Hi Jacksonville moms! Homeschooling is on the rise, especially in our city. This is due to many factors. Some of them include:
- Families with children who have special needs like ADHD, giftedness, dyslexia, etc -and they find that homeschooling suits the child’s needs better than schools do
- Families that are disappointed in their neighborhood schools and can’t afford private school or don’t want to use a private school
- Families that want to travel
- Families with kids who are very involved in sports or other activities and they find that the school schedules and homework make everyone miserable
- Families with kids who have had bullying problems at school
Homeschooling might not be what you think it is. It doesn’t mean sitting at the kitchen table with a fixed curriculum, making the child do the work. Homeschooling can actually mean many things, depending on the needs of the students and parents. Because of the rise of homeschooling, many groups, classes, and even schools for homeschoolers have popped up. Some of these target a particular population, like gifted homeschoolers or Christian homeschoolers, others are more general.
Parents can homeschool any time of day, some prefer 5 days a week others prefer fewer or more, some families homeschool for 9 months a year, others prefer year round homeschooling. Parents can hire tutors for certain subjects or find mentors like grandparents. The only limits are the state laws, which are minimal. Florida requires either standardized testing at the end of the year or a portfolio of work, signed off by a Florida licensed teacher.
Homeschooling can mean:
Virtual school – in virtual schooling, a child might do a full load of courses or just a course or two, with outside instructors. This frees up much of the day for other things like hobbies and sports. Florida Virtual School has free options.
Co-ops or schools for homeschoolers – Jacksonville has many options for co-ops (cooperatives) and schools for homeschoolers. Some are Christian, some are secular. Kids attend these for a few hours once a week or twice a week, usually. In co-op situations, the parents stay in the building and volunteer. The other academics are taken care of by the parents.
A box curriculum or an eclectic approach – many, many options are available. Courses can come with a full curriculum and supplies, or parents can create their own courses. Typically, young elementary children might only spend 2 or 3 hours on academics a day. Older children might spend more like 4 or 5 hours, depending on the child.
Classes – Jacksonville’s local businesses offer many classes for homeschoolers. Options can be sports, like ice skating, or arts, or academics, like a course in science at the beach.
Unschooling – in this approach, parents follow the lead of their students and offer supplies and information where needed, but do not follow a curriculum or force the student to study any certain subjects.
Playgroups and other opportunities – Jacksonville has tons of playgroups for homeschoolers. These are run by parents. Some are neighborhood specific. There are also lots of other opportunities for field trips like museums, historical sites, and nature experiences. Think of teaching art by visits to MOCA or the Cummer, Florida history with visits to St. Augustine or Walter Jones Historic Park, and nature experiences through the St. John’s Riverkeeper.
So, as you can see, the variety of schooling types and activities is varied. Children rarely spend the day at a table or desk without friends or peers. They are usually out and enjoying the city for a good deal of the time. If it is right for the whole family, homeschooling a child can be a very rewarding experience. The first step is to learn about it via some of the great websites and books available. My favorite book is Creative Home Schooling by Lisa Rivero. I am also available to help families set up a homeschool.
Very good post Lynn. Yes, Florida Virtual School is a very good option. My son uses it, and we are very happy. It’s very organized, and teachers are constantly communicating with parents/students via email and phone calls. I would definitely recommend it.
I need guidance and have questions on getting started homeschooling my middle schooler.
Thanks,
Bobi
I have a 6 the grader that I really don’t want to send to public school. He is in counciling for domestic violence and has ADHD. Good kid just does better in smaller groups. I am grandma with custody. He is very smart, but I fear middle school environment for him, but I don’t want to school him myself, because he needs to be around ppl. Any help would be spptrciated
Thank you for the info! It was very informative and helpful! We have a lot of homeschoolers taking music lessons at our school – so it was very nice to learn more about the concept.
Best,
Yana
Just to clarify, if you are a Private Homeschooler and do not want any government involvement or requirements, you can sign up with an “umbrella school” like HomeLife Academy. You just turn in grades and attendance twice a year and you never hear from them. Love it! We are not registered with the county because we are registered with this organization. We basically transferred our children from their private school that they were at to HomeLife Academy. Anything related to public school (government) is substandard at best, even their so called homeschool program. The curriculum is horrendous and inaccurate (dictated by the government). Many people do not realize there are different kinds of homeschooling. There is public school homeschooling, then there is homeschooling under county requirements, and there is private homeschooling using some kind of umbrella school. There are others as well but these seem to be the most popular.
Hi Brenda, Thank You for the information, I’m thinking of home schooling my 11 year old.. He is currently in 5 TH grade and starting middle school next year… However he is in the IEP program .. He is behind in reading and writing… He also has ADHD… He can’t stay focused.. He does great one on one.. You talked about the “umbrella School”… Do they provide you with curriculum? And is there a fee? How does that work.
Thank You
Hi I am a Homeschool mom from GA. And will be moving to Jacksonville in a couple months. Can you share more about the umbrella school you are speaking of please? That is what I would want for my kids. It would be almost similar to Ga. Laws
Hi Brenda,
I am in the same boat as Sharon. 5th grader ADD that is bright but has sensory overload and being bullied this year bc he doesnt quite fit the mold. Looking to start homeschooling soon but afraid bc I am a single mom, full time student trying to get my degree once and for all. I am not aware of a public school homeschool program. Frankly, the more I read and research, the more confused I get.
Good news moving to jax soon. Glad to see the home schooling community is doing pretty good here. Sharon thanks for the HomeLife Academy recommendation.
Hello, I have an 11 and a 9 year old that im thinking of homeschooling, my oldest has a delay in math big time! We just moved here and I’m hoping to join up with a co op or families willing to do playdates, do you have any help or info you can pass my way?
I am a grandmother of 2 special needs children one with autism how can I start home school with them ?
And is it free in duval county fl?
We have limited income
Thank you
Rose
I am looking for homeschooling for my child also. I plan to start travel nursing and want to find what’s best for him. The Umbrella school seems like a great option. I am also curious how Home Life Academy works