Understanding FLEX Courses in SchoolsPLP

FLEX courses in SchoolsPLP are designed with a flexible instructional schedule. Unlike core courses, students are not expected to work in FLEX courses five days per week.

What Is a FLEX Course?

A FLEX course is structured to:

  • Be completed on a flexible timeline
  • Require fewer instructional days per week
  • Contain lighter overall content
  • Support elective or supplemental learning

These courses are intentionally designed to fit into varied scheduling models.

How FLEX Courses Are Typically Used

FLEX courses are most commonly used for:

  • Elective subjects (such as Physical Education or Health)
  • Courses scheduled once per week
  • Split-term courses (for example, PE for one semester and Health for the next)
  • Extended completion timelines

Because they are not structured for daily instruction, FLEX courses contain less content than traditional core courses.

Scheduling Examples for Administrators

Below are common implementation models used by schools and districts:

Example 1: Once-Per-Week Model

A FLEX PE course is scheduled every Friday throughout the school year.

Students work on PE one day per week while focusing on core subjects the remaining days.

Example 2: Split-Term Model

Students complete Health during the first semester and PE during the second semester using FLEX pacing.

Each course is lighter in weekly workload and designed for half-term completion.

Example 3: Alternating Schedule Model

Students alternate between two FLEX electives:

  • Week 1: Digital Literacy
  • Week 2: Career Exploration

This allows schools to offer multiple electives without increasing daily instructional load.

Example 4: Intervention or Enrichment Block

A FLEX course is assigned during an advisory, intervention, or enrichment block where students work at a slower pace without daily expectations.

Content Expectations

FLEX courses:

  • Are intentionally lighter in scope
  • Do not include additional materials beyond what is provided within the course
  • Are designed to align with flexible pacing models

They are built to support schools that need adaptable scheduling options.

Important Considerations

  • Students are not expected to log in daily for FLEX courses.
  • Progress pacing will differ from standard core courses.
  • FLEX courses are best suited for electives or supplemental instruction.
  • Administrators should communicate pacing expectations clearly to staff and families.