Click on the link below to read the Columbia Online 2026-27 Student and Family Handbook.

Student & Family Handbook

The first 20 days after students are activated in Columbia Online courses is the grace period. If a student decides that Columbia Online is not the right choice, they may drop the course(s) with no academic penalty. If a student does not maintain the required pace or does not complete the required work and communications during this grace period, an administrator will work with the home-zoned school and the parent to find an appropriate placement where the student may be more successful.

The enrollment window opens in April each year for the following school year. The initial enrollment form is located on the enrollment webpage. Once approved, a formal enrollment packet will be available. Parents will receive a Student Expectations document, which must be signed before courses are requested. Once completed, courses for students may be selected with help and support from the Columbia Online registration team. Students must take a full course load, complete all standardized tests, and meet the attendance requirement determined by the State of Florida. Students must complete six courses per year. Students are required to submit work each week to meet attendance requirements. 

Criteria for Full-Time Enrollment

To be a successful full-time student with Columbia Online, students should meet the following requirements:

• Have a 2.0 or higher GPA. For mid-year entrance, students must have demonstrated success in first-semester courses (grades of C or better)
• Score a Level 3 or higher on the FAST ELA & Math assessments or grade level proficiency on an official standardized test administered by another state public school system. Home Education students must demonstrate a minimum of “grade-level” reading skill.
• Have a positive history of attendance at their previous school. Columbia Online is not a cure for poor attendance.
• Be on track for promotion or graduation

PLEASE NOTE: Accepted students must meet ALL of Columbia County School District criteria as specified in the Columbia County Public School Student Progression Plan in order to participate in our full‐time program.  Such criteria include, but are not limited to, meeting minimum FSA scores, course requirements, immunization, etc. 

Registering as a Part-Time Student 

Students can register at any time during the school year with their school counselor’s approval, if they are enrolled in a brick-and-mortar school. Requested courses will NOT be approved until the school counselor provides approval that the course is appropriate for the learner’s ability and grade level. Columbia Online will be listed as the second school of enrollment, and the course will be added to the student’s schedule.

Students who are not enrolled in a brick-and-mortar school must be enrolled in Home Education, which will be their first school of enrollment. Then they may register at any time during the school year, with a maximum of two (2) courses at a time. The course(s) must be completed by the end date. Students may be dropped within the first 20 days of the course if adequate progress is not made.

Senior Year

Seniors will be enrolled in their zoned high school by the end of the first semester or by the first of May in order to earn a standard high school diploma. Full-time at-home online schedules are an option. Seniors must schedule a meeting with a school counselor to request online classes at home. Seniors must complete all requirements set forth by the State of Florida. Online students are not eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian.

Standard Diploma Requirements

Only through continuous communication can students be successful in an online course. Within each course, the instructor outlines the weekly minimum work requirements. It is essential that the student and instructor maintain regular contact.

To ensure that our students are aware of this commitment, the four-part process below will be followed:

1. If a student fails to complete work in more than one course, the student will be marked absent, and a parent will receive a phone call and/or email.
2. If a student fails to complete work in more than one course for a second consecutive week, the student will be marked absent, and the parent will receive a phone call and/or email requesting a virtual or in-person conference.
3. If a student fails to complete work in more than one course for a third consecutive week, the student will be marked absent, and the parent and student will be required to attend an academic intervention meeting in person. A signed academic agreement will be established and maintained by the student to continue enrollment in Columbia Online.
4. If a student fails to complete work in more than one course for a fourth consecutive week, the student will be marked absent and dismissed from Columbia Online as non-compliant, with three days to enroll in a brick-and-mortar school or home education