Homeschooling in Flagler County
Flagler County is in Northeast Florida (see map). It includes the Cities of Marineland, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell, as well as the unincorporated parts of Flagler County along the beachside. For more information about Flagler County, please visit the Chamber of Commerce web page at www.flaglerpcchamber.org or the official Flagler County web page at www.flaglercounty.org.
What is the population of Flagler County?
There are presently over 50,000 residents in the City of Palm Coast in Flagler County. It is presently the #1 fastest-growing cities in the nation.
How many homeschoolers are in Flagler County?
There are currently over 400 families homeschooling in Flagler County today. This number includes only those families who have filed the Letter of Intent and are homeschooling "under County supervision". It does not include families who are homeschooling using private tutors or have enrolled their children in private, umbrella, or "600" schools therefore the number of families schooling at home may be much higher.
What is required to homeschool in Flagler County?
Residents of Flagler County are subject to the same requirements as anyone else in the State of Florida. For those homeschooling under the County, it includes (1) filing a Letter of Intent within 30 days of beginning a homeschooling program; (2) maintaining a portfolio of records, (3) keeping it for two years and (4) making the portfolio available for inspection by the School Superintendent's office with a 15-day written notice; (5) submitting an annual evaluation for each child that you homeschool; and (6) filing a Letter of Termination when you have ended or your child has completed your homeschool program. For those homeschooling in private, umbrella, or "600" schools, it means following the specific guidelines of the private school of your choice. Please read the FAQs about "Homeschooling in Florida" by clicking here for more detailed information about any of these topics.
What is the homeschooling "climate" like here?
Homeschooling is alive and well in Flagler County. There is a varied and diverse population of homeschoolers and their methods and styles make for a very interesting mix of families. Many belong to homeschooling groups and other support systems however many do not. In addition to homeschooling groups and on-line communities, there are many opportunities for families to supplement their schooling programs in the community. This includes classes, clubs, sporting events, musical programs, and the like as well as many area attractions that offer programs and discounts specifically to homeschoolers. Click here to view some of programs and activities that are listed on this site.
Is there anything unique about homeschooling in Flagler County?
There are many things about Flagler County that make homeschooling unique, just as other cities and towns across the Nation are unique in their own ways. Flagler boasts much natural beauty and undisturbed landscape and is one of the last remaining areas that one can experience "Old Florida" in the entire State. It's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and many rivers and inlets including the Intracoastal Waterway, make it one of the most picturesque areas in the South. The enviroment boasts a wide variety of trees, plants, and wildflowers and is inhabited by some of the most interesting and beautiful birds, fish, and sea creatures found anywhere. Flagler County also sits just south of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the Nation. History, artifacts, and lore make the area a favorite for history enthusiasts and students of Florida's past. It is just north of Daytona Beach, Florida, home of the Daytona Cubs, the Daytona International Speedway, and the Museum of Arts & Sciences.
As for specific homeschooling requirements, homeschoolers in Flagler County are subject to the same homeschooling laws as anyone in the State of Florida. However, in the past, all Flagler County homeschoolers were subjected to annual portfolio inspections. As of this writing, however, these inspections are occuring less often than in previous years. It is purported that Flagler is one of only two other counties in the State that performs routine annual portfolio inspections. These inspections generally take place in early-mid Spring and are performed by an agent of the School Superintendent.
Where do I mail my annual evaluation (Flagler County residents only)?
Evaluations may be hand-delivered or mailed to the following address:
Mr. Bill Delbrugge, Superintendent
Flagler County School District
P.O. Box 755, 1769 E. Moody Blvd.
Bunnell, FL 32110 (Telephone: 437-7577)
Please retain a copy for your records and use a reliable mailing method, requesting a return receipt.
[Disclaimer: This information is provided to help answer your general questions about homeschooling and about homeschooling here in Flagler County. It is general in nature and only to help you get started, not provide all of the detail that is really needed to homeschool successfully in Flagler County or anywhere else. Note that the information contained in these pages is not a substitute for legal advice and you should always consult the Florida Statutes (one source is: www.leg.state.fl.us ) for definitive information about requirements for homeschoolers in the State of Florida. While the information on this page will be updated as often as possible, it could become outdated, therefore we ask that you consult with a qualified and experienced local homeschool leader, support group, or a trusted veteran homeschooler for other questions that you may have.]
