If you are thinking of homeschooling or are new to homeschooling, you may be unsure where to start, and have many questions.
With homeschooling, there are several different ways this can be done, and honestly alot is trial and error to find what works best for your child’s learning style and your family. First you will need to decide whether or now you will be homeschooling, virtual schooling, or if you will be under an umbrella school.
Virtual school
Our family used virtual school to supplement our homeschooling with classes we did not feel we would be able to teach adequately and /or classes we felt our children needed a little more assistance with. In Brevard we have a couple different options for virtual school, Florida Virtual School (FLVS), and Brevard Virtual School (BVS)
Brevard virtual school is currently closed for full-time enrollment and will open for August 2023 enrollment on April 1st 2023. However space is still open for part time enrollment, more information can be found on their site at https://www.brevardschools.org/BrevardVirtual.
Florida Virtual School is open for enrollment for all grade levels, and their program information can be found at https://www.flvs.net/#:~:text=Florida%20Virtual%20School%20(FLVS)%20provides,and%20schools%20around%20the%20world..
Both options offer the same state approved curriculum, taught and guided by state certified teachers! Some of the pros of virtual school are, like homeschool, more time with family and a flexible schedule, but also parents and students will have instructor guidance, and with some programs text book work books and other supplies are provided. ‘
Registering with an umbrella school
An umbrella school is an alternative education school that serves to assist and make sure a child's education is meeting the governmental and state requirements. Below is a short list of Florida
Umbrella schools, however there are many more to choose from! Like many private schools, each umbrella school’s process and requirements are different.
Allendale Academy
https://allendaleacademy.com/wordpress/
Applewood Private Education
https://www.applewoodeducation.com/
Life Learning Academy Umbrella School
Florida Unschoolers ( Free)
https://sites.google.com/site/floridaunschoolers/
Filing Intent
Another way is to file with the county as a homeschooler. To register through the county you will need to fill out an “Intent to homeschool” form, and submit that to the Brevard County School Board, a form can be found here https://florida-homeschooling.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/NOI.pdf
With this type of homeschooling you choose or put together the curriculum. At the end of the year, you can either turn in your child's portfolio of work for the year, or you may elect to have an evaluation done for your child by a certified teacher. Many teachers do this for a fair price, and can be located via posting in your local social media groups. an
Some of the pros of homeschooling are a more flexible schedule, more time with family, and getting to choose what your children learn! As with anything it is important to research different options, and ultimately decide what is best for your particular family. Below we have included information we hope will be helpful, as well as some links to local homeschooling groups and social media pages.
So there you have it! So many options, so many factors, and one big decision to make. I hope that this guide helps make that decision a little easier. Trust yourself to make the best possible decision for your family. You as their parents/guardians know exactly what works for your children, trust your gut and choose that option, no matter what those around you are doing or saying.!
Homeschooling Resources and curriculums
https://allinonehomeschool.com/ Full free homeschool curriculum
https://www.khanacademy.org/ Free curriculum resource for all subjects
https://www.mobymax.com/ helps struggling learners quickly catch up to grade level and closes learning gaps for all your students.
https://www.abcmouse.com/abt/homepage?8a08850bc2=T3092934406.1597682775.5082 helps kids learn to read through phonics, and teaches lessons in math, social studies, art, music, and much more.
https://www.duolingo.com/ Website and apps teaches foreign languages
https://www.abcya.com/games/ Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids
engaged and having fun.
https://www.prodigygame.com/Membership/?ce=true&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1806559375&ag=72308843467&keyword=%2Bprodigy&network=g&placement=&device=c&device_model=&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ej5BRBhEiwAfHyh1OFdB1qlbNxJRzLQ9g_S21oYdCZRuNn4gZPNu1toZ-Nacosapp6lqBoCPd0QAvD_BwE
free, adaptive math game that integrates common-core math (grades 1-8) into a fantasy style game that students love playing.
https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/ free, award-winning reading and phonics game.
Homeschooling Groups in North Brevard
ACE- Academic Community Enrichment.
Classical Conversations Titusville Community
https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/?cid=ADR
Classical Conversations Cocoa Community
https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/?cid=BqB
Contemplating Homeschooling in Brevard
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ContemplatingHomeschooling
Florida Unschoolers Facebook Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/218913864804730
Homeschooling in Brevard
https://www.facebook.com/groups/256982530998073
North Brevard Homeschoolers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1416664718625579/
SOAK. Homeschool group ( Homeschooling with Autism & special needs)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/soak.youthgroup
SpaceCoast Secular Homeschoolers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/455022714708834
Homeschool extracurricular activities:
These are amazing businesses/ groups offering classes specifically for homeschoolers! Please keep an eye on this section as we are adding to the list!
Galactic Gymnastics, Cocoa https://galacticgymnastics.com/classes
Titusville Fine Arts Initiative, Titusville https://www.facebook.com/groups/833968034177140/
