General Enrollment Questions

What are umbrella schools, anyway?

An umbrella school, also called a cover school, "600" school, or church school, is a term used to describe a private school for homeschoolers. A homeschooling family enrolls in an umbrella school as homeschoolers instead of registering as homeschoolers with their local school district. Umbrella schools help you comply with your state's compulsory school attendance laws. To learn more about umbrella schools see What Is an Umbrella School? and Home School vs. Private (Umbrella) School.

iamhomeschooling.com offers an umbrella school for homeschoolers in the State of Florida. We are listed with the Florida Department of Education in the Directory of Private Schools in the Sarasota County District. We are a home-based private school for grades K-12, and enrollment with iamhomeschooling.com legally meets the compulsory attendance laws of Florida.

Do we need to live in Sarasota County to enroll in your school?

No. Our school serves homeschoolers state-wide. While we are listed with the Florida Department of Education in the Directory of Private Schools in the Sarasota County District, it does not matter what county you reside in to enroll your child in our school.

What services does enrollment in your school include?

We offer support and provide record keeping services to comply with Florida's compulsory school attendance requirements.  More specifically, we do our part in your child's education by keeping the records that are required by the State of Florida, including health, immunization, and attendance records.  We also assist high school homeschoolers with dual enrollment and Bright Futures scholarship applications.

Parents of enrolled students are also given access to our homeschool forum and private messaging system, and are provided free homeschool Educator and Student identification cards.

When can I enroll my child in your school?

Enrollment is open year-round. Enroll when you are ready.  You are not limited to the schedule of a typical academic school year.

How do we enroll?

Mail us the required documentation (see below) and payment, and you're done.  We will email you with your child's official enrollment date and your login information.

What information do you need?

The Florida Department of Education requires us to keep the following documents: (1) a photocopy of your child's birth certificate, (2) your child's school entry health exam (dated within 1 year), and (3) your child's immunization certificate.  You will also need to complete our enrollment application form.  If you are objecting to health exams and/or immunizations, you may provide us with an exemption letter in lieu of the health certificate and/or immunization certificate.  Do not send us your child's original birth certificate. For more detailed information on required documentation, please click here.

Will my child have to take the FCAT?

No.  Your child is not required to take the FCAT or any other form of standardized testing.

How is my child evaluated?

Your child does not have to be evaluated when enrolled in our school. Instead of annual evaluations, standardized testing or portfolio reviews, you are required to keep attendance records and annually report attendance of a minimum of 180 days per school year.

Do you provide curriculum?

No. You are responsible for your child's curriculum and implementation of your child's education.

Will my child get a diploma?

No. Our school does not issue diplomas.

Do you provide transcripts?

No. We do not prepare or issue transcripts or report cards.  Want to create your own?  Check out this transcript template.

How much does it cost?

Enrollment is $20 per child per year.  That's all; nothing else.  For payment information, please click here.

Can my child participate in a dual enrollment program?

Yes! Your homeschooled high-school student may enroll in courses creditable toward both a high school diploma and a career certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree provided he or she satisfies any course prerequisites and meets certain requirements.  For more information about dual enrollment, please click here.

Will my high-schooler be able to obtain a Bright Futures Scholarship?

If your child (1) can obtain official transcripts (through FLVS or a dual enrollment program), (2) earns a GED, and (3) meets the general scholarship requirements (qualifying test scores, community service hours, etc.), then, yes, your child is eligible for a Bright Futures Scholarship.