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online school juvenile detention takeaways.

Julie Nicoll shows shows an undated photo with her grandson Xavier Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Naples, Fla. Julie and her husband have spent more than $20,000 in legal fees trying to get him released from a youth detention center. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Takeaways from AP’s investigation into online school for incarcerated teens

Florida has moved the education of students in juvenile detention online, despite evidence that many students struggled with online school during the pandemic. The state contracted with Florida Virtual School to bring uniform standards to juvenile justice classrooms. However, an AP investigation shows this approach has been disastrous for some students. Incarcerated teens report difficulty understanding their work and getting help, leading to frustration and behavioral issues that extend their detention. They have also struggled to continue their education after release from detention. Some students have faced challenges re-entering local schools or continuing with Florida Virtual School, complicating their educational journey further.

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