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Home schooling more difficult in higher gradesBy SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA © St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000 Home schooling a high school student is a possible, but seldom selected, option for most parents. Last year, 480 high school students were home-schooled, compared to the 1,556 elementary and middle school children home-schooled during that period. The most significant factor for parents considering this option for their high school student is how the lack of a diploma from an accredited high school will affect their child's college plans. Home-schooled high school students do not receive a diploma. Instead, they must pass a GED exam, or be certified by an accredited high school correspondence school, to be considered a graduate. A GED is sufficient for enrollment at St. Petersburg Junior College and many state universities. Home-schooled high school students are eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships. And although the home schooling parent chooses the curriculum, lessons and field trips, the school district will monitor the progress of students under the age of 16 in yearly evaluations in a variety of high school subjects. A required home school portfolio tracking student activities can be demanded anytime following a 15-day notice and is checked annually by a certified teacher from the school district. The school district also may interview the home-schooled student, or require a national standardized test or psychological assessment. Parents considering home schooling their high school child should consider the time required, cost of books and other educational materials, and the need for your child to develop socialization and athletic skills. Applications for home schooling must be submitted 30 days before withdrawing your child from regular school. All you need to do is submit a "letter of intent" to the superintendent of schools to start the process. The school system will provide you with information and resources to help you get started on your new teaching career. Be sure to check out the Florida Parent Educators Association web site (www.fpea.com) for additional tips. A home-schooled student may return to a zoned high school at any time. Course credits are earned either by passing a test or passing a higher level course and receiving credit for that course and the lower level prerequisite.
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