As an increasing number of parents opt to homeschool their children, the state of Florida has specific requirements and regulations for homeschooling. In Florida, homeschooling is a legal form of child education and if parents are planning on homeschooling their children, they need to understand the necessary qualifications and regulations as outlined by the state.
This article will provide 15 questions and answers to cover the topic of what qualifications do you need in the state of Florida homeschool your child.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in the State of Florida?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in the state of Florida as long as certain requirements and regulations are met. Florida homeschooling regulations are outlined in the Florida Statute 10041 and parents are required to follow and understand these laws.
According to the statute, parents are required to follow certain criteria if they intend to homeschool their children such as registering with the state, maintaining attendance records, and administering a series of assessments to measure their students’ academic progress.
2. How Do I Register My Homeschool With the State?
In order to register with the state, parents must submit a Declaration of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program to the county in which they reside. The Declaration of Intent must include the names and addresses of all students who will be homeschooled, the grades of the students, and the names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of the parents.
In addition, the Declaration of Intent must include the name of the program, the address of the program, and any other information that is required by law. After submitting the Declaration, parents must also submit quarterly attendance records to inform the county of the number of hours that their children have been homeschooled each quarter.
3. What Are the Requirements for Homeschool Courses?
The state of Florida does not have specific requirements for what types of courses must be taught when homeschooling. According to Florida Statute 100
41, homeschooling parents must provide “an organized educational program” which includes reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. However, the statute leaves it up to parents to decide what courses they want to teach and how they want to teach them.
4. Do Homeschooled Students Have to Take Assessments?
Yes, homeschooled students in Florida are required to take certain assessments in order to measure their academic progress. The parents of homeschooled students need to choose one of three assessment options, as outlined in the State of Florida Homeschooling Assessment Requirements. The three assessment options are a nationally standardized achievement test (SAT, ACT, etc.
), a state-approved criterion-referenced test, or a Jurisprudence Interest Reasoning Test (JIRT).
5. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in Sports and Extracurricular Activities Through a Public School?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in sports and extracurricular activities through a public school. In order to participate, the student must meet the eligibility requirements of the school.
These requirements may include meeting the academic qualifications, providing proof of the homeschool program, submitting a medical form, and providing proof of residency in the school district.
6. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in Magnet Schools?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in magnet schools in the state of Florida. In order to enroll in a magnet school, the students will generally have to complete an application process, submit a transcript of the homeschool program, and pass an assessment process.
Some magnet schools may also require a personal interview.
7. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in Dual Enrollment Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in dual enrollment programs in the state of Florida. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses for credit.
In order to be eligible, the student must meet the requirements of the specific dual enrollment program and the requirements of the local college or university. It is recommended that homeschooled students contact the college or university to inquire about specific eligibility requirements.
8. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in Gifted Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in gifted programs in the state of Florida. Gifted programs provide specific instruction and activities to students who possess an exceptional potential to learn.
In order to be eligible, the student must meet the criteria set forth by the school district. This may include submitting a test score, providing proof of the homeschool program, and providing proof of residency in the district.
9. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in Special Education Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in special education programs in the state of Florida. Special education programs provide specialized instruction to students with diagnosed cognitive, physical, and emotive disorders.
In order to be eligible, the student must meet the criteria set forth by the school district. This may include submitting test scores, providing proof of the homeschool program, and providing proof of residency in the district.
10. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in After School Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in after school programs in the state of Florida. After school programs provide activities and services to students after the regular school day. In order to be eligible, the student must meet the criteria set forth by the school district.
This may include providing proof of residency in the district, providing proof of the homeschool program, or undergoing an assessment process.
11. Are There Specific Regulations for Homeschooling in Florida?
Yes, there are specific regulations for homeschooling in the state of Florida. Florida Statute 10041 states that homeschoolers must provide an organized educational program which includes reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
In addition, parents must register their homeschool with the county, maintain attendance records, and provide assessments that measure students academic progress.
12. Are There Attendance Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Yes, homeschoolers in the state of Florida are required to maintain an attendance record. According to the statute, the school year may consist of 180 days and the school day must consist of at least 4 hours. Parents must also maintain quarterly attendance records and submit them to the county in which they reside.
13. Are Parents Required to Have a Teaching Certificate?
No, parents in the state of Florida are not required to possess a teaching certificate in order to homeschool their children. According to the statute, parents only need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be able to homeschool their children.
14. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participating in College?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for participating in college. In order to be eligible for admission, the student must meet the admissions requirements of the college or university.
These requirements may include letters of recommendation, an entrance exam or other college placement tests, and a homeschool transcript.
15. Is There a Support Group for Homeschooling Families in the State of Florida?
Yes, there are many support groups for homeschooling families in the state of Florida. Many of these support groups offer advice, resources, and activities for homeschooling families.
Parents can contact their local school district or the state department of education to find out more information about these support groups.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a legal option in the state of Florida and it is important for parents to know the qualifications, requirements, and regulations that are needed to legally homeschool their children. By understanding the information outlined in this article, parents will have a better understanding of what qualifications, requirements, and regulations they need to meet in order to homeschool in the state of Florida.