Navigating Homeschool Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know

Navigating Homeschool Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know

In Florida homeschool statute, there are three options under which you can legally homeschool to opt out of traditional school attendance. After choosing the option you wish to use, follow the steps listed below it.

1: Educating children at home according to the laws governing homeschooling.

A. File a notice of intent to homeschool.

You are required to notify the county superintendent within 30 days of starting your homeschooling program by submitting a notice of your intention to establish a home education program in order to comply. This notice does not need to be filed annually. It should include the complete legal names, addresses, and birthdates of your homeschool students.

According to the law in the United States, the superintendent must accept the notice and promptly enroll the home education program. The school district cannot ask for any extra information unless the student chooses to take part in a program or service offered by a public school. The student cannot be assigned a grade level, and their Social Security number (or any other personal information) cannot be stored in any state or district database unless they decide to participate in a public school program or service.

B. Keep a collection of work.

Throughout the year, you are required to maintain a collection of records and materials to be in compliance. The collection should include:

- A log of educational activities completed alongside the lessons, including a list of any reading materials used.

- Examples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, etc., either used or created by the student.

This collection must be kept for two years after it is finished. The superintendent of the school district or their representative may, if they choose, review your collection with a written notice of at least 15 days.

C. Evaluate your student annually.

Each year, it is mandatory to evaluate the progress of your student using one of the following options:

1. Educational Progress Evaluation: A teacher with a valid regular Florida teaching certificate, selected by the parent, will evaluate the student's portfolio and have a discussion with them about their coursework. Nationally Normed Student Achievement Test: The student can take any nationally normed achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
2. State Student Assessment Test: The student can take a state student assessment test approved by the school district and administered by a certified teacher at an approved location.
3. Evaluation by a Licensed Psychologist: The student can be evaluated by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist.
4. Other Valid Measurement Tool: The student can be evaluated using any other valid measurement tool that is mutually agreed upon.

D. File a notice of termination.

When your student completes their homeschool program or if your family moves out of the county, it is important to submit a notice of termination to the county superintendent of schools within 30 days of program completion. If your child graduates from high school, you must include a copy of their final annual assessment with the notice of termination. If you start homeschooling in a different county in Florida, you need to submit a new notice of intent. While an assessment is not required when moving to a new county during the school year, it is suggested to provide the annual assessment if the move is close to your anniversary date.

Option 2: Homeschooling under a private school "umbrella" program

Option 3: Homeschooling with a private tutor

Another option is to enroll your child in a private school that is registered with the Florida Department of Education and will provide oversight for your homeschool program. These schools are often referred to as "umbrella" or "cover" schools because they oversee your homeschooling instead of local school officials.

As the parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that the school you choose for your student complies with all the requirements for private schools mandated by the state of Florida in order to receive credits. You can find the Florida Private School Directory on the Florida Department of Education website for more information.

A. Select a private tutor to teach your child in lieu of compulsory attendance

Your child’s instructor must hold a valid Florida certificate to teach the subjects or grades in which instruction is given.

B. Keep records.

The certified teacher who is tutoring your child must keep records and make reports as required by the state and district school boards in accordance with Florida Statutes 1003.23 in order to opt our of regular school attendance.

C. Provide the required days of instruction.

Students must be in attendance for 180 days (or the equivalent on an hourly basis).

-The Home Tribe team