All About Homeschooling in Florida
How to Get Started in Homeschooling
Florida Homeschool Graduation Requirements
Florida Homeschooling Associations
Florida Homeschool Support Groups, Co-ops and Collaborations
How to Legally Start Homeschooling in Florida
Florida is a really great state for homeschooling and the huge number of families who homeschool are a testament of its appeal and success. There are no required subjects or vaccinations required and no minimum education level requirements for the parent. Anyone can choose to homeschool their children as long as you follow a few simple rules.
Parents can also choose various methods of homeschooling that include instructing the child themselves, hiring a tutor, enrolling in correspondence courses, attending public or private school part-time or enrolling in an umbrella school.
Florida Rules and Laws for Homeschooling
#1 – Communicate your intent with your local school district
When you start homeschooling in Florida, you are required to file a notice of intent with the local school districts superintendent’s office. If you stop homeschooling, file a letter of termination.
See the list of direct links here for each districts contacts and submission process. Some even have letter templates to use. Or you can simply include the names, addresses and birth dates of any children you will be homeschooling. Be sure to follow the rules for timeliness of the filing and file within 30 days of establishing your homeschool for all children six years and older.
#2 – Record-Keeping
Maintain and keep for a minimum of 2 years a portfolio of your child’s education records and work. This is to show the work that your child is doing throughout the year to show progress and is typically used for the annual evaluation. This can be as simple as samples of their work and a record of their educational activities, or can include a complete gradebook, curriculum and day to day work.
#3 – Show Yearly Progress
Submit an annual student evaluation to your local school district superintendent to show the student’s educational progress for the year. Options for this evaluation include:
- Review of the student’s portfolio by a certified Florida teacher
- A state-normed test administered by a certified Florida teach or approved testing center
- A state approved psychologist assessment
- Other evaluation methods can be established and agreed upon with the superintendent of your local school district.
Florida Homeschool Graduation Requirements
Homeschool diploma’s are completely valid and legal in the state of Florida and parents of homeschoolers can determine the requirements for their child’s graduation. For students heading to college or other higher educational school, it is best to contact the school to learn what their entrance requirements are to be sure you are meeting those requirements.
More details and information about homeschooling on Florida’s official sites:
Florida Homeschool Associations
Florida has very active and supportive Homeschool Associations that serve thousands of families in Florida with a huge support system, state conventions, local conferences, events, and more.
Florida Umbrella Schools
Umbrella schools are simply a homeschooling school structure that offers credibility, attendance and sometimes curriculum for homeschoolers. In Florida, umbrella schools help parents comply with Florida’s compulsory school attendance laws and serve as an organized “umbrella” for homeschoolers records. Umbrella schools also provide diplomas for graduates.
- Directory of Umbrella Schools in Florida
- What is an Umbrella School and How Does it Work for Homeschoolers in Florida
Florida Homeschool Support Groups, Co-ops and Collaborations
Florida has a super strong, supportive and active homeschool support system with groups, co-ops and collaborations among parents across the state.
- All About Homeschool Support Groups, Co-Ops, and Collaborations
- Directory of homeschool groups in Florida