Homeschooling in Florida
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Florida site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Florida
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Florida
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Florida
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Florida
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Florida has to offer!
Resources
Florida Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Florida.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Florida, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschooling Groups & Support in Florida
Parents and families have access to more support and resources for homeschooling than ever before. Homeschooling support can come from groups, associations, and co-ops. Florida has no shortage of resources available to homeschool families.
Like most states, Florida has a state-wide homeschool association called the Florida Parent Educators Association. This association provides support and resources to thousands of Florida families. FPEA members have access to information on local homeschool groups, the annual convention, discounted events and educational merchandise, graduation ceremony, college and career fair, and email updates.
In addition to the FPEA, homeschool families can join homeschool groups and co-ops. Many homeschool groups can be found on Facebook; however, most groups are private, so you’ll need to request to join. Homeschool groups are a great way to meet other families and get advice from parent educators. Likewise, co-ops provide support, but these are more academic-focused and allow students to learn alongside peers. Both groups and co-ops are categorized by city or region as well as their focus. For example, some groups are faith-based, while others focus on a particular subject like STEM. Homeschool associations, groups, and co-ops are wonderful resources for parents and students alike.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Get Started Homeschooling in Florida
If you are thinking about homeschooling your child, you are probably wondering where to begin. Once you decide that you want to start homeschooling, parents should submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the public school system’s superintendent.
After notifying your local agency, you should select a homeschool curriculum. Power Homeschool’s online curriculum is available for K-12 students with courses in the core subjects of mathematics, language arts and reading, science, and social studies as well as electives, foreign languages, and health.
Join thousands of parents that homeschool with our self-paced, interactive courses.
Resources
Florida Field Trips
One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility to go on more field trips. Touring museums, exploring wildlife, and visiting monuments is a wonderful way to enhance any student’s education. The following are just several examples of the MANY field trip sites that Florida has to offer.
FLORIDA PANHANDLE
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- Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach: Students get hands-on learning experiences with interactive exhibits, including robotics, engineering, electricity, and much more! Various educational programs are available for students of all levels.
- Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze: Learn about different wildlife species and habitats through interesting attractions, educational programs, and special events for the whole family.
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NORTH FLORIDA
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- Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville: Explore the Butterfly Rainforest, Discovery Zone, and many other permanent and limited-time exhibits. Homeschool days are available for students to participate in hands-on learning activities.
- Whetstone Chocolates Factory Tour in St. Augustine: A field trip to a chocolate factory may just be every child’s dream. Tour the factory, try samples, and learn about the history of chocolate.
- The Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee: On a tour of the Florida Capitol building, homeschoolers can learn about the history and government in the state they call home.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA
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- Florida Air Museum in Lakeland: This museum is home to vintage aircrafts, flight simulators, and historical artifacts. Homeschoolers can participate in educational programs and special events.
- Skeletons Museum of Osteology in Orlando: Tour exhibits and participates in hands-on educational programs to learn the skeletons of numerous animal species at this museum’s Homeschool Adventure Days.
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SOUTH FLORIDA
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- Everglades National Park near Miami: Discover rare and endangered species that are native to the region through a variety of guided tours and ranger-led activities.
- Perez Art Museum in Miami: Homeschool students can tour museum exhibits from artists and cultures around the world. Family education programs offer learning opportunities for students of all ages.
- The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach: Guaranteed to have something for the whole family, The Mound House offers museum and archaeology tours, beach walks, demonstrations, kayak tours, and so much more!
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FLORIDA KEYS
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- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West: Visit the home of one of America’s most famous authors. Tour the location where he lived and wrote for over ten years and imagine a day in the life of the legendary writer.
- Crane Point Hammock in Marathon Key: Students can learn about ecosystem conservation methods and the flora and fauna that are native to the region through educational programs and special events.
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