Navigating Home Education in Broward County: A Comprehensive Guide

Homeschooling in Florida presents a legally recognized and adaptable alternative to traditional public education, empowering parents to customize their child’s educational journey. In Florida, families have two options: initiating a home education program or enrolling in a private school that permits parent-led instruction. Both approaches fulfill state requirements and enable families to tailor learning to their specific needs. This article delves into the specific requirements for establishing and maintaining a home education program in Broward County, Florida, drawing upon Florida statutes and best practices.

Understanding Florida's Home Education Definition

Florida law defines home education as "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." This definition is intentionally broad, granting parents considerable autonomy in directing their child's education. It's important to note that home education is one of five ways to satisfy Florida’s compulsory attendance law. The other four options reside within the private sector, ultimately allowing parents to select the setting, curriculum, opportunities, and overall educational experiences for their children.

Parent's Role and Qualifications

As a parent choosing to home educate, you are the primary instructor and supervisor of your child's education. The law does not mandate that parents hold teaching certifications or possess specific educational qualifications. The emphasis is on the parent's ability to provide "sequentially progressive instruction."

Teaching Other People's Children

A common question arises regarding the legality of teaching children who are not your own. If an individual other than the parent assumes the role of primary instructor and directs a child's education daily and consistently, whether in the home or elsewhere, that instructor must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate in the subjects and grades being taught. This scenario falls under the category of private tutoring. However, this does not prevent someone with primary responsibility for the child from home-educating the child.

Initial Steps for Establishing a Home Education Program in Broward County

Parents choosing to teach their children at home must notify their district school superintendent and meet all requirements of the law. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

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1. Filing a Letter or Notice of Intent

Within 30 days of establishing your home education program, you must submit a Letter or Notice of Intent to the Broward County district school superintendent's office. It is advisable to do this immediately after establishing your program, especially if you are withdrawing your child from a public or private school, to avoid truancy allegations. Sending your notice via certified mail with return receipt requested provides proof of delivery. According to Florida Statute 1003.01(13), all children ages 6-16 are required to attend school regularly.

2. Curriculum Choice and Sequential Progression

While Florida law doesn't mandate a specific curriculum, parents are expected to provide a sequentially progressive instruction program suited to the child's needs. Time4Learning is a comprehensive online curriculum that covers core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies. With its interactive lessons, quizzes, and record-keeping features, Time4Learning can help parents successfully manage and document their homeschool programs in Florida. The law is broad, giving parents quite a bit of freedom to direct their child’s education.

3. Setting Up a Daily Schedule

Create a routine that works for your child, balancing core subjects and electives for a well-rounded education.

Maintaining a Home Education Program: Portfolio and Evaluation

Once your home education program is established, you must maintain a portfolio of your child's work and provide an annual educational evaluation.

The Student Portfolio: Documentation and Content

The parent must preserve each student’s Portfolio for two years and make it available for inspection by the Superintendent’s designee, with a written notice. The portfolio serves as documentation of your child's educational progress. According to Statute 1002.41, home educators are not required to keep attendance or meet “the requirements of a school day as defined in Statute 1002.01.” A county or state official cannot require you to keep or show attendance records.

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Your portfolio must contain two parts:

Documented Records: Maintain your documentation and materials in chronological order, which aids in the evaluation or inspection process. This allows for more spontaneity in your teaching and for capturing teachable moments. Since Florida law does not require lessons to be planned or approved in advance.
Sample Materials: Include samples of your child's work, such as worksheets, writing assignments, projects, and tests.

According to Statute 1002.41, the parent shall determine the content of the portfolio, preserve it for 2 years, and make it available for inspection, if requested, by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendent’s agent, upon 15 days’ written notice.

Portfolio Inspection

Florida law requires you to make your portfolio “available for inspection by the superintendent or the superintendent’s agent, upon 15 days’ written notice.” The superintendent, or his or her agent, is not required to inspect the portfolio as a matter of routine but does have the right to inspect it if the 15-day written notice is provided. You are not required to show your portfolio to anyone requesting it without proper notice.

Annual Educational Evaluation

The law requires an annual educational evaluation, which the parent or guardian must file with the district school superintendent’s office. The parent is responsible for ensuring the evaluation arrives there. The annual evaluation is due on the anniversary date of the submission of your letter of intent.

Florida homeschoolers are required to provide an annual assessment to demonstrate their child’s educational progress. Parents can choose one of the following methods to fulfill this requirement:

Standardized testing (such as the Stanford Achievement Test or Iowa Test of Basic Skills) administered by a certified teacher.
An evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher.
A portfolio review conducted by a certified teacher.

After you send in your child’s evaluation, the superintendent is directed by law to “review and accept the results of the annual educational evaluation.” When the Florida-certified teacher concludes that your child has progressed sufficiently according to his ability, then the superintendent legally “shall accept” this conclusion and the report goes into your child’s file.

However, if your child’s evaluation does not indicate sufficient progress, the superintendent will notify you in writing that your child will be on a one-year probation. During the one-year probation period, you should provide remedial instruction. At the end of that year, your child will again be evaluated and must show sufficient progress according to his ability. If sufficient progress is not shown, your child will no longer be eligible to be registered with the district.

Special Considerations

Kindergarten Enrollment

Kindergarten is mandatory only if you will be enrolling your child in a public school for first grade. Unless a parent is absolutely sure the child will be home-educated in first grade, the safest route is to register your child with the county for kindergarten. Some school districts will not allow a child to be registered for kindergarten for home education. Check with your school district regarding what process might be used if the child was not home educated for kindergarten and was to be enrolled in a public school for first grade.

If a child is registered for kindergarten, the school would require proof that your child has satisfactorily completed a kindergarten program, so an evaluation would need to be submitted to the school district. Some private schools may also require this.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities at Broward College

Home-educated students in Broward County have the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment programs at Broward College, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school. Here are the steps involved:

Step 1: Confirm you are registered as a home school student in Broward County.
Step 2: Submit a Broward College application.
You may take the common placement exam in person on campus or remotely.
Step 5: Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for enrollment with college-level test scores in all three areas.
Students should click on the link below for the form that corresponds to the term they will be enrolling.
Step 7: Your form will be routed to your parent/legal guardian.
Step 8: Log in to your BC One Access account and register for your courses. You can find the first day of registration for DE students on the Academic Calendar.
Step 9: It is time to get your books. About three weeks before the term begins, books will be available to order online for pick up or you may go to the bookstore to obtain your books. Books cannot be shipped to your home. You are not responsible for the cost of your textbooks.
Step 10 (if needed): If you are receiving any kind of disability services, these services do not automatically transfer to BC when you become a student.

Homeschool Graduation and College Admissions

Florida homeschoolers do not have formal graduation requirements imposed by the state. Parents have the freedom to determine what constitutes their child’s completion of high school. However, it’s recommended to align with typical high school standards if students plan to attend college. Homeschool parents can issue a diploma to their graduate. Maintaining a detailed high school transcript-including coursework, grades, and achievements-is crucial for post-secondary endeavors. For additional insights, check Florida’s Department of Education guidelines Florida's Department of Education guidelines.

Florida homeschoolers are highly successful in getting admitted to colleges and universities. Many Florida institutions, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, openly accept homeschool applicants. Homeschooled students follow the same general process as traditionally schooled students but must ensure they present a clear academic record. Be sure to reach out to admissions offices for guidance on their specific requirements for homeschool applicants.

Here's what homeschoolers can do to prepare:

Maintain a robust transcript detailing high school courses, credits, and grades. Homeschoolers often create their own transcripts, outlining coursework completed at home, co-ops, or online programs. Be sure to include course descriptions, grading scales, and any honors or advanced-level classes. Time4learning parents have access to a transcript template to fill out.
Obtain letters of recommendation, especially from educators or extracurricular mentors. Homeschoolers can request letters from co-op teachers, online instructors, volunteer supervisors, or activity leaders who can vouch for their skills and character.
Take college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, as these are often required. Homeschoolers typically register independently for these exams and use practice resources to prepare. Test scores can help validate academic rigor for colleges.
Build a portfolio to showcase your work, passion projects, internships, and volunteer experiences. The flexibility of a homeschool schedule gives students a unique opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities.

Notice of Termination

Parents must file a written Notice Of Termination upon completion of the home education program with the district school superintendent, along with the annual evaluation, within 30 days of termination.

Resources and Support

Florida Department of Education's Home Education Program Page: For a comprehensive guide to Florida’s homeschooling laws and requirements, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Home Education Program page.
The FL Home Education Foundation: Please Support The FL Home Education Foundation. They help write the law to the benefit and protection of all FL Homeschoolers.
Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA): The FPEA also provides a more detailed resource, the Guide to Homeschooling in Florida, which covers homeschooling in greater depth. One benefit of FPEA membership is free online access to this 100-plus-page resource.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Florida offers Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) through programs like the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

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