Can I homeschool my child in Florida?

Home Education is a parent-directed educational option that satisfies the requirement for regular school attendance enshrined in the Florida Statutes since 1985. Parents have the freedom to determine their child's educational path and the plan for reaching their goals.

What is required to homeschool in Florida?

Homeschool statute: Parents must provide one-time notice to the local superintendent, maintain a portfolio of their children's work, and have their children assessed annually (by standardized test or portfolio evaluation). There are no parent qualification, hours of instruction, or subject requirements.

Does Florida pay for homeschooling?

As of 2023, any homeschooler in the state can apply for Florida's education savings account program. Participating families receive their child's education funds (about $8,000) in an online account and can use those funds for homeschool expenses, online learning, or even an approved class at a local public school.

How do I enroll my child in homeschooling in Florida?

How do I switch from public school to homeschool in Florida?

Can You Homeschool in Florida? | Homeschooling Laws & Why I'm Considering It

How much does it cost to homeschool in Florida?

How Much Does It Cost To Homeschool In Florida? The annual cost to homeschool in Florida is between $700 and $1,800 per student. This is well below the average annual tuition for private school students, which is just under $10,000.

Do Florida homeschoolers get a diploma?

There is no diploma issued by the public school system in Florida for the completion of a home education program. A signed affidavit of completion (notarized letter) submitted by the student's parent attesting that the student has completed a home education program, pursuant to the requirements of s.

Does Florida require testing for homeschoolers?

Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Florida? According to Florida state homeschooling laws, homeschoolers are required to give their children annual educational evaluations in Florida. Some parents may choose standardized testing for these evaluations.

How many hours are required for homeschooling in Florida?

Florida does not require a set number of days or hours of instruction per year. However, if you are homeschooling under an “umbrella school” option or with a private tutor, you may be required to adhere to the typical 180-day school year.

Is it illegal to not enroll your child in school in Florida?

Florida Law (Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes) states that all children who are either six years of age, who will be six years old by February 1 of any school year, or who are older than six years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, must attend school regularly during the entire school term.

How can I homeschool in Florida for free?

In Florida, the Florida Virtual School offers a wide variety of classes, completely free, for grades 6-12. These courses are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards. Other, less formal, sources of online classes include the Kahn Academy, MIT, and Harvard.

Do you save money by homeschooling?

Compared to the cost of sending a child to private school, or even public school, homeschooling could save a family money. But it's important to keep in mind that some costs may be higher when homeschooling—or at least less obvious when planning a household budget.

Can homeschoolers skip a grade?

Homeschoolers don't need to skip or repeat grades: grade level is almost always more flexible with homeschooling than it is with public school. There may be some exceptions because of particular states' laws or because you are choosing to homeschool through a charter school.

What is the best homeschool program?

Does Florida require a homeschool portfolio?

Once you begin homeschooling, you are required per Florida Statute 1002.41 to maintain a portfolio of records and materials used by your children. A portfolio is simply just a collection of your student's work.

Can homeschoolers play sports in Florida?

Participation in FHSAA athletics is a privilege, not a right, as determined by the courts. Home education students are given the opportunity to participate, but they must meet the same eligibility requirements as other students in public and private schools.

What is the difference between homeschooling and unschooling?

The fundamental difference between homeschooling and unschooling is that in homeschooling, the school is transferred to the home, with all its elements. In contrast, unschooling is based on natural learning, and there are no subjects or evaluations but life.

What states have the best homeschool laws?

Key Takeaways. Indiana and Idaho are the best states for homeschooling in the U.S. New Jersey is the least regulated state for homeschooling. Alaska has the most students enrolled in homeschool per capita in the U.S. in 2023.

How many homeschoolers are in Florida?

About 10,680 children in Hillsborough were being home-schooled at the beginning of the 2022 school year. That's more than any other district in the 32 states the Post was able to obtain reliable data from. According to their analysis, Florida leads the nation with the most home-schooled children — around 154,000.

Do Florida homeschoolers have to take the FSA?

Homeschooled students are not required to take any type of state assessment test. Some students may elect to take the FSA or EOC as part of their annual evaluation. Participation is optional.

Who can do a homeschool evaluation in Florida?

When looking for a homeschool evaluator for your student's portfolio, just remember two things: The teacher must be Florida-certified with an active license (professional, not temporary). The teacher should be very familiar with evaluating students under Florida homeschooling laws.

How do you explain unschooling?

In unschooling, parents step into the teacher's role to watch and guide their children to follow their interests. Instead of a preset curriculum, students are given supportive surroundings to stimulate their natural curiosity about everything.

How do homeschoolers graduate in Florida?

As homeschoolers, this would be from the facilitator of the home education program, aka the parents. The diploma would be signed by the parent. You can create your own diploma, purchase one online or FPEA provides a diploma that is signed by the parent at the statewide graduation ceremony.

How much does Flvs cost?

Florida Virtual School is a tuition-free, fully accredited online public school for students in Kindergarten–12th grade. Whether you're looking for a safe, distraction-free learning environment, or a way to balance travel, sports, and hobbies, we offer comprehensive learning that leads to a high school diploma.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in Florida?