Introduction:

Home education is in lieu of attending a public, charter, or private school.  Upon deciding to establish and maintain a home education program 

for your child, you will be governed by Florida statutes regarding compulsory school age attendance laws as they relate to home education.  A student must be of school age to be enrolled in Home Education, as specified in section 1003.21, Florida Statutes.  Home Education is 100% parent-driven.  By enrolling in home education, the parent is assuming all educational responsibilities regardless of the mechanism used to educate their child.  This includes all virtual (FLVS), correspondence, online curriculum, or support groups.  The Home Education Office does not have access to any of the above third-party educational records.  Students with a prior pattern of public school non-attendance will be subject to monthly portfolio reviews.  This program does not provide books, curriculum, or materials. 

 Students enrolled in the Home Education Program do not receive a high school diploma or certificate of completion.

Parent Responsibilities in Establishing a Home Schooling Program

School attendance is the responsibility of the parents. Since there is a strong relationship between attendance and academic performance, it is important that parents take an active role in working with the school to ensure their child’s attendance on a daily basis. Schools provide information regarding attendance policies and procedures at the beginning of the school year. Parents must contact the school each time a student is absent. However, methods of notification vary among schools. Absences are classified as excused and unexcused. Local school board policy lists the reasons for which an absence may be excused. Florida Statute 1003.24

Florida Law Regarding Home Education

Statutes 1002.41

• Home education students may participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities in accordance with the provisions of 1006.15.
• Home education students may participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of 1009.53.
• Home education students may participate in dual enrollment programs in accordance with the provisions of 1007.27 and 1007.271.
• Home education students are eligible for admission to community colleges in accordance with the provisions of 1007.263.
• Home education program students may receive testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers, in accordance with the provisions of 1006.03.