How To Start a Home Education Program
To begin a Florida home education program, file a Letter of Intent with your local school district. This step lets the district know your child will be learning at home.
From there, take on the rewarding role of guiding your child’s education. You will need to maintain a portfolio of your child’s work and provide your school district with an annual evaluation. More information is available from the Florida Department of Education.
Approved proof of withdrawal documentation includes:
- Standard Withdrawal Form for Students Entering K-12
- A letter or email from the student's assigned school district or school stating the student is not enrolled as a full‑time public school student.
- A letter or email from the student's assigned public school or selected charter school stating the student is not enrolled as a full‑time public school student.
Approved proof of withdrawal documentation includes:
- Standard Withdrawal Form for Students Entering K-12
- A letter or email from the student's assigned school district or school stating the student is not enrolled as a full‑time public school student.
- A letter or email from the student's assigned public school or selected charter school stating the student is not enrolled as a full‑time public school student.
Accept
Confirm Your Child's Scholarship
If your child was previously enrolled in a public or charter school, be sure obtain approved proof of withdrawal documentation with the student’s withdrawal date clearly indicated. This step is important to ensure you child is properly withdrawn and eligible to receive scholarship funding.
Enrollment Options for Scholarship Students
A home education program
Enrollment Deadlines
2026-27 School Year Enrollment Deadline Dates | Funds Delivered To Step Up |
June 15* (Renewing only) | August 1* |
July 15* (Renewing + New) | September 1* |
September 15 | November 1 |
December 15 | February 1 |
February 15 | April 1 |
* There are two funding dates for the first quarter
Here’s something helpful to know:
Your child can use the Unique Abilities Scholarship at the same time as the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program at an eligible private school or school readiness provider—giving your family more flexible learning options.
Before using a scholarship, parents and guardians must withdraw the student from public school and provide approved proof of withdrawal documentation that shows the withdrawal date.