtual School (OCVS), this provides a more affordable way to access over 100 different courses, including core academics and AP-level classes, from home.

For more information, contact OCPSStateScholarships@ocps.net.