Freedom Academy of Learning

1. What services does Freedom Academy of Learning provide?

   We at FAOL insure that your child meets the 180 day state attendance, immunization/medical and Kindergarten form requirements under the Florida State Statutes. 

2. How do these services help the home schooling parent?

These services helps the home schooling parent to provide a higher quality of education to their child under this private school without demanding regulations of the public school district.

3. What doesn't Freedom Academy of Learning  provide?

  We do not provide curriculum, school activities or functions.

4. How do I locate support groups in my area?

  The Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) is Florida's leading provider of home schooling information in regards to District Representatives, Conventions, Support/School/Co-op groups in your region just to name a few. For more information on the FPEA, go to our related links icon to link you to their official website.

5. What do the various "600" numbers mean in regard to non-public schools and home schooling?

The term "600" schools is used to describe private schools (for homeschoolers) that are incorporated under Florida Corporate/Business statutes/chapters 607, 617, or 623 from the Florida Senate -http://www.leg.state.fl.us. The number identifying the school refers to the school's corporate status. Private schools are not legally require to be incorporated, but incorporation does guarantee the school a maximum measure of legal protection.

"607" schools are for profit enterprises and are incorporated under the state's normal business statute.

"617" schools are incorporated as nonprofit organizations. This statute applies to all nonprofits in Florida. These schools are not under or regulated by a board of directors.

"623" schools are for profit and fall under the  Florida statue dealing specifically with creating a private school. These schools must comply with special geographical and tax restrictions. They also adhere to a board of directors.

6. How are private schools regulated in Florida?

There are a few regulations all private/non-public schools must follow. They must register as a non-public school and fill out an annual database survey. Here is list of Florida non-public schools:

7. Do private schools have to be accredited?

No. Not all private schools are accredited. Accreditation is voluntary. The Department of Education writes, "Private schools operate as a business or under a church and are regulated accordingly. They are not licensed, approved, accredited or regulated as schools by the state. Accreditation is not a state function and state law does not require that private schools be accredited. " Check with the private school you are considering for it's accreditation policy.

8. What curriculum must I follow?

This will be dictated by the private school. Each school has different requirements. Some schools will require you to follow a curriculum. Some leave this option in the hands of the parents. Find a school that respects and fits your family's lifestyle and needs.

9. Do I have to report to the county?

No, private schooled students are not governed by the county. However, if your child was previously registered as a "Home Education Program Student" with the county, you must send them a letter of termination. Your letter of termination ends your enrollment with the county. You are not obligated to adhere to the "Home Education Program" statutes after you send in your letter of termination.

10. What about testing and evaluations in the private school program? 

Every private school has different requirements. Some are required by their accreditation agency to use specific tests. However, there are no tests or evaluations mandated by the state. Check with your school policies requiring testing and evaluations.

11. What records will the private school keep?

This will vary according to which private school you choose. Non-public school must keep a record of attendance, medical and immunization records or exemptions. Please refer to the "Online Sunshine Florida Legislature" at www.leg.state.fl.us. You can also view the annual form that all private schools must submit each year to the state at the DOE( Department of Education) website.

12. Can I enroll in any private school that is not in my county?

Yes, you can enroll in any private school that does not adhere to a specified county/counties. It can be an internet correspondence course or an out-of-state private school. However, the school must be able to verify 180 days of attendance/enrollment in that school.