FAQs
What paperwork is required in order to homeschool in Florida?
If you are not signed up under an umbrella school you will need to send a letter of intent to homeschool to the county in which you reside. You must send this in within 30 days of beginning your homeschooling program if your children have previously been enrolled in school.
If you are just starting out, you must send in your intent letter for your child who turns 6 sometime between the beginning of the school year and February 1st.
Do I need to keep attendance records?
No, you do not.
Do I have to use a certain state-approved curriculum?
No, you may use whatever appeals to you. Homeschoolers enjoy a wide range of choices and you can mix and match and take an eclectic approach if that is more your style.
Does my child have to take the FCAT?
Homeschoolers are not required to take any type of standardized state or nationally-normed test, however, they may if you desire. Call your school district if this option appeals to you.
How do I know if my child is making adequate progress?
Look at your options for the end of the year evaluations and decide which one is right for you and your child. It is my strong opinion that a portfolio review provides much broader, deeper insight into your child’s progress than a nationally normed test taken on one day in their homeschool year. Competent evaluators who have had experience educating children can tell a lot about the child’s academic, emotional, and social development simply by talking with them and looking at their work over a period of time.
What work do I need to save?
Keep good records. You are required to keep your student’s portfolio for at least two years. You do not have to keep lesson plans, however, if you use them it would be prudent to keep your plans along with the child’s work for the year.
What if I stop homeschooling?
Send a letter of termination to your superintendent’s office within 30 days of the time you stop your homeschooling program.
Contact me if you have any questions you can’t find answers to here and I’ll be happy to help you.