Get a valid Florida teaching certificate in the subject or grades to be taught by completing a four-year college degree and successfully passing any testing requirements. If you plan to homeschool your child without a college education or valid Florida teacher's certificate, you must go ahead and notify Duval County Superintendent of Schools that you wish to establish a homeschool program.
Notify the Duval County Superintendent of Schools that you intend to establish a home education program by completing the "Notification of Intent" document. You must agree to maintain a portfolio of records and materials, and to provide the county with an annual educational evaluation of your home education activities. As the parent you will be presented several options for providing the evaluation, including having your child tested for educational progress at a level proper for her ability, or an evaluation by a teacher with valid Florida teacher certification. These are the minimum requirements under Florida law for conducting homeschooling, according to the Duval County Public Schools.
Go to the Duval County Public Schools website. Click on "Our Schools," then "Home Education." Look for "Home Education Program Guidelines and Procedure Packet" and download the 30-page packet. The packet is not available by regular mail. Contact Duval County Schools at:
Home Education Office
Duval County Public Schools
701 Prudential Drive, 4th Floor
Jacksonville, Florida 3220
904-390-2477
www.duvalschools.org
Look through the packet for a form labeled "Notification of Intent." Complete the form and return it to the address provided within 30 days of starting your home school program.
Wait for approval from the county to arrive by standard mail. Begin your homeschooling at that time. You may also choose to have a private school monitor your homeschool program.
Find a nontraditional private school in Jacksonville. Florida law gives parents the option of having their homeschooling monitored by private, instead of public schools. Contact the private school of your choice and ask how to enroll for homeschooling through the school. Tuition for administration fees may be required.