Homeschool Groups and Organizations

As of this printing, this newsletter will reach at least 283 families.

A good homeschool group or organization should be a source of support and inspiration. But, a homeschool group or organization is merely a club. It provides the opportunity for people of like interests to interact and support each other in their endeavors. Homeschool groups or organizations DO NOT dictate homeschool law for the State of Florida.

Attached to this site is a Florida Statutes document in a slightly condensed format. This document contains the state requirements for homeschooling. Judy Ransom of the Panama City homeschool group, The Home Schooler's Friend, was kind enough to put this together. Since counties sometimes tack on additional rules, please check with your county representative for any additional requirements.

Another excellent source is the Florida Parent-Educators Association's The Guide to Homeschooling in Florida. You may also get it free by going to the FPEA's web site http://www.fpea.com/Guide .

Here is a brief list of answers to common questions concerning homeschooling in Florida:

1. It is NOT a requirement that you belong to any group, club, organization, church, political party, ethnic group, race, etc.

2. You DON'T have to join the Florida Parent- Educators Association (FPEA). (It covers all of Florida, and is a nice resource. Membership does provide extra benefits such as bookstore discounts.)

3. You DON'T have to join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). (FPEA members get an HSLDA membership discount.)

4. You DON'T have to be part of a "600" or "umbrella" school. Records, report cards and diplomas can be created on a computer. (MSWorks is great for this.)

5. Submit annual evaluations and/or test scores directly to your county school board representative. (This information is private, and you do not have to provide it to a support group.)

6. Portfolios need only contain that which is specified in the statutes. It DOES NOT have to be a professional production.

7. You DON'T have to homeschool only between 9am and 3pm, or from August to May.

Homeschooling should be a positive, happy, loving experi-ence between you and your child(ren). Before you pay a membership fee to any group, it is suggested that you attend some of their events. Then you'll see whether or not the group meets your needs and provides you with the support you deserve in your educational endeavor.

May you find the right homeschool group for you and your family. Joslyn Edge & Cathy Pascoe

For great FREE homeschool information, check out The Homeschooler's Friend web site at:check this out

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