How to get started on homeschooling in FL
One of the most frequent questions that I get is from people wanting to know how to get started on homeschooling.
First - a quick overview on terminology. The word homeschool is not in the legal statutes. Also it is many times used interchangibly by those who are educating their children at home - regardless of how the child is registered. While this term is an easy to reference term - it is not the 'proper' term to use. Additionally the term umbrella school is used for a private school where the child does not actually attend. This is another term used within the homeschool community quite often - but is not a legal term.
Option # 1 - HEP
You can easily register your child/ren in a home education program (HEP). All you need to do is send in a letter of intent (sample letter of intent) to the local school board. Call up the local school board to find out where you have to mail it. As soon as you have mailed it your children are officially registered in an HEP. Keep a copy for your records. You may wish to include in your letter a request to be sent a letter showing that your child has been enrolled in a Home Education Program. This is handy to photocopy and keep on hand for discounts, and if there is ever a question on whether your child is an HEP.
You are required to maintain a portfolio and log for your student as part of an HEP. This must be provided to the Superintendent for review if written notice is ever received. Your child cannot be graded on this - nor are they allowed to keep copies of it.
You will have to have your child evaluated annually to make sure they are advancing (sample evaluation form). This allows the state to be sure you are in compliance with the law. The most common method used is to have your child evaluated by a local certified teacher who does evaluations. I have found the average to be about $40. They can either do a standardized test or review the portfolio to evaluate, whichever the parent and evaluator choose. There are other options for evaluations. You can find that information here.
Option #2 - Private School
The second option is to enroll them in a private or 'umbrella school'. They are officially registered with the state as private school students. Most of these private schools are run by parents who are looking to avoid the HEP status. Because they are a registered private school there is a requirement on maintaining immunization/health records (or waivers) and attendance records. When registering in a private school you should check to see that they are registered with the FL DOE.
Option #3 - Virtual Public School
Many more families are turning to virtual public schools. Your child is still required to perform as a public school student, but from the comfort (and supervision) of your home. Your children will maintain the public school status but will be using the school's instructions online. Some of these programs are free when your child has been a public school student for at least one year. Here are a few from the FL Dept of Education website: Florida Virtual Academy and Connections Academy.
Pros & Cons:
There are pros and cons to each of the methods listed above. Only the parents can determine which is best for their child/ren. Here are a few things to consider on each option:
HEP - PRO: Your child is eligible to take classes part time at a local school (classroom size permitting). You may also qualify for other services that the school provides such as speech classes, etc. CON: You have to maintain records and a portfolio.
Private School - PRO: Usually under the private school is more inexpensive than the cost of an annual evaluation. CON: You have to actually submit health forms and maintain attendance records.
Virtual Public School - PRO: A transcript is maintained for you and curriculum is provided. CON: Your child is still studying the same things as normal public school students are - and are required to take state tests such as the FCAT.
Laws: FL Statutes should always be considered the upmost authority and reference to the law. Here are links to areas of interest:
1001.21 - Office of Private Schools and Home Education Programs
1002.41 - 1002.43 Home Education, Private Schools, Other Educational Options
You may wish to join our free forum where you can find other homeschoolers in your area as well as many other resources.
