Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What is an umbrella school?
A. There's really no such thing as an "umbrella" school. It's a term homeschoolers use to describe private schools that accept homeschoolers. Some private schools also have brick and mortar schools which students attend, while others. like FFLA, exist exclusively for homeschoolers.

Q. Do I have to send a Notice of Intent when I enroll my child in an umbrella school?
A. No. Your child, when enrolled, is considered a private school student. You don't need to keep a portfolio or have an evaluation either, unless the umbrella school you choose requires it.

Q. How do umbrella schools differ from one another?
A. They differ both in what they provide and what they require. The state of Florida takes a hands off policy with private schools, and only requires attendance and health records. Some schools, such as FFLA, meet only the minimum state requirements. Others provide any or all of the following: curriculum, grades, transcripts, testing or other evaluation. Some also require regular reports on how your child is progressing. You have to decide which type best fits your needs.

Q. Who wouldn't want to use a private umbrella school?
A. Anyone whose child would want to participate in public school activities. If you register with your county (send a notice of intent to homeschool), your child may be eligible to take classes, and participate in extra-curricular activities such as band or playing a sport. An umbrella school student is just like the local private school student, and is not eligible to participate in public school activities.

Below is a table that compares using a private umbrella school with registering with the county.

Requirement/Feature
Private/Umbrella
School
Registered with your
County
Send Notice of Intent to
Superintendent
No
Yes
Keep a portfolio
No
Yes
Annual Evaluation sent to
Superintendent
No
Yes
Attendance records
required
Yes
No
Copy of health records and immunizations or letter of objection; copy of birth certificate
Yes
No
Eligible to participate in public school activities
No
Yes
Florida Virtual School
Yes, though not all umbrella schools offer this
Yes



About Florida Family Learning Academy (FFLA)

Florida Family Learning Academy is a private, non-religious school registered with the Florida Department of Education. We are a non-campus based school, serving home educating families with children in grades K-12. Enrollment is accepted year round.

Many Florida homeschooling parents choose the private school (often called umbrella school) option. There are different types of umbrella schools, offering a variety of services. FFLA does not provide transcripts, grades, curriculum, or testing.
About the Director

I'm Kathy Chumley, a homeschool mom, former public school teacher, and the owner/director of FFLA. I firmly believe there's no one right way to homeschool. The best method is the one that fits your children's learning styles and your family's lifestyle. For that reason, I believe the private school option is the least restrictive way to homeschool in Florida.


Florida DOE school # 4855