GETTING STARTED (NEW TO HOMESCHOOLING)

All homeschool parents are required by Florida State Law to maintain a homeschool portfolio for each child being homeschooled.

The law states the following:

“The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio shall consist of the following:

1. A log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used. 

2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.” Statute 1002.41(1)(b)

Portfolios must be kept for two years following each student’s home education program.

Portfolio – The Log

• Keep a list of all the courses your child is taking in the academic year with a course description.

• Keep a list of all curricula being used.

• Keep a list of all books read or listened to during the academic year.

• Keep a list of any classes or programs being taken outside the home.

• Keep a field trip log (date, time, location, brief summary of what was experienced)

• You can make this as simple or elaborate as you like including things such as

  • Photos 

  • Videos

  • Lists of activities such as baking, gardening, hobbies, extracurricular activities, goals, awards, achievements, etc.

Portfolio – The Samples

1. For each subject, keep at least one sample of course work that demonstrates the student’s typical level of performance in that course at the time from

   • The beginning of the school year

   • The middle of the school year

   • The end of the school year

2. Keep any major tests, papers, or projects

3. The idea behind this section of the portfolio is to show that the student is progressing commensurate with their ability. In other words, students will progress at all different levels based on their abilities, but the work samples should show their progression.

How many days of education are required in Florida per school year?

180 Days

What constitutes a day of education according to Florida State Law?

• Kindergarten – 3rd grade = 4.5 hours/day

• Grades 4 – 5 = 5.0 hours/day

• Grades 6 – 12 = 5.5 hours/day

High School Transcripts

Any students taking high school level courses (including middle school students who are taking high school courses) should create a transcript and update it each year as the student completes their courses for that academic year.

Each year, BHCFL offers a free High School Transcript Workshop that includes a free ebook on the 7 Easy Steps of Writing a Transcript.

Florida High School Standard Graduation Requirements

At least 24 high school credits in total

4 English Language Arts Credits

4 Mathematics Credits 

• 1 must be Algebra 1, and 1 must be Geometry

• Industry Certifications that lead to college credit may substitute for up to two mathematics credits (except for Algebra 1 and Geometry) 

• An identified computer science credit may substitute for up to one mathematics credit. A computer science credit may not be used to substitute for both a mathematics and science credit.

3 Science Credits (2 must include a lab component)

• 1 credit in Biology 1

• 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics

• 1 credit in an equally rigorous course

3 Social Studies Credits

• 1 credit in World History 

• 1 credit in U.S. History 

• 0.5 credit in U.S. Government 

• 0.5 credit in Economics

1 Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts Credit

1 Physical Education Credit

8 Elective Credits

1 Online Credit

For information on what qualifies as an acceptable course in each subject area, consult the CPalms Course Directory.