Home School Laws in Florida

Section 1002.01, Florida Statutes (F.S.), defines home education as the sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent or guardian in order to satisfy Florida's compulsory education requirements. Florida Statute 1002.41 specifies the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program. - Send a written notice of intent to the school district superintendent. The notice must be filed within 30 days of beginning the home education program and must include the following information: - Name of the home education student(s) - Birthdate(s) - Address - Parent's signature - Maintain a portfolio of educational records. Statute defines a portfolio as - A log of educational activities which is made contemporaneously with the instruction and which designates by title any reading materials used, and - samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student. - Make the portfolio available for inspection by the superintendent upon 15-day written notice (The statute does not require the superintendent to inspect all portfolios). - Provide an annual educational evaluation of the student's educational progress to the superintendent. The evaluation must consist of one of the following: - A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent may evaluate the child's progress based on a review of the portfolio and discussion with the student. - The student may take any nationally-normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher. - The student may take a state student assessment test at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district. - The student maybe evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S. - The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent. - Preserve each student's portfolio for two years. - Submit a letter of termination and annual evaluation to the school district superintendent upon completion of the home education program, enrollment in a public or private school or moving from the district.

The Legal Definition of Home Education as defined by Florida law, is “sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent or guardian in order to satisfy the requirements of Statute 1003.21 and 1002.41.” The law is broad, giving parents quite a bit of freedom to direct their child’s education. Children of all ages are home-educated across the state, and many are entering college straight from their courses of study at home. Link to Florida Statutes (Chapter 1002) | | | Home Education is one of five ways to satisfy Florida’s compulsory attendance law. Statute 1003.01 (13) gives parents the choice of achieving regular school attendance through one of these provisions: • Public school • Parochial, religious or denominational school • Nontraditional private school • Home-education program • Private tutoring program | Four of these options are in the private sector — ultimately parents choose the setting, curriculum, opportunities and educational experiences. In all cases, a child turning 6 before February 1 of the school year is subject to compulsory attendance and must attend school regularly the entire term. By law, parents have six responsibilities 1. Submitting your notice of intent Your written notice of intent must include each of the following: - Name of each child (age 6-16). - Birthdate of each child named. - Address. - A parent’s signature. Find Your County Here