Using The County Registration Option

 1. Read the Florida statutes that govern home education.   

 2. Send a letter of intent to the county superintendent.   Florida is a compulsory education state.  This means that when your child is 6-16 years old they must be in a public, private, a tutorial, or home education program. (See: When to register) When you child reaches the age of 6 you send  a notice of intent to home educate to your district’s school superintendent. It is suggested that you only give the information required by statute; the student name, address, date of birth, parents name and parents signature.  The law says you must sent it within 30 days of beginning home education, but it is recommended that you do it as soon as you decide to start homeschooling.  (Note: If you child turns 6 AFTER February 1st, they are not required by statute to be in enrolled anywhere until the next school year.  You can send a letter or intent in, but you are not required to.)

   Some counties, such as Broward, will send you a home education packet.  This packet may contain a letter of intent form requesting the same information explained above with additional optional questions.  You do NOT have to use this form and most homeschoolers do not.  A simple letter of intent meets the law and is all that is needed.

 3. Start a portfolio.   The state statutes say: 

“The parent or guardian shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio shall consist of the following:

1. A log of educational activities which is made contemporaneously with the instruction and which designates by title any reading materials used.

2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.

The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent or guardian for 2 years and shall be made available for inspection by the superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, upon 15 days' written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the superintendent to inspect the portfolio.”

 Please refer to What a Portfolio Inspection Should Look Like by Krista Lica.  This explains what is required by law and different styles of keeping a portfolio. You can find this on the HELPS website.   www.HelpsOnline.org

 4. Investigate learning and teaching styles. There are many websites and books available that explain different learning and teaching styles.  Many beginning homeschoolers assume they have to follow a particular curriculum or teach the way the schools do.  One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is that your family can decide what will work best for you. Take some time to research different methods before rushing to buy curriculum.  Many homeschoolers do not use a set curriculum but use “Unit Studies,”  “Child-Centered Learning” or “Unschooling.”   You can find information about these styles on the HELPS website.

 5. Provide an annual evaluation. You must send the county  an annual evaluation.  This is due 1 year from the date of your letter of intent.  Some counties overstep their authority and ask for the evaluations at the end of the public school year, but this is not the law.  You have one year. This is a brief outline of your evaluation options.  Please refer to the law for a full description.:

1) have child's portfolio reviewed by a Florida certified teacher   What A Portfolio Review Should Look Like

2) have child tested by a certified teacher

3) state student test administered by the school district.  (FCAT, scores sent to the state)

4) be evaluated by a licensed psychologist,

5) have child evaluated by another valid tool that is mutually agreed upon with school superintendent.
 

Note: Florida law does not require grades or grade levels for homeschoolers.  The child has to show “demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability”.  There is a sample form that a Florida certified teacher can fill out and sign.  Basically, it says that the “child has shown progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability”.  This is the only document you have to turn in for the evaluation.  You do NOT have to send in test scores if you choose a testing option.  We recommend that you do not sent any scores in.