Summary of Home Education Requirements

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 Florida's compulsory education requirements.

Florida Statute 1002.41 specifies the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program.

• Send a written notice of intent to the school district superintendent. The notice must be filed within 30 days of beginning the home education program and must include the following information:
  • Name of the home education student(s)
  • Birthdate(s)
  • Address
  • Parent's signature
• Maintain a portfolio of educational records. Statute 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.
• Make the portfolio available for inspection by the superintendent upon 15-day written notice (The statute does not require the superintendent to inspect all portfolios).
• Provide an annual educational evaluation of the student's educational progress to the superintendent. The evaluation must consist of one of the following:
  • A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent may evaluate the child's progress based on a 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 at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district.
  • The student maybe evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to Section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.
  • The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
• Preserve each student's portfolio for two years.
• Submit a letter of termination to the school district superintendent upon completion of the home education program, enrollment in a public or private school or moving from the district.

Main Page