HOME EDUCATION

PROGRAM GUIDELINES
AND
PROCEDURES

Nikolai P. Vitti, Ed.D., Superintendent

Jacksonville, Florida 32207
904 390-2477

FOR PARENTS PARTICIPATING IN A HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM

Revised 7/10/14

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 1002, FLORIDA STATUTES

Home Education is a parent-directed education alternative. Home Education allows the

freedom to explore and learn at the pace of the individual student. Parents who provide
instruction to their children at home are requested to read carefully and comply with all of
the state statutes and regulations governing the operation of a Home Education Program.
In order to properly notify the superintendent of schools of their intent to establish a Home
Education Program, parents are requested to complete the enclosed notification form and
mail or fax it WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM.
Parents who desire to use the same textbooks as those used in the Duval County Public
Schools can receive information from the Education Media Textbook Section at 858-3670.
Parents may purchase their books (new) through the Florida Book Depository at the
following address:
1125 North Ellis Road (1 block north of Commonwealth Avenue)
Phone: 781-7191
You must provide proof that you are currently enrolled in the home school program.
Used textbooks may be obtained by contacting the following office on Wednesdays
(between the hours of 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.). Please note that the used textbooks are 1.)
off-adoption and may not be what is currently being taught in public schools and, 2.)
textbooks for all subjects and/or grade levels may not be available.
Consolidated Service Center (4880 Bulls Bay Highway)
Phone: 858-1500
For assistance with curriculum planning and annual evaluations, parents may contact:
Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.)
Phone: 783-8197 (Web Site: www.herijax.com)
Parents are requested to submit the results of the annual evaluation data to the following
address no later than one-year from the date the county receives your notice of intent to
establish a home education program:
Home Education Office, 4th Floor, Room 428
1701 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182
Phone: 390-2477
Fax: 390-2075
For additional information regarding textbooks, accredited correspondence programs, the
Florida Virtual High School, etc., contact http://www.fldoe.org
THE DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM IS NOT
AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO

Revised 8/31/12

Revised3/18/13

GUIDELINES FOR THE HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM

A Home Education Program, as defined in Section 1002.01, Florida Statutes, is the sequentially
progressive instruction of a student directed by his/her parent(s) or guardian in order to satisfy the
requirements of Section 1002.41, 1003.01(4), and 1003.21(1).
A. Guidelines and Procedures for the Home Education Program
1.

2.

3.

The parent shall notify the district school superintendent of the county in which the parent resides of her
or his intent to establish and maintain a home education program. The notice shall be in writing, signed
by the parent, and shall include the names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled
as students in the Home Education Program. The notice shall be filed in the district school
superintendents office within 30 days of the establishment of the home education program. A written
notice of termination of the Home Education Program shall be filed in the district school
superintendents office within 30 days after said termination.
The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio shall consist of the
following:
a. a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that
designates by title any reading materials used and
b. samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the
student. The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent for 2 years and shall be made available for
inspection by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendents agent, upon
15 days written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the district school superintendent to
inspect the portfolio.
The parent shall provide for an annual educational evaluation in which is documented the students
demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability. The parent shall
select the method of evaluation and shall file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school
superintendents office in the county in which the student resides. The annual educational evaluation
shall consist of one of the following:
a. A teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the students educational progress upon review of
the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida
certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level;
b. The student shall take any nationally-normed student achievement test administered by a certified
teacher;
c. The student shall take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered
by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
d. The student shall be evaluated by an individual holding a valid, active license (as a school
psychologist) pursuant to the provisions of s. 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or
e. The student shall be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by
the district school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the students
parent resides.

4.

The district school superintendent shall review and accept the results of the annual educational
evaluation of the student in a Home Education program. If the student does not demonstrate educational
progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability, the district school superintendent shall notify the
parent, in writing, that such progress has not been achieved. The parent shall have 1 year from the date
of receipt of the written notification to provide remedial instruction to the student. At the end of the 1year probationary period, the student shall be reevaluated as specified in s. 1002.41 (1) (c), F.S.
Continuation in a Home Education Program shall be contingent upon the student demonstrating
educational progress commensurate with her or his ability at the end of the probationary period.

5.

A home education student is eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities at a

public school. An extracurricular activity is any school-authorized or education-related activity
occurring during or outside the regular instructional school day. A home education student must be able
to participate in curricular (class) activities if that is a requirement of the extra-curricular activity, such as

Revised3/18/13

marching band. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school. (s. 1006.15
(3) (a), F.S.)
a.
The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s. 1002.41, F.S.).
b.
During the period of participation, the Home Education student must demonstrate educational
progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education Program by a method of evaluation agreed
upon by the parent and the school principal which may include the following:
review of the students work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent,
grades earned through correspondence,
grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or
standardized test scores above the 35th percentile, or any other method in s. 1002.41 (1) (c),
F.S.
c.
The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he
or she participates. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school.
d.
The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of
other students in extracurricular activities.
e.
The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic
extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season
for which the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A Home Education student must be
able to participate in curricular activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an
extracurricular activity.
f.
A student who transfers from a Home Education Program to a public school before or during the
first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic
extracurricular activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful
evaluation from the previous year.
g.
Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain academic
eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate as
a Home Education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in
Home Education fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s.
1006.15 (3) (a) 2, F.S.) to become eligible to participate as a Home Education student.
Any insurance provided by the district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities
shall cover the participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for such
coverage, the participating Home Education student shall pay the premium (s.1006.15 (7), F.S.).
6.

Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s. 1002.41, F.S., registered
with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test score requirements for
Home School Programs are eligible to participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in
accordance with the provisions of ss. 1009.534-1009.563, F.S.

7.

Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with the
provisions of ss. 1007.27 (4); 1007.271 (10), F.S. Home Education students are not eligible to
participate in Dual Enrollment through the Duval County Public Schools articulation agreements.
Home Education students must enter into their own articulation agreement with the college or university.

8.

Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s. 1007.27 (1), F.S.

FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE

HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS
GRANTED EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

Revised3/18/13

A Guidelines and Procedures for Students Who Have Left The Home
Education Program to Return to Duval County Public Schools
GRADE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND
ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES K 5
KINDERGARTEN PLACEMENT: A student who enters a Duval County Public School
from a kindergarten Home Education Program must meet the entrance requirements
for kindergarten as outlined in Section I: Enrollment and Promotion within the
Elementary School in the Student Progression Plan.
a. FIRST GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of satisfactory
completion of a Home Education Program and verification that the student meets
the age requirement for entrance in to first grade, a student shall be provisionally
placed in a first grade class. During the first 20 days of enrollment, the student shall
be assessed through teacher observation and district and state assessments to
demonstrate mastery of the applicable state standards for kindergarten. If the
student does not demonstrate mastery of the standards, he/she shall be reassigned
to and placed in kindergarten.
b. SECOND THROUGH FIFTH GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of
satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be
provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades. This provisional
placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days in the program as
follows:
i. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade
placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the students classroom
performance as outlined in Appendix C, and
ii. A minimum Grade Equivalent score (see Table A) on the Stanford Diagnostic
Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT).
.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not
on a single test score.

2.0

December

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

Grade 3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.1

Grade 4

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

Grade 5

3.5

3.7

3.9

4.1

4.3

4.5

4.7

4.9

5.1

5.3

May

2.0

April

1.9

March

November

1.9

February

October

1.8

January

Student is
entering
the
following
grade:
Grade 2

Septembe

TABLE A: Minimum Grade Equivalent Scores for SDRT and SDMT

Grades 2 5
Student enters during the following month:
August

1.

2. GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL

AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 6
With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may
be provisionally placed in the regular program for 6th grade. This provisional grade level placement will be
validated before the end of the first 45 days in the program as follows:

Revised3/18/13

a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct.
This judgment will be based on the students classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C,
and
b. a minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic
Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level.
NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test
score.
1. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME
SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES 7 AND 8
With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may
be provisionally placed in the regular program for grades 7 and 8.
a. This provisional grade level AND course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45
days of enrollment. (S.B.R. 6A-109941)
1) Validation of courses/grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the
receiving school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will
determine if the grade level/course placement is correct. This judgment will be based on
the students classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a
minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment,
further validation of grade/course placement and acceptance of grades/credits will
not be necessary.
2) If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further
validation is required. Validation methods may include the following:
Portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee;
A passing score of 60% or higher on a District End-of -Course Exam (EOC) can
be used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit. [To
determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses without
an EOC, a teacher-made test, benchmark assessments, if appropriate, and/or any
other valid measurement tool shall be used for validation.];
Written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and
approved by the principal;
Demonstrated proficiencies on Compass Odyssey assessment(s); or
Demonstrated proficiencies on the FCAT 2.0 in appropriate subject areas.
Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of enrollment to prepare
for validation assessments outlined above.
b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory.
c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public
Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that
may be accrued through the Student Progression Plan.
d. Students cannot be promoted to Grade 9 without official documentation of
courses/grades/GPA earned in grades 6 -8.
NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test
score.
3. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME
SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 9
With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student
may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades.
This provisional grade level/course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of
enrollment as follows:
a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct.
This judgment will be based on the students classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C,
and
Revised3/18/13

b. a minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic
Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level.
NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score.
If a student has a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment further
validation of grade level/course placement will not be necessary.
1.

GRADE/LEVEL COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME

SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES 10 12
With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student
may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades.
a. This provisional placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of enrollment in
the program. (S.B.R. 6A-109941)
i. Validation of course grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the receiving
school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will determine if the
grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the students classroom
performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a minimum grade point average
of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation of credits will not be
necessary.
ii. If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further
validation is required. Validation methods may include the following:
portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee;
a passing score of 60% or higher on the Districts End-of-Course Exam (EOC) may be
used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit. [To
determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses without an EOC,
a teacher-made test, district benchmark, if appropriate, or any other valid measurement
tool shall be used for validation.];
demonstrated proficiencies on Compass Odyssey assessments;
written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and approved
by the principal;
demonstrated proficiencies on nationally-normed standardized subject area assessments,
such as the SAT Subject Area Tests; or
demonstrated proficiencies on the FCAT 2.0 in appropriate subject areas.
Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of entry to prepare for
validation assessments outlined above.
b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory.
c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public
Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that may
be accrued through the Student Progression Plan.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score.
C.

High School Completion/Diploma (S.B.R. 6A-1.09941)

1.

To receive a four-year, 24-credit standard high school diploma, a transfer student must pass the Grade 10
FCAT 2.0 or an alternate assessment as provided by Florida law and earn a 2.0n GPA in courses taken in
a Florida public school, specified in s. 1008.22 (3), F.S. Twelfth grade students transferring into DCPS
with ninety (90) or fewer school days left of the school year may receive their diplomas from the school
from which the student transferred.

2.

School districts are not authorized to award a diploma to a Home Education Program student. However,
a home education student may take the General Education Development (GED) test at an education
center, such as Florida Community College Assessment Centers, and be awarded a GED diploma by the
State of Florida, if the student receives a passing score. The toll free number for information pertaining
to the GED is 1-800-237-5113.

Revised3/18/13

2.

To qualify for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, a student must have been enrolled in home school his
junior and senior years at the minimum.

Exceptional Student Education Services

DCPS has the child find obligation for students grades PK-12 who are suspected of
having an exceptionality. (A private evaluation, at the parents expense, can also be
reviewed.) Parents can make a request for evaluation to determine eligibility to their
Support Team Office. Please call 390-2071 or the neighborhood school for the
Support Team assignment.
K-5 North East
K-5 North West
K-5 South
Middle School
High School

858-6150
924-3456
348-7861
693-7942
858-6270

INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Home Education students may participate in interscholastic extracurricular student
activities in accordance with the provisions of s. 1006.15, F.S.
a. The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s.
1002.41, F.S.).
b. During the period of participation, the Home Education student must
demonstrate educational progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education
Program by a method of evaluation agreed upon by the parent and the school
principal which may include:
1. review of the students work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent,
2. grades earned through correspondence,
3. grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or
4. standardized test scores above the 35th percentile, or any other method in s.
1002.41, F.S.
c. The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the
school at which he or she participates.
d. The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and
performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities.
e. The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in
interscholastic extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before
the beginning date of the season for which the activity in which he or she wishes
to participate. A home education student must be able to participate in curricular
activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity.
f. A student who transfers from a home education program to a public school before
or during the first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to
participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities during the first grading
period provided the student has a successful evaluation from the previous year.
g. Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain
academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is
ineligible to participate as a home education student until the student has
successfully completed one grading period in home education fulfilling the
Revised3/18/13

requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s. 1006.15 (3)(a)2, f.s.)

To become eligible to participate as a home education student.
Any insurance provided by district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities
shall cover the participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for
such coverage, the participating Home Education student shall pay the premium (s.1006.15
(7), F.S.).

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s. 1002.41, F.S.,
registered with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test
score requirements for Home School Programs are eligible to participate in the Bright
Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of ss. 1009.53-1009.539,
F.S.

Dual Enrollment Programs

Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with
the provisions of ss. 1007.27 (4); 1007.271 (10). Home Education students are not eligible
to participate in Dual Enrollment through the Duval County Public Schools articulation
agreements. Home Education students must enter into their own articulation agreement
with the college or university.
Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s.
1007.27 (7), F.S.
FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE
HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS
GRANT EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

Additional information about home education can be obtained from the

following resources:
Florida Department of Education
School Choice Office
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 522
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

1/800/447-1636 http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org

Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) Christie Groff District Four 904 477-3307
An independent organization that exists solely to serve home education families in Florida http://www.fpea.com
LIFE of Florida-An inclusive state support and networking group for home and alternative learners
http://www.LIFEofFlorida.org
Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.)

Phone: 783-8197 http://www.herijax.com

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship information for home school students

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/homepac.htm or by telephone, toll-free at 1-888-827-2004.
Preliminary SAT Information: PSAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/students/testing/psat/abouthtml
SAT OR ACT Registration:

Apply for SAT:

Apply for ACT:

Revised3/18/13

10

http://www.collegeboard.com/testing/
http://www.actstudent.org/index.html

NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A HOME EDUCATION

PROGRAM
This form is to serve as an official notice of my intent to establish and maintain a
Home Education Program for my child named below. BEGIN DATE:
I certify that I have read and fully understand the provisions of Section 1003.01,
Florida Statutes, and will comply with all requirements as specified in the Florida
State Board of Education Administrative Rule 6A1.9512 and school district
procedures pertaining to compliance and enforcement of the compulsory school
attendance law.
PLEASE PRINT
(Childs First Middle
School
Grade

Last Name)

Date of Birth

Current

If enrolling in kindergarten, did your child attend a VPK program? _____yes

or _____no
Asia
n

Black

Hispanic

Indian

Multiracial

White

Male

Female

(This information is requested by the State Department of Education for annual survey purposes.)

Residential Address
Zip
Current Mailing Address
Parent/Guardian Name
Phone Number
Fax Phone Number

City

City

State

State

___
Home Telephone Number

Zip
Daytime

______________________________________
Email Address

Is your child in an Exceptional Education Program?

(Example: Learning Disability Program)

______
Yes

No
Do you plan on using Florida Virtual School (FLVS) as your instructional
method?
yes
______ no
Please note: Verification of enrollment in home school is performed electronically by this
office. If you have checked yes, we will perform the verification within 5 days of your
Revised3/18/13

11

enrollment in the home education program.

I understand that should this program be terminated, a written notice from me must
be filed in the Superintendent's office within 30 days of the termination date
(Signature of Parent/Guardian)
(Date)
Please return Registration Form to:
Phone: (904) 390-2477
Fax: (904) 390-2075

Home Education Office

Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive, 4th Floor
Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182

NOTICE OF TERMINATION
OF
HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM
DATE:
TO:

Home Education Office

Attention: Kimberly Cobb
Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive, 4th Floor
Jacksonville, Fl. 32207-8182

As of,

I am terminating the Home Education Program for my

child,
(Date of Termination)
, grade
(Childs First

Middle

Last Name)

I will enroll my child at

(School Name)
for the

school year.
(School Year Date)

Residential Address
Current Mailing Address

City
City

Revised3/18/13

12

State
State

Zip
Zip

Parent (guardian) signature

Home Education Office

Fax # (904) 390-2075
Phone # (904) 390-2477

PARENT REPORT OF HOME SCHOOL GRADES

For students enrolling in a Duval County Public School

Student Name _________________________ Student # _______________

Current Grade ____ Current School _____________________________
Please complete for each year student was enrolled in home school. Note: You do not need to fill in
quarter grades if the student has completed the course.
School Year ___________________ Grade level ___________
Home school provider ____________________________________________
City/State ______________________________________________________
Course

1st qtr. grade

2nd qtr. grade

3rd qtr grade

4th qtr. grade

Final Grade

Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies

School Year ___________________ Grade level ___________

Home school provider ____________________________________________
City/State ______________________________________________________
Course

1st qtr. grade

2nd qtr. grade

3rd qtr grade

4th qtr. grade

Final Grade

Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies

School Year ___________________ Grade level ___________

Home school provider ____________________________________________
City/State ______________________________________________________
Course

1st qtr. grade

2nd qtr. grade

3rd qtr grade

Language Arts
Revised3/18/13

13

4th qtr. grade

Final Grade

Math
Science
Social Studies

I certify that the above grades were earned by my child in a home school program.
Parent/guardian signature ______________________________________________
Date submitted ______________
Grades entered in Genesis by CRT ______________________ Date _____________

FAX: 390-2075
PHONE: 390-2477

HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM

EVALUATION CHECKLIST
PLEASE PRINT
STUDENT
First Name

Middle

Last Name

Date of Birth

Grade
PARENT (GUARDIAN)

TELEPHONE

Residential Address
Current Mailing Address

City
City

State
State

Zip
Zip

Please check the option which satisfies the annual evaluation required in Statute
1002.41 (1) c and send this Evaluation Checklist, with a copy of the
evaluation or test results, to Home Education Office, 4th Floor, 1701
Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182 or fax to 390-2075 no later
than one-year from the date of your letter of intent to establish a home education program.
a.

Portfolio evaluated by a Florida certificated teacher at the elementary or

secondary level (evaluation attached).

b.

Results of a nationally normed achievement test taken by the student

(results attached).

c.

Results of a State Student Assessment Test (results attached).

d.

Student evaluated by an individual holding a valid active license

pursuant to the provisions of s.490.003 (7) or (8) (results attached).

e.

Other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the

Revised3/18/13

14

Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools and the parent (results

attached).
The educational progress of the above named student is commensurate with
his/her ability or grade level.
Yes

No
______________

_______________
Date Evaluated
Expiration Date

Signature of Evaluator

Certificate No.

The evaluator has explained the evaluation to me and I am in agreement with the
results and conclusions.

Signature of Parent (Guardian)

Community Service - Get the Facts

Why perform community service?
Its the right thing to doto make a difference in your communityto learn new skills and meet new peopleto learn the importance and value of helping othersto satisfy the
eligibility requirement all 3 Bright Futures Scholarship Awardsto enhance your resume for college applications and scholarships. Consider the comments of some great
humanitarians: For it is in giving that we receive.Francis of Assisi Our nation became great not because of what the government did, but because of what its people
did.George Romney When you cease to make a contribution you begin to die.Eleanor Roosevelt Service is the rent each of us pays for livingthe very purpose of life and
not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.Marian Wright Edelman Community Service - Get the FAQS:
- Is there a community service requirement for graduation? No.
- What is the community service requirement for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program?
Community service is required for all three Bright Futures award levels: Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), and Florida Gold Seal Vocational
Scholars (GSV). All initial applicants must meet the community service requirement, as approved by the school district. No waivers of this requirement can be granted regardless
of the method used to qualify (National Merit and Achievement Scholars and Finalists, National Hispanic Scholars International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients). During the
2011-12 academic year, and thereafter, the required community service hours to be completed for the following awards are:
AWARD
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENT
FAS
100 hours
FMS
75 hours
GSV
30 hours
- What are the procedures for completing and documenting the hours of service for Bright Futures?
District guidelines for community service require the student to identify a social problem, develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem, submit an
evaluation of the experience, and verify the completion of service hours. There are two forms available in this packet office, which provide directions and the structure necessary
to completing a program of community service: and
Verification of Community Service. To complete the program, the following structure is suggested:
I. IDENTIFY A SOCIAL PROBLEM - You may choose to personally address one of the following seven social problems:
1. The preservation of the environment and/or the protection of historical sites
2. The promotion of the health, welfare and safety of the community
3. The improvement of the standard of living for residents of our community
4. The encouragement of the growth of the arts in our community
5. The improvement and enrichment of the lives of the mentally and/or physically disabled of our community
6. The promotion of a quality life for the senior citizens of our community
7. The provision of leadership, guidance, and activities for the youth of our community
or
You may address a combination of the above problems,
or
You may identify a social problem not covered by one of the above seven areas
II.DEVELOP A PLAN - You will need to develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing one of the above social problems. Describe your plan in 50 words or less.
III.EVALUATE THE EXPERIENCE When you have completed the service hours reflect on your experience in 100 words or less.
V.SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE (Form available in your schools Guidance Office) to give pertinent information about your community service, i.e.,
date, number of hours, type of work, site, and a verifying signature.
- When should the appropriate forms be submitted to the Guidance Office?

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Community Service hours may be submitted to the Guidance Office at any time prior to graduation. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures
Scholarship Program at the end of the first semester of their senior year, will receive an award letter. Current seniors who want to be considered for Bright Futures at the seventh
semester eligibility review should submit these forms no later than January 15. Seniors who complete their community service hours during the eighth semester and submit the
forms prior to graduation will be evaluated following graduation.
For Bright Futures, what counts, what doesn't.
1. Service may be volunteered to the school and/or the community.
2. Students must perform volunteer services on their own time, which can include the participant's lunch break. Study hall time may be included for peer counseling activities or
service to the school, e.g., office aide. Participation in performances, festivals, or competitions during the school day may count if this meets the criteria under #4 and
participating students are given permission by the principal to be absent from class.
3. Participation in performances, festivals or competitions counts if the following apply:
a. Volunteer service meets an identified community service need, and
b. There is no admission charge accepted for the performance, and
c. Student participation is of voluntary nature, and
d. The performance does not promote the sponsoring organization, and
e. Neither the student organization nor the sponsoring organization receives payment for the performance. If participation meets the above criteria, then partial rehearsal time
may be counted. Performing hours may be matched with the same number of rehearsal hours. For example, a chorus member performs 1 hour at a nursing home and is given 2
hours of credit (1 hour for the performance and 1 hour for rehearsal).
4. Students may not be paid for service rendered.
5. Volunteer service involving academic requirements for a class will count.
6. Service rendered as a prerequisite for employment will not count.
7. Attendance at self-improvement workshops or conferences will not count as service.
8. Fundraising for non-profit organizations or charities will count.
9. Service may not be performed for a student's family or for a profit-making organization, except for institutions like hospitals or the human society.
10. Service performed as a result of disciplinary action taken by the school or courts cannot count.
11. Volunteer work for the purpose of promoting a particular religious or political point of view or person cannot count as volunteer hours in this program. For example, if your
church youth group helps with the Special Olympics, those hours would count, but not time spent distributing flyers advertising a church revival.
12. Participation in Varsity or Junior Varsity Athletics and regularly scheduled band and chorus performances does not constitute volunteer service under this program.
13. The above criteria will not cover all circumstances. If a question exists regarding the acceptance of an activity for volunteer service, the student's counselor should approve
the service prior to the students participation. A good guideline would be to ask how the activity addresses the social problem that the student has identified to work on as a part
of his/her community service plan.
14. Some common activities, which do not count, include: acolyte, altar server, lay reader, vacation Bible School, babysitting, working in church nursery, church choir and clerical
work for religious, political, or profit making organizations.

BRIGHT FUTURES COMMUNITY SERVICE DOCUMENTATION

FORM

Date: ____________________

To Home Education Office:

This letter serves as verification that the attached documentation indicates that
__________________________ has completed _________________hours of Community Service.
(students name)
(number of hours)

Indicate the number of hours completed below:

_________hours earned by January 31st. (7th semester/grade)
_________hours earned after January 31st. (8th semester/grade)
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Signed_________________________________________

Date: _________________________

Documentation of community service hours on agency letterhead indicating the number of hours
completed at the agency and the timeframe for the completion of the hours must be attached to
this form.

For Office Use Only

Date Received___________________________

BRIGHT FUTURES
VERIFICATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE for Home Education Students
(Florida Academic Scholars Program)

Students Name____________________________________________Date____________
Grade_____________

Date of
Service

Total #
Hours

Type of Volunteer Work

(Activity or task
performed)

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Site of Volunteer Work

Name of Verifier

Ver

(Please make a copy of the this form for your records before submitting it to the Home Education Office)

Parents
Signature___________________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Definition and Responsibilities

1. What is home education?
Section 1002.01, 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 the requirement for
compulsory attendance as defined in Section 1002.20; F.S. Current law does not prescribe a
curriculum or course of study for home education programs.
2. How long has home education been a means of meeting the regular attendance requirement
in Florida?
The law creating Florida's home education program became effective June 17, 1985.
3. Who may establish a home education program?
Any parent who complies with the reporting, record keeping, and student evaluation requirements
specified in statutory law may conduct a home education program. The parent is not required to
be a certified teacher.
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4. What are the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program?
As required by Section 1002.41, F.S., to establish a home education program and maintain
compliance with the statute, a parent must:

Send a written notice of intent to the district school.

Maintain a portfolio of records, consisting of a log of educational activities, writings,

worksheets, and creative materials used or developed by the student.

Make the portfolio available for inspection by the district school superintendent upon a
15-day notice. (The legislation does not require the superintendent to inspect all
portfolios.)

Provide an annual educational evaluation for the student's educational process to the
school district superintendent.

Preserve each students portfolio for two years.

Submit a letter of termination upon completion of the home education program or change
of residence.

5. What is the definition of a portfolio?

Section 1002.41, F.S., 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."
6. How long must the portfolio be preserved?
The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent/guardian for two years and shall be made available
for inspection by the superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, upon a 15-day written notice.
The superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, is not required to inspect all portfolios.

7. Are parents required to have a Florida teaching certificate to home educate?

No. A parent is not required to have a valid Florida teaching certificate to home educate a student.
Furthermore, the instruction is not required to take place in the home nor must the parent be the
person to deliver instruction.
8. Must a district's packet of information regarding home education include a form letter for
the registration and termination of home education program?
No. School districts are not required to provide forms, although some districts do so to facilitate
processing of information.
9. Does the school district have the authority to exceed the Florida Statutes with local policies?
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The school district must abide by the home education guidelines as listed in Florida Statutes. A
district may not enact policies that would apply additional guidelines to home education programs
or that would make it more difficult for students to participate in home education.
10. Do parents have access to any state-appropriated funds for home education?
No. There are no funds appropriated to a home education student.
11. May a parent implement a home education program for a 5-year old, even though regular
attendance requirements begin at age 6?
Districts are not required to accept a letter of intent for a 5-year old; however, some districts have
chosen to accept these letters. In that case, the home education parent should maintain a portfolio,
and the student will be evaluated in the same manner as a student who is subject to regular
attendance.
12. What happens to the records of a student who is withdrawn and entered into home
education?
Cumulative records of a home education student are retained by the school district, pursuant to
local board policies.
13. What is the distinction between a home education program and an umbrella school?
A home education program is defined in 1002.01, F.S., and refers to a parent who has registered
with the local school district home education office and has agreed to comply with the home
education requirements as listed in Florida Statutes. The term umbrella school is sometimes used
to refer to a private school offering distance programs or services to enrolled students.
14. How may a parent contact other parents who have chosen home education for their
children?
Support groups for home educating families exist in every county. In addition to local support
groups, there are also statewide groups to support home educators. Florida Parent Educators
Association (FPEA) is an organization that exists solely to provide assistance to home education
families in Florida. The FPEA may be contacted toll-free at (877) 275-3732 or online at
http://www.fpea.com. LIFE of Florida, an inclusive state support and networking group for home
and alternative learners, may be accessed at http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com

Instruction
1. How can a parent provide sequentially progressive instruction?
There are many methods a parent may use to direct a home education program. As reflected in
Florida Statute, a parent may:

Instruct the student;

Enroll the student in courses part-time in a public or private school;

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Enroll the student online in the Florida Virtual School;

Enroll the student in correspondence courses;

Choose any other means that provides sequentially progressive instruction directed by
the parent.

2. 16. If a home education parent employs a tutor to assist in the instruction of his or her
student, who is responsible for the records?
If the parent is participating in a home education program, as defined in the law, the parent is
responsible for all records.
3. Are home education students bound by the required school hours that apply to public school
students?
No. There are no specific hourly attendance requirements for students in a home education
program.
4. Do school districts provide instructional materials to home education students?
There is no requirement for districts to provide instructional materials to home education students.
5. How may home education parents obtain instructional materials?
Materials to help parents implement a home education program are available from many sources.
Parents may, at their own expense, order state adopted instructional materials from the Florida
State Book Depository (regional contact information is available from each school district). Many
curriculum vendors provide online catalogs, and their Web sites often can be accessed through an
Internet search. Local and statewide home education support groups may also offer assistance to
families in selecting instructional materials.
6. May home education students take courses from Florida Virtual School?
Yes. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a public on-line school providing tuition-free middle and
high school courses to Florida students. To enroll a home education student in courses at FLVS,
parents must provide FLVS with verification from their district that the student is registered in a
home education program. Information about FLVS and home education programs may be
accessed at fl

7. May home education students participate in local district course offerings?

Although there is no requirement to do so, some districts provide opportunities for home
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education students to enroll in specified courses in district schools. Districts may report FTE
funding for home education students enrolled in district courses.
8. How do districts report transcripts to the Department of Education for home education
students who take courses at a public school?
Districts may report this information using the number 0998. This will place home education
transcripts in a separate and unique category, identifiable from all other students.
9. May a home education student attend summer school?
The student may attend summer school if local district policies make such a provision.

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Annual Evaluation
1. What does the annual educational evaluation include?
A student in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational
progress at a level equivalent to his or her abilities. The parent/guardian selects the method of
evaluation from those provided in Florida Statute, then files a copy of the evaluation annually in
the superintendent's office. The evaluation must consist of one of the following:

A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent/guardian may evaluate the childs progress
based on the 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 used by the school district and
administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by
the school district;

The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to
the provisions of Section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or

The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed
upon by the school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the
students parent/guardian.

2. What requirements must be met by a teacher conducting an annual evaluation of a home

education student?
As defined in Section 1002.41, F.S., a teacher who evaluates a home education student must hold
current certification in academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level in the state of
Florida. Of the five evaluation options described in the law, three involve a certified teacher.
3. How does a parent locate an evaluator for the annual evaluation?
Parents may contact the local district home education office or a local parent group to obtain the
names of available evaluators.
4. Does the home education student have the right to take standardized tests at the local school
district?
If a parent has identified the FCAT as the measure of their child's annual progress, home
education students may participate in the FCAT administration as directed by the District
Coordinator of Assessment. School districts may offer other standardized tests to home education
students.
5. May a home education student take the FCAT for reasons other than fulfilling the
evaluation requirement of Section 1002.41, F.S.?
The only statutory authority which permits home education students to take the FCAT is the
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provision that permits parents to elect FCAT as the official annual evaluation.
6. May a home education student use more than one of the methods listed in Section 1002.41,
F.S., to satisfy the annual evaluation component?
No. While a parent may utilize several methods to assess student progress in the regular course of
providing a home education program, for the purposes of Section 1002.41, F.S., only one method
may be selected and submitted to the school district.

7. May a district set a deadline for the annual evaluation?

"Annually" is defined in Florida Statute as one year from the date of the letter of intent. A district
may not enact a policy that would require an alternate deadline. However, some home educators
may choose to follow a district's requested deadline in order to align with the traditional school
calendar.
8. What is the appropriate recourse when a district does not receive an annual evaluation of a
home education student?
Section 1002.41, F.S., requires the parent to provide for an annual evaluation of the home
education student and to file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school
superintendent's office in the county in which the student resides. Failure to comply with this
requirement may trigger the district's policy regarding non-compliance with compulsory school
attendance.

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Transferring from a Home Education Program

1. Do students who have been home educated have the option to return to public school?
Yes. Any student who is within the compulsory attendance age has the right to enroll in a public
school.
2. Do students who have been home educated have the option to enroll at specialized or
magnet schools?
Yes. Most districts have established a selection process for any student wishing to attend a magnet
school. A home education student would adhere to the same process as a public school student.
3. May a school district require that a home education student take the FCAT to enroll in a
public school?
No
4. What determines the grade placement of a home education student upon entering or reentering a public school?
Current district policies govern the grade placement of home education students. Florida State
Board of Education Rule 6A-1.09941 establishes a policy for uniform transfer of high school
credit.
5. How does a home education student enrolling at the public high school level transfer when
the previous course work is not awarded in the traditional manner?
State Board Rule 6A-1.09941 establishes a uniform transfer of credit at the high school level as
follows: If the transfer student does not possess an official transcript or is a home education
student, credits shall be validated through performance during the first grading period. A student
transferring into a school shall be placed at the appropriate sequential course level and should
have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first grading period. An alternative
validation procedure is outlined in the rule, which may be found at https://www.flrules.org

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High School Home Education Programs

1. May a district automatically terminate a home education program when the student reaches
age 16?
No. The family must notify the school district if the student wishes to terminate the home
education program. Section 1003.21, F.S. requires that students terminating enrollment at age 16
must be notified that their earning power is likely to be reduced. It is in the best interest of the
student for the district to maintain home education records until the completion of high school.
2. How can I get information about driver's licenses for home education students?
The Florida Legislature enacted attendance requirements for minors to maintain their driving
privileges. The Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may not issue a driver's license or
learner's driver's license to students between the ages of 14-18 who do not meet certain attendance
requirements or have dropped out of school, and shall suspend any previously issued driver's
license, pursuant to Section 322.091, Florida Statutes. For additional information contact the
Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at (850) 922-3732.
3. Which member of district personnel is responsible for processing waivers for employment of
home education students?
School districts are not required to process waivers for employment of home education students
except to confirm, with a release for information from the parent, that the student is enrolled in
home education.
4. What type of diploma do home education students receive?
School districts, adult high schools, and community colleges are not authorized to award a regular
Florida high school diploma to home education students. However, a home education student may
take the General Educational Development (GED) test at an education center and be awarded a
Florida GED diploma if the student receives a passing score. The toll free number for information
pertaining to the GED is (800) 237-5113.
5. Do home education students have the same opportunity as public and nonpublic school
students to enter a college of their choice?
Yes, depending on the student's qualifications and the admission requirements of the
postsecondary institution. In order to understand the specific admission requirements of a
postsecondary institution, home educators should directly contact the admissions office of the
institution in which they have an interest.
6. Are home education students eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships?
Yes. Home education students may qualify for a scholarship through the Bright Futures
Scholarship Program if they are registered with their districts as home education students during
the 11th and 12th grades. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides a Home
Education Program Packet, which conveys eligibility criteria specific to home education students,
including required college admission test scores, community service documentation, district
registration confirmation, and dates for financial aid application deadlines. The Home Education
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Program packet is available from http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/homepac.htm

or by telephone at 888-827-2004.
Home education students may also be eligible for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship and
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members.
Details on qualifications for these and other Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs may
be found at http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/ProgramsOffered.htm

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Nonattendance-Truancy
1. Can the parent of a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance enroll
that student in a home education program?
Yes. However, at the time that a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance
is enrolled in a home education program, the home education contact will:

Provide the parent or guardian with a copy of the home education law, Section 1002.41,
F.S., and the accountability requirements of the truancy law, Section 1003.26, F.S.; and

Refer the parent or guardian to a home education review committee composed of members
as specified in Section 1003.26, F.S.

2. How will the home education contact know which students have been found to exhibit a
pattern of nonattendance?
When a school's student study team determines that a student has been found to exhibit a pattern
of nonattendance, the law requires that the principal of the school notify the superintendent of
schools and the district home education contact. The home education contact is expected to
maintain this information to verify whether a student who is being enrolled in a home education
program has been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance.
3. How long should the home education contact keep a student's name on the list of students
who have been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance?
If a student was placed on the list more than 90 days prior to the parent enrolling the student in a
home education program, the home education contact should check with the school to determine
if the student is still considered to be at-risk for nonattendance.
4. What are the accountability requirements for home education, once a student has been
found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance?
The parent must submit a portfolio, as defined by Section 1002.41, F.S., to be reviewed by a home
education review committee every 30 days until the committee determines that the home
education program is in compliance with Section 1002.41(1) (b), F.S. The first portfolio review
must occur within the first 30 calendar days of the establishment of the home education program.
5. Who serves on the home education review committee?
According to Section 1003.26, F.S., the home education review committee is to be composed of
the school district contact for home education and at least two home educators selected by the
parent from a list of eligible home education parents maintained by the district. Eligible home
education parents are those who have conducted a home education program for at least three years
and who have indicated a willingness to serve on a home education review committee.

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6. How does the school district home education contact develop a list of eligible home
educators?
The home education contact may wish to send a letter to all parents who have conducted a home
education program for at least three years, inviting them to submit their names as possible
candidates for a home education review committee. The list will be made up of those parents who
indicate a willingness to serve on such a committee.
7. What will happen if the home education review committee determines that the home
education program is in compliance with the statute?
Once the committee determines that the home education program is in compliance, the parent will
no longer be required to submit a portfolio to the home education review committee. The parent
will be required to comply with the requirements of a home education program pursuant to
Section 1002.41, F.S., as is any parent involved in a home education program.
8. What will happen if the parent of a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of
nonattendance, and who has been enrolled in home education, fails to provide a portfolio for
review by the committee?
The committee shall notify the superintendent of schools who shall then terminate the home
education program and require the parent to enroll the student in an attendance option provided
under s. 1003.01(13)(a), (b), (c), or (e), F.S., within three days. Failure of a parent or guardian to
enroll a student in an attendance option after such termination of a home education program shall
constitute non-compliance with the compulsory attendance requirement and may result in
criminal prosecution of the parent under Section 1003.27(2), F.S.

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Interscholastic Extracurricular Activities

1. May home education students participate in "interscholastic extracurricular activities"
offered at public schools?
Yes. Section 1006.15 F.S., requires that home education students be given the same opportunity to
participate in "inter-scholastic extracurricular activities" as public school students. The law
prohibits any requirements that would make participation less accessible for home education
students. The law also allows for home education students to develop an agreement to participate
in "interscholastic extracurricular activities" at a non-public school.
2. How is the term "interscholastic extracurricular activity" defined by the law?
An "interscholastic" activity is one that is conducted between or among different schools. An
"extracurricular activity" is defined as "any school-authorized or education-related activity
occurring during or outside the regular instructional day," Section 1006.15, F.S.
For example, districts may not exclude home education students from interscholastic musical
ensembles by stating that the performance groups are part of curricular instruction and outside of
the realm of extracurricular activities. The 1997 amendment clarifies that a district may not define
"extracurricular" in such narrow way. District policies that apply a more narrow interpretation of
"extracurricular," and exclude students on this basis, are contrary to the law and legislative intent.
3. What grade levels are allowed to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities?
Section 1006.15, F.S., primarily addresses students in grades 9-12 but does not prohibit students
in lower grades from participation. The by-laws of the governing organization regulate which
students, and under what circumstances those students may participate in the interscholastic
extracurricular activity.
For example, Section 1006.20, F.S., designated the Florida High School Activities Association as
the governing organization for athletics. For the purpose of athletics, the Association defines
"high school" as grades 6-12. If athletics are offered in a grade 6-8 school that is governed by this
Association, the athletic program must be made available upon request to home education
students at that grade level. Section 1006.15, F.S., states that public schools may not belong to any
governing organization that discriminates against an eligible home education student.
4. What if the interscholastic extracurricular activity requires a class to be taken in order to
participate?
If a class is required in order to take part in the interscholastic extracurricular activity, such as
band class during the day in order to take part in the school's marching band, the district must
afford the home education student the opportunity to enroll for that class, pursuant to Section
1006.15(5), F.S.
5. Do districts receive any funding when home education students participate in interscholastic
extracurricular activities?
No, unless the home education student enrolls in a class required to participate in the
interscholastic extracurricular activity. The district may report that student for FTE purposes.
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Additionally, home education students may be required to pay any of the fees or costs that are
required of all participating students.

6. May a district develop policies that restrict the access of home education students to
interscholastic extracurricular activities?
No. Districts may establish policies for participation that apply to all students, such as evidence of
required immunizations, medical clearance for sports activities, auditions and class participation.
However, the district may not enact policies that would apply different standards to home
education students or make it more difficult for them to participate.
7. Must home education students who participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities
offered at public schools comply with school entry immunization requirements?
Yes. If the home education student is participating in interscholastic extracurricular activities
under Section 1006.15, F.S., the student must meet the same immunization requirements as
students attending any non-home education program.
8. How are grade point average requirements applied to interscholastic extracurricular
activities?
In order to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities, a home education student must
have the required 2.0 or better grade point average in academic courses. This applies to both
public and home education students. The law allows for a method of evaluation of the student's
progress to be agreed upon by the parent and the principal. The evaluation may be based on a
teacher's review of the student's work, grades earned through correspondence or at a
postsecondary school, standardized test scores, or other method as allowed by Section 1002.41,
F.S.
9. How does the district determine at which school the home education student may
participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities?
Under Section 1006.15, F.S., "an individual home education student is eligible to participate at the
public school to which the student would be assigned according to district school board
attendance area policies or which the student could choose to attend pursuant to district or
interdistrict controlled open enrollment provisions." The home education student must meet the
same residency requirements as other students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular
activities.

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Exceptional Student Education

1. If a home education parent suspects that their child has a disability, is the school district
required to evaluate the child?
Yes. The school district is obligated to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with
disabilities, including those attending private schools and home education programs, in
accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This evaluation must be
at no cost to the parent.
2. In this circumstance, how would a home education parent access evaluation services?
The parent should contact the exceptional student education administrator in the school district in
which they reside.
3. What would be required of the home education parent?
The school district would require that the parent sign a written consent for the evaluation. The
district is also required to review existing information on the child before conducting an
evaluation. The parent may be asked to provide information from the childs portfolio and may
also be asked to complete checklists and/or informal observations.
4. After the evaluation is conducted, what will occur?
The parents will be invited to attend a meeting in which school district staff will review the
outcome of their childs evaluation. Following that review, a determination will be made
regarding whether or not the child is considered an eligible child with a disability as defined by
Florida State Board of Education Rules.
5. What is the school districts obligation, if the child is eligible?
If the home education parent chooses to enroll the child in public school, the school district must
ensure that a free and appropriate education is made available to the child.
6. What if the parent does not elect this option?
The district may propose to provide some level of service to the child. For instance, if it is
determined that the child needs speech/language therapy services, the school district may allow
the child to come to a public school near the child's home for those services during the week.

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Dual Enrollment
1. Does a home education student have to receive permission from the school district to
participate in dual enrollment on the postsecondary campus?
No. However, a home education student must provide proof of enrollment in a home education
program. Upon request, the school district must provide parents with annual verification of
student enrollment in a home education program or provide that information directly to the
postsecondary institution.
2. May home education students take dual enrollment courses at district high schools?
Yes. Districts that have a part-time enrollment policy may enroll home education students in the
school district and receive FTE for the student. This is a local decision that is articulated in the
district pupil progression plan.
3. Does a postsecondary institution have to provide instructional materials /textbooks for home
education students?
No. The law specifically states home education students are responsible for providing their own
instructional materials. However, this section of statute does not prohibit a postsecondary
institution from providing dual enrollment materials/books to home education students.
4. Is the school district responsible for the transportation of a home education student to a
dual enrollment course?
No.
5. Is a home education student limited to the same course options as a public school student?
No. Pursuant to s. 1007.271(10), F.S., postsecondary institutions shall delineate courses and
programs available for home education students. Courses may be added, revised, or deleted at any
time.
6. Should the postsecondary institution report course grades to the student's school district?
No. The school district has no record-keeping responsibility for home educated students.
7. Is there a minimum age or grade level required of a home education student for
participation in dual enrollment?
Each postsecondary institution is authorized by s. 1007.271(10) F.S. to establish eligibility criteria
for dual enrollment to ensure college readiness. The criteria for home education students may not
exceed those required of other dually enrolled students.
8. Is there a minimum GPA for home education students to participate in dual enrollment?
No.
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