Florida Homeschool Laws: Guide to Legal Compliance, Curriculum, Plan etc.

Florida Homeschool Laws: Homeschooling in Florida is legal, and parents must follow a set of laws and regulations to homeschool their children. These laws and regulations are in place to ensure that homeschooled children receive a quality education and that their parents are meeting specific standards.

This article aims to provide an overview of the laws and regulations surrounding homeschooling in Florida and offer resources and information for families considering homeschooling their children in the state.

Table of Contents

Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Florida

Parent qualifications: In Florida, parents who homeschool their children are not required to have specific qualifications, such as a teaching degree. However, they must be the child’s parent or legal guardian and have control of the child’s education.
Notification requirements: Parents who homeschool their children in Florida must notify the state of their intent to homeschool by submitting a notice of intent to the local school district. This notice must be submitted annually and includes the child’s name, age, and the start and end dates of the homeschooling program. Sample intent letter below.
Record keeping and testing requirements: Homeschooled children in Florida are not required to take any standardized tests, but parents must keep records of their child’s progress and attendance. These records must include a description of the curriculum used, samples of the child’s work, and a log of the days the child was in attendance.
Curriculum guidelines: In Florida, homeschooling parents are free to choose their curriculum as long as it is deemed “adequate” by the state. The curriculum must include reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction. Additionally, parents must provide instruction in health and physical education.

Enrolling in a Homeschool Program

Choosing a curriculum: Homeschooling parents in Florida have a wide range of curriculum options to choose from, including traditional textbooks, online courses, and homeschooling co-ops. Parents should carefully research and evaluate different curriculum options to find the best fit for their child’s learning style and needs.

Registering with the state: Parents who homeschool their children in Florida must submit a notice of intent to the local school district. This notice must be submitted annually and includes the child’s name, age, and the start and end dates of the homeschooling program.

Finding support and resources: Homeschooling can be a challenging and isolating experience for some parents, so it is important to find support and resources. There are several homeschooling support groups and co-ops in Florida, as well as online resources and forums.

Challenges and Considerations

Socialization opportunities: Homeschooled children may miss out on the socialization opportunities of attending a traditional school. However, many socialization opportunities are available for homeschooled children in Florida, such as homeschooling co-ops, sports teams, and community groups.

College admissions: Homeschooled students may have difficulty getting into college, as admissions officers may be more familiar with traditional school transcripts. However, many colleges and universities in Florida are becoming more familiar with homeschooling and are willing to consider homeschooled students.

Homeschooling with special needs children: Homeschooling a child with special needs can be challenging, but resources are available to help. Parents should reach out to their local school district or to specialized organizations that offer support and resources for homeschooling special needs children. It’s also important to note that if a child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan, the parents must work closely with the school district to ensure that the child’s educational needs are met while homeschooling.

How to Legally Homeschool in Florida

Homeschooling in Florida is legal, and parents must follow laws and regulations to homeschool their children. These laws and regulations are in place to ensure that homeschooled children receive a quality education and that their parents are meeting specific standards.

letter-of-intent-for-homeschooling-in-Florida Download the Sample Letter

Parent Qualifications: In Florida, parents who homeschool their children are not required to have specific qualifications, such as a teaching degree. However, they must be the child’s parent or legal guardian and have control of the child’s education.
Notification Requirements: Parents who homeschool their children in Florida must notify the state of their intent to homeschool by submitting a notice of intent to the local school district. This notice must be submitted annually and includes the child’s name, age, and the start and end dates of the homeschooling program.
Record Keeping and Testing Requirements: Homeschooled children in Florida are not required to take standardized tests, but parents must keep records of their child’s progress and attendance. These records must include a description of the curriculum used, samples of the child’s work, and a log of the days the child was in attendance.
Curriculum Guidelines: In Florida, homeschooling parents are free to choose their curriculum as long as it is deemed “adequate” by the state. The curriculum must include reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction. Additionally, parents must provide instruction in health and physical education.
Enrolling in a Homeschool Program: Parents who homeschool their children in Florida must register with the state by submitting a notice of intent to the local school district. This notice must be submitted annually and includes the child’s name, age, and the start and end dates of the homeschooling program.

It’s important to note that the homeschooling laws and regulations in Florida are subject to change, so parents should check with the Florida Department of Education and their local school district to ensure they comply with the current laws.

Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Florida Parent-Educators Association or the Home Educators Association of Florida for more information and support.

What to do if I want to discontinue homeschooling and enroll in Public school

If you want to discontinue homeschooling and enroll in a public school in Florida, there are a few steps you will need to take:

Notify your local school district: You will need to contact them and inform them that you will discontinue homeschooling and wish to enroll your child in a public school. You must provide the district with your child’s personal information, such as name, age, and previous homeschool records.
Provide homeschool records: You will need to provide the school district with your child’s homeschool records, including attendance records, samples of their work, and any other relevant information.
Assessments: Your child may need assessments to determine their academic level and help the school place them in the appropriate grade level and classes.
Enroll your child: Once the school district has reviewed your child’s homeschool records and completed any necessary assessments, you can enroll your child in a public school.
Meet with school officials: It’s important to discuss your child’s academic needs and any accommodations that may be necessary to ensure their success in the public school system.
Stay in touch: Keep in touch with the school officials and teachers to stay informed about your child’s academic progress and address any concerns that may arise.

It’s important to note that transitioning from homeschooling to public school may vary depending on the specific school district and school. It is best to reach out to the school district and school officials to understand the process and what specific documents and assessments may be required.

Florida homeschool evaluation requirements

Homeschooling evaluation requirements in Florida include:

Annual assessment: Parents must provide an annual assessment of their child’s academic progress. This can be done by administering a nationally norm-referenced test, such as the Stanford Achievement Test or the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or by having a qualified individual, such as a certified teacher, evaluate the child’s work.
Portfolio review: Parents must maintain a portfolio of their child’s work, which must be made available for review upon request by the local school district. The portfolio should include samples of the child’s work and a log of the child’s attendance days.
Record Keeping: Parents must keep records of the child’s academic progress and attendance, including a description of the curriculum used, samples of the child’s work, and a log of the days the child was in attendance.
Progress reports: Parents must submit progress reports to the local school district. The reports should include the child’s academic progress and attendance records.
Compliance: Parents must comply with any requests for information or evaluations from the local school district.

It is important to note that the homeschooling laws and regulations in Florida are subject to change, so parents should check with the Florida Department of Education and their local school district to ensure they comply with the current laws.

Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Florida Parent-Educators Association or the Home Educators Association of Florida for more information and support.

Accredited homeschool programs in Florida

Several accredited homeschool programs in Florida offer various options for families who homeschool their children. Accreditation is a process by which schools and programs are evaluated against standards to ensure they provide a high-quality education. Some of the accredited homeschool programs in Florida include:

A Beka Academy: A Beka Academy is an accredited homeschool program that offers a traditional curriculum for grades K-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, tests, online classes, and support for parents.
Connections Academy: Connections Academy is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a complete curriculum for grades K-12. They provide online classes, textbooks, and support for parents.
Florida Virtual School: Florida Virtual School is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a complete curriculum for grades K-12. They provide online classes, textbooks, and support for parents.
Keystone National High School: Keystone National High School is an accredited homeschool program offering a complete high school student curriculum. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents.
The Keystone School: The Keystone School is an accredited homeschool program that offers a complete curriculum for grades K-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents, as well as the option of taking classes online.
National High School: National High School is an accredited homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades 9-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents.

It’s important to note that the list above may not be exhaustive, and more programs may be available. It is always best to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your child’s learning style and needs and check their accreditation status.

Florida homeschool graduation requirements

Homeschool graduation requirements in Florida vary depending on the specific homeschool program or curriculum a student uses. However, there are a few general requirements that parents should be aware of:

Curriculum: Homeschooled students must receive instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as instruction in health and physical education.
Records: Parents must keep records of their child’s academic progress and attendance, including a description of the curriculum used, samples of the child’s work, and a log of the days the child was in attendance.
Testing: While homeschooled students in Florida are not required to take any standardized tests, parents may choose to have their child take a nationally norm-referenced test, such as the Stanford Achievement Test or the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, to evaluate their academic progress.
Portfolio: Homeschooled students must maintain a portfolio of their work, which must be made available for review upon request by the local school district
Graduation requirements: Florida homeschooled students are not required to have a high school diploma. Parents may choose to have their child take a high school equivalency test, such as the General Educational Development (GED) test, to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
College admission: To demonstrate college-level knowledge and skills, homeschooled students who wish to attend college may be required to take the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Florida Parent-Educators Association or the Home Educators Association of Florida for more information and support.

Florida Homeschool letter of intent and give a sample letter

letter-of-intent-for-homeschooling-in-Florida Download the Sample Letter

A letter of intent is a document that parents in Florida must submit to the local school district to homeschool their children legally. This letter is a notification to the state that a parent intends to homeschool their child, and it is required to be submitted annually.

The letter of intent is an official notice of the parent’s intent to homeschool. It provides the school district with the necessary information to keep track of homeschooled children in the state.

Here’s an example of a letter of intent for homeschooling in Florida:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Date]

[Local School District] [Address] [City, State ZIP]

Dear [School District Official’s Name],

I am writing to inform you of my intention to homeschool my child, [Child’s Name], for the upcoming school year. [Child’s Name] will be [Child’s Age] years old on [Child’s Birthday].

I understand that as a parent, I am responsible for providing an adequate education for my child in accordance with Florida law. I will be using [Name of Curriculum or Educational Program] as the primary curriculum for my child’s education.

Please note that I will be providing instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health and Physical Education.

I will keep records of my child’s progress and attendance and make them available for review upon request. I will also provide an annual assessment of my child’s academic progress.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature] [Your Name]

It’s important to remember that the letter of intent should be tailored to your specific situation, and you should check with your local school district for any specific requirements. It’s also important to note that the homeschooling laws and regulations in Florida are subject to change, so parents should check with the Florida Department of Education and their local school district to ensure they comply with the current laws.

Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Florida Parent-Educators Association or the Home Educators Association of Florida for more information and support.

Homeschool grants Florida

Homeschool grants in Florida are financial assistance programs designed to help families who choose to homeschool their children. These grants can help families cover the costs of homeschooling materials, curriculum, and other expenses. Here are a few examples of homeschool grants in Florida:

The McKay Scholarship Program: The McKay Scholarship Program is a Florida state-funded program that provides financial assistance to families of students with disabilities who choose to homeschool. The scholarship can pay for curriculum, tutoring, and other educational expenses.
The Gardiner Scholarship Program: The Gardiner Scholarship Program is a Florida state-funded program that provides financial assistance to families of students with certain medical conditions or disabilities who choose to homeschool. The scholarship can pay for curriculum, tutoring, and other educational expenses.
The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program: The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program is a Florida state-funded program that provides financial assistance to families of students from low-income households who choose to homeschool. The scholarship can pay for curriculum, tutoring, and other educational expenses.
The Hope Scholarship Program: The Hope Scholarship Program is a Florida state-funded program that provides financial assistance to families of students who have been bullied or experienced violence in a public school and choose to homeschool. The scholarship can pay for curriculum, tutoring, and other educational expenses.

It’s important to note that the availability and the specific requirements for homeschool grants may change, and it’s best to check with the Florida Department of Education and the specific program for the most current information.

Also, it’s always good to check for the program’s application deadlines and have all the necessary documents ready before applying.

Best online homeschool programs in Florida

There are several online homeschool programs available in Florida that offer a variety of options for families who choose to homeschool their children. Here is a list of some of the best online homeschool programs in Florida:

Connections Academy: Connections Academy is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades K-12. They provide online classes, textbooks, and support for parents.
Florida Virtual School: Florida Virtual School is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades K-12. They provide online classes, textbooks, and support for parents.
K12: K12 is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades K-12. They provide online classes, textbooks, and support for parents.
The Keystone School: The Keystone School is an accredited homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades K-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents, as well as the option of taking classes online.
National High School: National High School is an accredited homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades 9-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents, as well as the option of taking classes online.
Oak Meadow: Oak Meadow is an accredited homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades K-12. They provide textbooks, workbooks, and support for parents, as well as the option of taking classes online.
Time4Learning: Time4Learning is an accredited, online homeschool program that offers a full curriculum for grades PreK-12. They provide interactive multimedia courses and support for parents.

Summary – Florida Homeschool Laws

Homeschooling in Florida is legal and regulated by a set of laws and regulations that parents must follow. These laws include notification requirements, record-keeping, and curriculum guidelines. Parents can choose from many curriculum options and find support and resources through homeschooling support groups and co-ops, online resources, and forums.

Several accredited online homeschool programs are available in Florida, such as Connections Academy, Florida Virtual School, K12, The Keystone School, National High School, Oak Meadow, and Time4Learning.

Parents can also apply for homeschool grants, such as The McKay Scholarship Program, The Gardiner Scholarship Program, The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, and The Hope Scholarship Program to help cover the expenses of homeschooling materials, curriculum, and other expenses.

It is important to check with the Florida Department of Education and the specific program for the most current information and application deadlines.