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IAMHOMESCHOOLING.COM - YOUR #1 HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE

iamhomeschooling.com is a comprehensive homeschool website that provides valuable information and a vast compilation of resources to all homeschooling families, whether considering homeschooling, new to homeschooling, or veteran homeschoolers.

Homeschoolers nationwide will find helpful articles, support groups, umbrella schools, evaluators, curriculum resources, homeschool events and programs, printable planners and forms, organized links to educational websites and free resources, and more. Understanding the need for up-to-date information, and knowing first-hand how hard it is to find, we strive to keep our content current and relevant.

We also offer our own umbrella school for homeschoolers in the State of Florida. We operate as a home-based private school for grades K-12. We require annual attendance reporting in lieu of evaluations. Our school is affiliated with Florida Virtual School, and we can assist high school homeschoolers with dual enrollment at Florida community colleges and universities. Learn More

If you have any questions or comments about this site, please contact us.

iamhomeschooling.com • Post Office Box 1041 • Englewood, Florida 34295
About Us

Home School vs. Private (Umbrella) School

Are you wondering what the differences are between filing a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your school district and enrolling your child in an umbrella school?  There are a few things to consider, as each option has its own pros and cons (depending on how you look at it).  In Florida, home educated students who are enrolled in an umbrella school are considered private schooled students, not home schooled students.  This does not mean you are not homeschooling your children, but it does change the way homeschool laws apply to you.  How you decide to comply with Florida's compulsory attendance laws will determine your record keeping requirements and options as a homeschooler.  Here is a brief comparison.

Requirement or Option
Students Enrolled in a Florida Umbrella School
Students Registered with Their School District as Homeschoolers
Send a written notice of intent to the district school
 Required
Bound by specific attendance requirements
 Yes
Maintain a portfolio of records
Most don't require, we recommend
 Required
Provide an annual educational evaluation
 Required
Take courses through virtual schools
 Yes Yes
Receive instructional materials
Some provide for an additional fee
Participate in local district courses
 Some districts will allow
Participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities
 Required
Participate in dual enrollment
 Yes Yes
Qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships
Only if school can issue a diploma or student obtains a GED
 Yes
Attend summer school
Most offer middle/high school summer courses through FLVS
Some districts will allow
Earn a Diploma
 Some will issue
Submit a letter of termination upon completion
 Required

This is just a general check list, by no means exhaustive.  Different umbrella schools have different requirements and offer additional services such as providing report cards and transcripts in addition to diplomas.  Before deciding on how you will comply with the compulsory attendance laws, research your options and determine what features you need to meet your child's educational goals.