Frequently Asked Questions
There are five different options that parents can select for the annual evaluation of a homeschooled student who is being homeschooled "under County supervision" (those with Letter of Intent). These are:
- an evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher of your choice
- a nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher of your choice
- a State student assessment test (such as the FCAT)
- a psychological evaluation
- any other method mutually agreed upon by both the parent and the School Superintendent
When is the evaluation due?
Regardless of the evaluation method selected, one evaluation must be turned in per homeschooled child per year. The evaluation is due on or before the one-year anniversary date of when the parent filed the "Letter of Intent" with the Superintendent's office. Consult a local homeschooler or phone your local school board for the name and address of the Superindent of Schools in your district.
Is a kindergarten evaluation required?
Under the law, no. However, if a parent wishes to return the child back to the public school system to complete first grade, a record of kindergarten completion may be needed. In this case, it is advisable to document the kindergarten year and create a portfolio of records, as well as be prepared to consult a certified teacher if necessary to indicate that the child is first-grade ready. While Florida counties are not required to accept a "Letter of Intent" for a kindergartener, some counties will keep it on file if a family chooses to submit one, thus providing more documentation for families who have homeschooled the kindergarten year. Consult a local homeschool leader for more information about this topic, if necessary.
Where can I find an evaluator / tester for my child? How much does it cost?
Your local homeschool leader or support group can usually provide a referral to one or more certified teachers in your area. You can also talk to other homeschoolers to find out who they have used in the past and what services each teacher will offer. Though prices will vary, you should expect to pay anywhere from $20-50 to have one child evaluated, depending upon the services that you require.
Can I homeschool a high schooler?
Absolutely. Homeschooling can take place from preschool thru high school if the family so chooses. Though compulsory school attendance is required only from ages 6 through 16, most homeschooling families continue schooling their teenager through the high school years until graduation at approximately the 12th grade as in the local school system. In the upper grades, it is advisable to consult a table of credits required for graduation in Florida public schools and the number of credits required for admission to the public or private university of your choice (if college is desired). A parent can prepare a high school transcript and successfully prepare a homeschooled student for advanced study with the proper record-keeping and documentation of student activities. Many useful books have been written about homeschooling high schoolers and preparing them for college (e.g., Author Cafi Cohen has several excellent titles.)
In addition to home study, families with teens frequently seek outside experiences to supplement their child's high school education. This may include extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, either through private groups or through the local school system. It can also include dual enrollment for college credit while the student is still in high school. Volunteer work, community service activities, leadership programs, internships, and other activities are all excellent preparation for a high schooler. For a breakdown of the number of credit hours required for high school graduation in a Florida public school, please CLICK HERE.
What is a "600 School"?
A "600 school" is a private school that can provide structure and accountability for homeschooling families. While private schools vary, many provide advice and record-keeping in addition to transcripts and a formal graduation certificate upon completion (some even hold a graduation ceremony). The advantages to enrolling in a private ("600") school include not having to submit a Letter of Intent to the local school superintendent, working with an experienced group of counselors or administrators, access to assessment tools that may otherwise be difficult to find locally, and the credibility that comes with being associated with an established private school. Disadvantages include maintaining immunization and attendance records and paying yearly and/or monthly fees to the school, depending upon what services are offered by the school. With the private school option, schooling still takes place at home, however students are statutorily classified as private school students under Florida Statute 1003.23. Click HERE to view a list of Florida "non-public" schools.
OK, now how I do to get started?
There are many sources of information on "getting started". Your local bookstore or library will have many books about homeschooling that will offer suggestions about what to read and where to visit to help prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Some titles are offered in the Links and Resources page. Getting connected with other homeschoolers in your area is perhaps one of the best ways to get started since you can hear from local families "the ropes" and get answers to some of your tougher questions. The Internet offers many web sites containing guidebooks of information on getting started as well as message boards and chat rooms to connect with other homeschoolers who have been there, done that. Although there are many excellent references, one such link is www.homeschooling.about.com/cs/gettingstarted/a/gettingstarted.htm . Another new resource can be found at www.learningis4everyone.org/content/view/94/39/1/0. In addition, you may wish to order the Florida Parent Educators Association's free homeschooling guide found available from: www.fpea.com and/or the Home Education Magazine's guide to homeschooling available from: www.home-ed-magazine.com. Do some research and then jump in and get going.
