Homeschooling in Columbia County Florida

What are my legal responsibilities as a homeschool parent in Columbia County Florida?

  1. Submit your notice of intent to the Superintendent in Columbia County.

  2. Maintain your portfolio.

  3. If necessary, Make your portfolio "available for inspection by the Lake County superintendent or the superintendent's agent, upon 15 days' written notice."

  4. Submit an annual evaluation to the  Columbia County Superintendent.

    One option for an annual evaluation is a Portfolio Assessment. I am a certified teacher since 1995. I started my teaching career student teaching in an Elementary School Special Education class. I taught Middle School and High School Math and Computer classes. In a homeschool coop I taught preschool through 3rd grade students. I have tutored Math and computers privately for 30 years. Most importantly, I homeschool my children.  My oldest two are  now Dual Enrolled.    I would be happy to review your child's portfolio and certify that they made progress commensurate with their ability. Visit the Evaluation website at https://easyflhomeschoolevaluation.com/Success/login/index.php 

How do I submit my Portfolio Evaluation to Columbia County?

Email: Simmons_m@firn.edu

Columbia County Home Education Department
372 West Duval Street
Lake City, Florida 32055
Office: (386) 755-8000

Does my child need to be registered as a homeschooler in Columbia County?

Your child MUST be registered for school by the year they will be 6 years old on February 1st. If your child is 5 at the beginning of the school year, but will turn 6 before February 1st of that school year, then they must be registered for school. You can use the chart below to determine what year your young child will need to be registered for school.

  1. What year will your child be 6 years old on February 1st?
  2. Check to see if your child's birthdate is in the Date of Birth Range listed.
  3. Register your child within 30 days of the beginning of the school year listed.
Child Will Be 6 Years Old Child Date of Birth Year to Register Child
February 1, 2021 Feb 2, 2014-Feb 1, 2015 August 2020
February 1, 2022 Feb 2, 2015-Feb 1, 2016 August 2021
February 1, 2023 Feb 2, 2016-Feb 1, 2017 August 2022
February 1, 2024 Feb 2, 2017-Feb 1, 2018 August 2023
February 1, 2025 Feb 2, 2018-Feb 1, 2019 August 2024
February 1, 2026 Feb 2, 2019-Feb 1, 2020 August 2025