Does enrolling my child in your school satisfy Florida's compulsory attendance requirement?
Yes. Enrollment in Aspiring Heights Academy legally meets the compulsory attendance laws of Florida. Aspiring Heights Academy is registered with the Florida Department of Education and listed in the Directory of Private Schools in the Sarasota County District. We are a non-campus based private school serving grades K–12. We offer a private school umbrella option to families choosing to educate their children at home. For more information about umbrella schools see What Is an Umbrella School? and Home School vs. Private (Umbrella) School.
Do we need to live in Sarasota County to enroll in your school?
No. Our school serves families state-wide. While we are listed with the Florida Department of Education in the Directory of Private Schools in the Sarasota County District, it does not matter what county you reside in to enroll your child at Aspiring Heights Academy.
What services does your school offer?
Basic enrollment includes support, record keeping services, free homeschool Educator and Student identification cards, and FLVS and dual enrollment opportunities. In addition to the above, our Graduation Plan includes transcripts, diplomas, and assistance with Bright Futures scholarship applications.
Is your school accredited?
No. There is no state law requiring public or private schools to be accredited, and there is no state regulation of school accrediting agencies.
When can I enroll my child in your school?
Enrollment is open year-round. Your child may be enrolled in our school during any time of the calendar year. You are not limited to the schedule of a typical academic school year.
How long does the enrollment process take?
Enrollments are processed Monday through Friday. With the exception of holidays and weekends, enrollments are generally processed within one day of receipt of the required information.
How do we enroll?
Just mail us the required documentation (see below) and payment. We will send you a confirmation email notifying you of your child's enrollment and enrollment date.
How much does it cost?
Basic enrollment is $20 per child per year for students in grades K–12. Our optional Graduation Plan for students in grades 9–12 is $60 per high school grade level per child and includes dual enrollment opportunities, an official transcript, a diploma, and assistance with Florida Bright Futures Scholarship applications. High school students may enroll in either our basic enrollment plan or our Graduation Plan. For more information, please 
click here.
What information do you need?
The Florida Department of Education requires us to keep the following documents: (1) a photocopy of your child's birth certificate, (2) your child's school entry health exam (dated within 1 year), and (3) your child's immunization certificate. You will also need to complete our enrollment application form. If you are objecting to health exams and/or immunizations, you may provide us with a letter of objection in lieu of the health certificate and/or immunization certificate. If you are enrolling your child in our Graduation Plan, we also require that you provide us with your child's existing high school transcripts and your child's course plan for his or her current grade. For more detailed information on required documentation, please click here.
What about my child's prior school records?
If your child's previous school is asking us to request copies your child's educational records, and you would like us to do so, then you will need to complete and sign a Student Transcript/Records Request form. We must have the original, signed form in order to request your child's records.
How secure are my children's school records and personal information?
Very! We take the security of your and your children's personal information seriously. All documentation provided to our school is stored in locked, fire-proof file cabinets. Additionally, any document containing personal information which is no longer needed is shredded and disposed of safely.
Do I have to maintain a homeschool portfolio?
No. Parents are not required to keep a portfolio. We do recommend you keep a portfolio, though, especially throughout your child's high school years, as many colleges and universities require applicants who complete a home school program or graduate from a non-accredited high school to submit homeschool portfolios to be considered for admission.
What kinds of records will I have to keep?
The only record keeping we require is attendance. You must keep records that document your child's absence or attendance for each school day of the year and show a regular school attendance of at least 180 days for each school year as defined by law and the rules of the State Board of Education. For more detailed information about this requirement, please click here.
Will my child have to take the FCAT or End-of-Course assessments?
No. Students are not required to take the FCAT or any other form of standardized testing, including End-of-Course assessments. Your child may participate in the Florida End-of-Course assessments, if desired. For information about EOC assessments, please click here.
How is my child evaluated?
Your child does not need to be evaluated when enrolled in our school. In lieu of annual evaluations, standardized testing, or portfolio reviews, you are required to keep attendance records and annually report attendance of a minimum of 180 days per school year.
Do you provide curriculum?
We do not provide or require a specific curriculum or teaching method, however, students in grades 6–12 may enroll in courses at FLVS. Additionally, high school students may be eligible to enroll in courses at area community colleges and universities through their dual enrollment programs. You are responsible for your child's curriculum and implementation of your child's education.
Can my child take courses at Florida Virtual School?
Yes, if your child is a middle or high school student. Students in grades 6–12 may take online courses at Florida Virtual School (FLVS) when enrolled in our school. For more information about FLVS enrollment, please click here.
