Homeschooling in FL?

[Renee in NC]

The good, the bad, the ugly?

 

Volusia County if that matters.

 

Which option do you choose and why? Are there any private school options that don't have a statement of faith? (I am Catholic and can't sign most SOFs.)

 

What about special needs students?

[Karen sn]

All you do is write a letter of intent to homeschool and send it to the county school board with the name, birthday, and grade level of your children. A year later (from the date you send it in) you have to file something. I know teachers there and I have one who evaluates my dd, says she progressing, and signs the paper work.

 

There are other options - you can standardize test them or belong to an unbrella school I think.

[Renee in NC]

Okay, did a search and figured out the different options.

 

My 11yo would be eligible for the virtual school next year if we registered with the county.

 

I still wan tot know about kids that are behind - how does that work with the end-of-year evaluation? My 8yo is way behind and isn't likely to catch up anytime soon.

[Renee in NC]

I think I am talking to my self!

 

It looks like several umbrella schools have FLVS access - sounds good to me!:tongue_smilie:

 

I was afraid that I would have to sign up with the school district in order to get acces for free.

[momto4greatkids]

You will just need a certified teacher evaluate your children and check the box on the form that says they have progressed from last year. If you can join a homeschool support group in your area, you will likely find several homeschool moms/certified teachers that will do this for a small fee. From what I understand, they do not have to reach any pre-determined level, just show progression.

We choose to have standardized tests done every year and check that box as our accountability.

[Renee in NC]

You will just need a certified teacher evaluate your children and check the box on the form that says they have progressed from last year. If you can join a homeschool support group in your area, you will likely find several homeschool moms/certified teachers that will do this for a small fee. From what I understand, they do not have to reach any pre-determined level, just show progression.

We choose to have standardized tests done every year and check that box as our accountability.

 

Is this required for all homeschoolers or just those who choose to register with their county?

[Samiam]

You have two options:

 

1. Register with the county as a homeschooler. Once you do this, you have to send in an annual testing OR portofolio review, both done by a certified teacher. NEITHER has to show child is at grade level, but only that progress was made through the year. It's a simple form that a certified teacher signs off basically saying the child is progressing.

 

or

 

2. Register with a umbrella school. In this case, you "legally" are not considered a homeschooler, but instead a private school student. As such, what you have to do depends on the requirements of the private school. There are many that do not require statements of faith. There are some that are more involved, and cost more $$, and there are some that are very basic, just to cover the legal requirements, and cost very $$. Most will require attendance records, to show 180 school days.

 

As far as FLVS, that is only for 6th grade and higher. It is also on the chopping block at the State Legislature this month, so funds might be drastically reduced, thereby limiting what classes are offered. Wouldn't count on that taking care of all the classes for your child, especially if he is "behind", as you said.

 

Did you mean FLVA? That's a whole other ball of wax, and you are not a homeschooler, but a public school student who does their work at home, ie virtual schooler. It has it's benefits and drawbacks. That is also on the chopping block at Legislature, so who knows where it will be by the fall. There are also very specific requirements for students to be eligible to do FLVA, so I would definately talk with the county to see if you qualify before deciding to go that route.

[Renee in NC]

bosket, I have 7dc, and one is not behind and would be in the 6th grade next year. I was thinking he might take 1-2 classes from the FLVS, not all of them.

 

Thanks for the info!

[TraceyS/FL]

We use an umbrella school, http://www.aceainc.org/ Kenya also helps run the group i'm a member of in Orlando (yahoogroup based group).

 

Like bosket says, you just have to show progress thru the county.

 

:grouphug: But i'd love to come welcome you to FL when/if you get here! (i'm in NW Lake County).