The Flex Program
At INDLS, we know every student learns differently, and families have busy, unique schedules. That’s why we offer Flex, an online learning model designed for students who thrive with independence, motivation, and the support of engaged Learning Coaches. Students who show success learning independently and maintain strong academic results may choose to attend live classes or work on their own. Flex gives students more flexibility to optimize and structure their day around appointments, arts programs, sports practices, or other needs and commitments.
What is the Flex program?
Families in the Flex program set their own daily schedule and pace that maintains the program’s structure and curriculum. Students can access coursework and class recordings anytime, and they’ll connect with a certified teacher throughout their learning journey to ensure they’re staying on track. It’s important to remember that flexibility doesn’t mean anything goes. Students in this program are still expected to complete all required coursework, meet deadlines, and attend any required testing. This includes any related to state compliance, state and school-based testing, special services, or interventions. The flexibility is in when and how your student engages.
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 most 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 any required support throughout the week and year.
Stay on Track With Support
Students in the Flex program may choose to attend live class sessions as needed for all core classes and electives. Flex students should attend academic support related to Special Education, English Language Learner (ELL) services, dyslexia support, academic intervention, and school-based testing. 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 INDLS students. They attend regular check-ins, 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 students who are:
Motivated and independent learners
Able to participate in routine online coursework
Ready to set daily schedules and practice consistent time management
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 succeed, Flex students must follow certain requirements while learning at Indiana Digital Learning School. Students are expected to maintain consistent passing grades, participate in regular check-ins, and respond to school outreach within 48 hours. All students must continue to meet school attendance and compliance expectations, including state testing, special services, interventions, and required IEP or MTSS sessions when applicable.
Questions? Email us at [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 INDLS diploma as other students; transcripts do not indicate participation in Flex.
Graduation requirements are identical for all students and are aligned with Indiana state standards.
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact us at [email protected].
Getting Started With Flex
All students are eligible for Flex at INDLS. Just maintain the academic requirements and set your schedule to be successful. For more information, you can refer to our guidance here or send your questions in to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Flex different from the standard program?
Flex students manage most of their own schedules with their Learning Coaches. Unlike standard INDLS, 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 sessions, so they can watch them as needed or when it fits their learning schedule. Flex students also set academic and personal growth goals.
Is the curriculum the same as standard INDLS?
Yes! Flex students use the same online platform, curriculum, and grade-level courses as standard INDLS students including honors and AP® courses. They also have access to social emotional learning and may participate in all clubs and social opportunities offered at INDLS and K12.
Can students mix Flex and standard INDLS?
YES! Students may choose a flexible route in one content area and attend live classes regularly in another based on their strengths and needs. Remember the three As of flexibility at INDLS:
- Academic Success: Keep those grades up!
- Attendance: Students must log in daily.
- Ask Questions: Keep in touch with your teachers.
Do siblings need to enroll in the same program?
No. Families should choose the best path for each student. This may mean Flex for one child and another in the standard program, depending on individual learning needs.
What if Flex isn’t the right fit?
Live classes are available to all students at all times. Students can transition back to a traditional, structured class schedule as needed. Any students with grades lower than a C or struggling to complete required work will be contacted for individual assistance and asked to attend live sessions for support.