Homeschooling Through a Private School
Homeschooling through a private school is preferred by many families in Florida. The benefits of homeschooling through a private
school include:
- Autonomy
- Oversight by a private entity (often a homeschooling family)
- No involvement with the school district
- Freedom of materials and methods
Students who are homeschooled through a private school are not counted as "homeschoolers" by the state.
Because the state makes no distinction among private schools, children homeschooled in this fashion are legally considered to be
private school students. As you saw in the chart contrasting public and private homeschooling,
there can be both advantages and disadvantages to either approach, depending on your goals and philosophy. There are also
differences in procedures since different laws govern private schools and home education programs.
Private School FAQs
What is a 600 School?
The name 600 School has come to be applied to those private schools that offer a
homeschooling option. The reference to '600' has to do with the number of the state statutes that
govern the incorporation of private schools (although private schools in Florida do not have to be
incorporated). From a legal point of view, there is no difference between a private school that
offers a homeschooling option and one that does not.
May I Enroll in a Private School and Still Homeschool My Child?
YES, as long as the private school offers a non-campus or homeschooling option.
Aren't Private Schools Expensive?
Not necessarily. In many cases, the annual tuition is comparable to the cost of an annual evaluation,
which is what you'll have to submit if your child is registered with the school district. In addition, private schools often
offer services that will be of benefit to your family.
Must I Notify the Superintendent if I Enroll in a Private School?
No. Once you enroll in a private school, you are no longer considered to be homeschooling
according to Florida state statute. This does not mean that you will be any less of a homeschooler
from a practical standpoint, simply that the law recognizes a difference between private school
students and home education students and applies different rules and privileges to each. You must
weigh the pros and cons of each status before deciding whether to register with a private school
or as a home educator. Again, this legal distinction has no bearing on your ability to teach
your children at home, but may have other implications for your family.
What Information About My Child Will Be Shared by the Private School?
In this case, private is truly private. Private schools never disclose information about their students to anyone, unless requested
to do so by you. Each private school is required to give the state informaiton about its student body on an annual basis, but this
is aggregate data only -- that is, the schools report how many students they have at each grade level. Beyond this, the only people
to receive information about your child's progress is you (and anyone you authorize). It is completely private.
There are many private schools catering to homeschoolers in Florida. These schools are sometimes called "600" schools (thus
named for the section of the Florida Statutes they are incorporated under) or "Umbrella" schools. Before selecting a school, you will
want to make sure that school is a good fit for your family.
Read on for our list of Questions to Ask when selecting a private school.
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