Homeschooling your child in Florida can be an effective and safe way to ensure that your child receives the best education possible. There are many advantages to homeschooling, including the flexibility to craft a personalized academic program tailored to each individual student’s needs and interests, and the opportunity for family bonding as you work together to design a truly special education. To ensure the legal, safe homeschooling of any student in Florida, it is necessary to properly register, apply, and adhere to all of the legality and regulations set forth by the state.
Let’s take a closer look at how to go about applying to homeschool your child in Florida.
What Are the Requirements in Florida for Homeschooling?
The home education state statutes, commonly known as the ‘McKay Scholarship Program’, ensures that any students in Florida who wish to be homeschooled are afforded all of the same education rights as any other student living and operating within Florida. This includes the right to use Florida’s public school resources in the homeschool setting, such as the public school library, music appreciation and physical education classes, and even the right to participate in school-sponsored activities.
As such, the requirements for homeschooling functions in Florida revolve around completing the homeschool notification form. This form outlines the homeschool environment and educational goals, defined by the parent/s and teacher in charge of the student’s education. One item that must be highlighted on this form is the teacher’s role, which will be handled by the parent/s and/or guardian/s as a designated Instructor of Record.
In addition, specific state requirements of any student receiving a home education must meet all state requirements for compulsory education, and these children are required to receive a minimum of an average of 900 hours of instruction, including 180 hours of instruction using a ‘core subject’. This 180-hour – or – 120 classroom-hour requirement for the core subject must be consistent for two consecutive school-years, should the home education curriculum be modified at any point.
What Are the Steps to Applying to Homeschool My Child?
The first step when applying to homeschool your child in Florida is to inform your school district superintendent or his/her designee of your intention to homeschool. You may do this either in-person or through sending a ‘home education notification form’ to the address listed for your county’s Superintendent of Schools.
Once your home education notification form is received, local school board staff will review the information, and you will be sent either an attendance record, or a “Notice of Intent to Establish Home Education” form. This form will include detailed information regarding state-mandated safety requirements, a description of the proposed homeschooling program, and must be signed and dated by the parent/s and/or guardians/s. Finally, the completed “Notice of Intent to Establish Home Education” will be returned to your school district where you live.
Once received, the school district will work on issuing an invoice for the associated fees, if any apply, and begin the process of researching any additional questions or details. Once these steps have been completed, the district will issue a ‘Notice of Initial Enrollment’ document to recognize that your child is now officially enrolled in their home school education program.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling in Florida?
There are several advantages associated with homeschooling your child in Florida. Not only does homeschooling offer a more intimate and personal learning experience, with an emphasis on customizing the educational content specific to each individual child’s needs, but Florida also allows students enrolled in a homeschool programs to participate in a variety of conventional school activities, including sports and extracurriculars.
In addition, if your child performs particularly well throughout the academic year and graduating class, they can also be recognized and praised academically. Florida has an Academic Competition Evaluation that provides an option for homeschooled students to have their academic achievement recognized by obtaining a diploma, or certificate, granted by the Florida State Department of Education. This could be beneficial in building up your child’s resume should they seek professional employment in the future.
Are There Different Types of Homeschooling Program Options Available in Florida?
Depending on the needs and goals of you and your child, there are various ways to customize the home education experience in Florida. Aside from the typical homeschooling program, parents and guardian in the state can investigate the various educational options available through virtual and charter schools, as well as the various online and hybrid programs. For instance, online and hybrid homeschooling offers families the flexibility of having their child work independently via online resources and courses, as well as the benefit of occasional in-person instruction with a state certified teacher.
Similarly, Florida Virtual School offers an array of courses and activities that students can participate in regardless of their physical location. There are even programs available in which the student can receive concurrent enrollment credit, teaching them valuable time management and organization skills to apply in the real world.
Is there Financial Aid available for Florida Homeschoolers?
Yes, there is a variety of financial aid available to Florida homeschoolers through the Florida state government. The McKay Scholarship Program provides financial aid to families whose children have been deemed eligible for services through a Free & Appropriate Public Education, such as those with special needs or those who have been bullied and placed in a homeschooling environment for safety.
The state-funded program allows the family to voluntarily withdraw their child from the public school system to enroll in a private or home education school of their choosing. In addition, the McKay Program allows students to receive funding for curriculum and educational materials as well as special needs services and therapies.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Florida?
Yes, homeschooling is indeed legal in all 50 states including Florida, as long as all of the state laws and regulations are followed correctly and properly conducted. In accordance with the Florida statutes, parents, legal guardians, or tutors may provide home education if the family believes this type of educational environment best suits their students’ needs and goals.
Are Special Requirements Needed For Homeschoolers In Florida?
Yes, there are special requirements for homeschoolers in Florida. An important aspect of these special requirements is the form of notification that must be sent to the local school district at least 30 days before homeschooling begins.
This must include a notice of intent to establish a home education and a very detailed record of the student’s instruction plans. It is also important to keep in mind that there are certain minimum course/class requirements, depending on the student’s age and grade level. For instance, Florida homeschoolers must complete a minimum of 900 hours of instruction in grades K-12, and a minimum of 990 hours of instruction in grades 9-1
In addition, Florida homeschoolers must complete 180 hours of instruction in a ‘core subject’, such as language arts, mathematics, natural science, history, social science, health, physical education, and the fine arts.
What Records Do I Need to Keep for Homeschoolers in Florida?
There are a variety of records that parents and guardians need to keep when homeschooling in Florida. These records and documents must be maintained and available for review by the school district at any and all times. These records may include: medical records, immunization forms, the official homeschool notification form, any additional forms or educational materials used, attendance record and/or logbook, and records of specially designed instruction for students with disabilities.
What Are Some Unallowable Activities for Homeschoolers in Florida?
When homeschooling in Florida, parents and guardians should keep in mind that certain activities are unallowable or restricted. These restricted activities include any activities that are deemed ‘academic degree granting course/programs’, such as college courses, college credit courses, and related programs. Additionally, homeschoolers in Florida are prohibited from teaching their students driver education courses.
Are Field Trips Allowed For Homeschoolers in Florida?
Yes, field trips are indeed allowed for homeschoolers in Florida (as long as the field trips are related to the student’s education and/or curriculum). These field trips may be self-organized or hosted by another entity, such as a museum, library, or natural park.
Are Private Schools in Florida Allowed to Accept Homeschoolers as Students?
Yes, private schools in Florida are allowed to accept homeschoolers as students. In Florida, private schools are allowed to accept homeschooled students as part-time or full-time students. Prior to enrollment, the school must receive satisfactory evidence that the student is in compliance with the laws and rules for home education.
Can I Enroll My Homeschooled Child in Public School?
Yes, you can enroll your homeschooled child in public school at any time by submitting the proper documents (completion of the home education notification form, a valid I. D.
, and a birth certificate). The school district will then work on determining the student’s eligibility for any special services and/or reimbursements for any costs associated with the student’s home education.
What Are the Testing Requirements for Homeschoolers in Florida?
In Florida, all students must take either a nationally standardized achievement test or an alternative assessment in the spring of the school year in order to evaluate student performance. However, homeschoolers may choose to be exempt from this requirement if they prefer.
If a home education chooses to opt out of the testing requirement, the parent/s and/or guardian/s must submit an acceptance of non-participation waiver within 30 days of receipt of the original waiver.
Conclusion
Applying to homeschool your child in Florida is a simple and straight-forward process that can be easily and successfully completed by any parent or guardian. Once your family has completed the necessary steps and receive the appropriate documentation, your child is officially enrolled in their home school education program. With the flexibility and freedom offered by homeschooling, you will have the chance to create a custom, personalized learning experience for your student that truly meets their academic needs, goals, and interests.