Want to homeschool in Florida but worried about whether your child will get a "good enough" education? Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular in Florida. In the 2021-2022 school year, approximately 152,109 students were homeschooled in Florida.
However, many parents are concerned about making sure their child is getting a good education. One way to do this is to choose an accredited homeschooling program. Accreditation means that a program has been checked by experts and meets certain quality standards.
This blog will explain what accreditation is and why it's important for homeschoolers in Florida. We'll also discuss the different types of accredited homeschooling programs available and how to choose the right one for your child.
By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of how accreditation can help your child succeed in their homeschooling journey.
When considering homeschooling programs in Florida, understanding accreditation is an essential first step.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is like a stamp of approval for schools and educational programs. It means that a school or program has been reviewed by experts and meets certain quality standards. Think of it like a seal of quality you might see on a product at the store. Â
Quality Assurance: Accreditation helps ensure that schools are providing a good education to their students. It means that the school has been checked to make sure it has qualified teachers, a good curriculum, and a safe learning environment. Â
Meeting Standards: To be accredited, schools have to meet certain standards set by an accrediting agency. These standards cover things like curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student support services. Â
Benefits of Accreditation for Homeschoolers
Accreditation can be beneficial for homeschoolers in several ways:
Recognition:Â Accreditation shows that your child's education meets recognized standards of quality. This can be helpful if your child wants to go back to a traditional school, apply for college, or get a job.
College Admissions:Â Some colleges and universities prefer or require applicants to have a diploma from an accredited program.
Scholarships:Â Some scholarships are only available to students who have attended an accredited program.
While accreditation can be beneficial, it's important to remember that it's not required for homeschooling in most states. You can choose to homeschool your child without using an accredited program, but it's important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option.
If you’re curious about how homeschooling laws and resources compare across the country, exploring the best states for homeschooling can give you valuable insights. Check out this comprehensive guide to learn more about states that make homeschooling easier and more flexible for families.
Now that you know what accreditation is, it’s important to understand who is responsible for granting it. Accrediting agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and standards of homeschool programs.
Who Checks the Schools? Understanding Accrediting Agencies
When you're looking at homeschooling programs, you might see the word "accredited." This means that the program has been checked by an outside group to make sure it's good quality.
Let’s discuss them in detail!
Top Choice:Â Cognia is a popular accrediting agency in Florida. Many homeschooling programs choose to be accredited by Cognia because it's a well-known and respected agency.
Good Quality:Â If a program is accredited by Cognia, it means that it meets high standards and is providing a good education. They check things like the curriculum, the teachers, and the learning environment to make sure everything is up to par.
Transferring Credits:Â If your child goes back to public school, their credits from a Cognia-accredited program will probably be accepted. This can help your child avoid having to repeat any classes.
Other Agencies
More Choices:Â There are other accrediting agencies besides Cognia. Some of these agencies are recognized across the country and even internationally. This gives you more options to choose from when looking for an accredited program.
Why is this important? If your child plans to attend college out of state or in another country, consider choosing a program accredited by one of these agencies.
Accreditation can help ensure their education is recognized wherever they go. This can help ensure that your child's education will be recognized by colleges and universities outside of Florida.
Religious Schools
Faith-Based Accreditation:Â Some homeschooling programs are accredited by religious organizations. This means that they meet the standards of that religion, as well as educational standards. This can be important for families who want their child's education to be aligned with their religious beliefs.
Examples:Â Two examples of faith-based accrediting agencies in Florida are FACCSÂ and FCCPSA. These agencies accredit schools that provide a Christian education.
Checking the Agencies
Extra Check:Â There's even a group called NCPSAÂ that checks the accrediting agencies themselves! This helps make sure that the agencies are doing a good job and that the schools they accredit are truly providing a quality education.
Accreditation can be a helpful thing to look for when you're choosing a homeschooling program. It can give you confidence that the program is providing a good education and that your child's credits will be accepted by other schools.
However, it's important to remember that accreditation is not required for homeschooling in Florida. You can choose to homeschool your child without using an accredited program.
However, it's important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option.
If you're new to homeschooling in Florida and looking for a step-by-step guide to help you get started, check out this detailed resource: A Guide to Start Homeschooling in Florida. It covers everything you need to know to begin your homeschooling journey with confidence.
Beyond accreditation, personalized support can make a big difference in your homeschooling experience. One-on-one advising is a valuable feature offered by many programs to help you with your homeschooling journey.
Why One-on-One Advising Matters in Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be a lot to handle. Sometimes, it's helpful to have someone to guide you along the way, like having a knowledgeable friend who can answer your questions and offer suggestions. That's where one-on-one advising comes in!
What is One-on-One Advising?
Personalized Support:Â Rather than calling a general help number and speaking to a different person each time, you have a dedicated advisor. This advisor takes the time to understand you and your child's needs. This means you can build a relationship with your advisor and feel comfortable asking them anything.
Building a Relationship:Â This advisor works closely with you to help you make the best choices for your child's education. They can help you choose a curriculum, plan your homeschooling day, and find resources and support.
How Can an Advisor Help?
1. Understanding Your Child:Â Your advisor will take the time to understand your child's strengths, weaknesses, and how they learn best. They might ask you questions about your child's interests, learning style, and any challenges they might be facing.
2. Consistent Support:Â They'll be there to support you and your child throughout your homeschooling journey, offering advice and guidance whenever you need it. You can contact them with questions, concerns, or just to share your successes.
3. Setting Goals:Â They can help you and your child set goals for their education and create a plan to achieve those goals. This might involve setting short-term and long-term goals and creating a roadmap for reaching those goals.
4. Flexible Learning:Â They can help you create a learning plan that is flexible and can be adjusted as your child's needs change. This is important because children learn at different paces and in different ways.
5. Emotional Support:Â They can offer emotional support and encouragement, especially if your child is struggling with something or if you're feeling overwhelmed. Homeschooling can be challenging, and it's helpful to have someone to talk to.
6. Finding Resources:Â They can connect you with helpful resources, like tutors, mentors, or homeschooling groups. They can also help you find books, websites, and other materials that can support your child's learning.
7. Working Together:Â They can also help you communicate with your child about their education and work together as a team. This can help your child feel more involved in their education and make homeschooling a more positive experience for everyone.
One-on-one advising can be a valuable resource for homeschooling families. It can help you feel more confident and supported in your homeschooling journey.
With a clear understanding of accreditation and the benefits of personalized support, it’s time to look at some of the best-accredited homeschooling programs available in Florida.
Top Accredited Homeschooling Programs in Florida
It's great that you're looking for accredited homeschooling programs in Florida! Accreditation can provide extra assurance that a program meets high standards and can be beneficial for things like college admissions. Here are a few accredited homeschooling programs in Florida:
1. The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC)Â by The School House Anywhere
The AEC is a unique and innovative approach to education that puts children at the center of their learning journey. It's designed to be flexible and responsive to each child's individual interests, needs, and developmental stage. Instead of following a rigid, pre-set curriculum, the AEC encourages exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning.
Why You'll Love It:
It's child-centered:Â The AEC puts your child's interests and passions first. This means they'll be more engaged, motivated, and excited to learn. Lessons and activities are tailored to what your child finds interesting, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable.
It's flexible:Â No more rigid schedules or one-size-fits-all lessons. The AEC allows you to adapt the curriculum to your child's pace and learning style, making it perfect for homeschooling. You can speed up or slow down as needed, and you can even change the order of lessons to fit your child's interests.
It's inquiry-based:Â The AEC encourages children to ask questions, explore, and discover answers for themselves. This develops a love of learning and helps them develop critical thinking skills. They'll learn to think like scientists, historians, and artists, not just memorize facts.
It's hands-on:Â Children learn best by doing! The AEC incorporates lots of hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, making learning come alive. This could include anything from building models to conducting science experiments to creating artwork.
It's interdisciplinary:Â Subjects are woven together in a meaningful way, showing children how different areas of knowledge connect and relate to each other. This helps them see the big picture and understand how the world works.
It's creative:Â The AEC encourages creativity and self-expression through art, music, movement, and storytelling. Children are encouraged to express themselves in a variety of ways, which helps them develop their imaginations and confidence.
It's community-oriented:Â The AEC establishes a sense of community and encourages collaboration and communication. This can be especially important for homeschoolers, who might not have as many opportunities to interact with other children. The School House Anywhere provides a platform for families to connect with each other and share ideas and resources.
It's supported by research:Â The AEC is based on years of research in child development and education, ensuring that it's a truly effective approach to learning. It's designed to help children learn and grow in a way that is natural and developmentally appropriate.
It's comprehensive:Â The School House Anywhere provides a wealth of resources and support to help you implement the AEC in your homeschool. That includes detailed curriculum guides, training videos, and a supportive online community. You'll have everything you need to get started and be successful with the AEC.
This program offers a variety of accredited homeschooling options, including traditional textbook-based programs, online courses, and even a customized curriculum design service.
They also offer one-on-one academic advising and access to a supportive online community.
Calvert offers a comprehensive and accredited homeschool curriculum for grades Pre-K - 5. Their program is known for its rigorous academics and detailed lesson plans. They also offer support services, such as teacher consultations and access to an online learning platform.
FLVS is a fully accredited online public school that offers many courses for students in grades K-12. Their courses are taught by certified teachers and follow Florida's state standards. FLVS is a tuition-free option for Florida residents.
5. K12
K12 offers a variety of accredited online homeschooling programs, including full-time virtual schools and individual courses. Their programs feature a blend of online lessons, hands-on activities, and interaction with certified teachers. K12 offers both tuition-free and tuition-based options.
Time4Learning provides a comprehensive and accredited online curriculum for grades PreK-12. Their program is known for its interactive lessons, engaging activities, and automated grading. They also offer a flexible monthly subscription. That makes it a convenient and affordable option for families.
When choosing an accredited homeschooling program, it's important to consider your child's learning style, your family's needs, and your budget. Be sure to research each program carefully and take advantage of any free trials or demos they offer to find the best fit for your family.
As you explore these programs, it’s essential to think about what matters most for your family.
Choosing the Right Homeschool Program in Florida: What to Look For
Choosing the right homeschool program for your child is a big decision! There are many factors to consider to ensure the program provides a good fit and supports your child's learning and development. Here are some things to think about:
1. Accreditation Matters
What is accreditation? As discussed before, accreditation is like a stamp of approval from experts. This means that a homeschool program has been checked to ensure that it is of good quality and meets certain standards.
Why is it important? Accreditation can be helpful if your child ever wants to go back to public school or apply for college. It shows that they've received a good education that meets recognized standards.
Recognized agencies:Â Some respected accrediting agencies in Florida are Cognia and MSA CESS. These agencies have strict rules and guidelines that homeschool programs have to follow to be accredited.
2. Look for Proven Results
Track Record:Â Choose a program with a good track record of success. This means that the program has helped other students learn and grow and that it has a history of providing a quality education.
Good Record-Keeping:Â Make sure the program keeps good records of your child's progress. This can be helpful for tracking their learning and for college applications. You'll want to have a clear record of the courses your child has taken, their grades, and any other achievements.
3. Personalized Learning
One-on-one help:Â Some homeschool programs offer one-on-one help from teachers or advisors. This can be helpful if your child needs extra support or if you have questions about the program.
Customized plans:Â They can also help you create a learning plan that is tailored to your child's needs and interests. This means you can choose the subjects and activities that your child enjoys and that will help them learn best.
4. Scholarships
Check for approval:Â If you're using a scholarship to pay for homeschooling, make sure the program you choose is approved by the scholarship provider. This is important because some scholarships can only be used for certain programs.
Example: Florida's PEP Scholarship is an example of a scholarship that can be used for homeschooling. You can find more information about this scholarship on the Florida Department of Education website.
Want to make homeschooling more affordable?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA)Â believes that every child deserves a great education, no matter what their family's budget is. We offer a high-quality homeschooling experience at a price that's affordable for many families.
Here's how TSHA makes homeschooling more accessible:
Competitive Tuition:Â We work hard to keep our tuition rates low so that more families can experience the benefits of our unique and engaging curriculum. We believe that a high-quality education shouldn't be out of reach for families who choose to homeschool.
Flexible Payment Plans:Â We understand that it can be challenging to pay for a whole year of homeschooling at once. For this reason, we provide pricing plans that are both flexible and affordable to suit the needs of every family.
Scholarship Opportunities:Â We also offer scholarships to families who need financial assistance. We know that every family's situation is different, so we consider each scholarship application individually to see how we can help. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to keeping our programs as affordable as possible and making homeschooling accessible to everyone.
Ready to give your child an amazing education without breaking the bank?
5. Community and Support
Connect with others:Â Homeschooling can be challenging, so it's helpful to connect with other homeschooling families. Some programs have online communities or support groups where you can get advice and encouragement. This can help you feel less alone and more supported on your homeschooling journey.
To further explore options and find support for your homeschooling journey, check out this comprehensive guide to homeschool groups and programs in Florida. It’s a great resource to help you connect with others and discover programs that fit your needs.
You can find an accredited homeschooling program that is a good fit for your child and your family by considering these factors and doing your research.
Wrapping Up
You've now explored accredited homeschooling programs in Florida and learned about the benefits they offer. Remember that choosing an accredited program can give you confidence in the quality of your child's education and help them prepare for future success.
Take your time to research different programs, ask questions, and find the best fit for your child's needs and your family's homeschooling goals. With the right program and a little planning, you can create a homeschooling experience that is both rewarding and fulfilling for your child.
Want to give your child a high-quality homeschooling experience that's accredited and engaging?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA)Â offers a unique and accredited approach to education that sparks curiosity, develops creativity, and helps children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Here's what makes The School House Anywhere special:
The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC):Â Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and responsive to your child's interests and needs. We follow their lead, creating exciting learning experiences that are tailored to their individual learning style.
Hands-On Learning:Â We believe that children learn best by doing. That's why our curriculum is packed with hands-on activities, engaging projects, and opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Screen-Free Approach:Â We encourage children to put down the screens and engage with the world around them. This means more time spent exploring nature, building things, creating art, and having real-life experiences.
Supportive Community:Â You're not alone on your homeschooling journey! We have a supportive online community for you to connect with other families and find encouragement.
Affordable and Accessible:Â We believe that a high-quality education should be available to everyone. That is the reason why we provide affordable and flexible pricing plans.
Ready to give your child an exceptional and accredited homeschooling experience?