Homeschooling with an Umbrella School – FAQs

What is an Umbrella or Cover School?
The name Umbrella School has come to be applied to those Florida private schools that offer a homeschooling option. These schools are also sometimes referred to as Cover schools. From a legal point of view, there is no difference between a private school that offers a homeschooling option and one that does not.

May I Enroll in a Private School and Still Homeschool My Child?
YES, as long as the private school offers a homeschooling option.

Aren’t Private Schools Expensive?
Not necessarily! Umbrella schools are set up to benefit homeschooling families and their tuition is far less than that of a traditional private school.

Must I Notify the Superintendent if I Enroll in a Private School?
No. Once you enroll in a private school, you are no longer considered to be homeschooling according to Florida state statute. This does not mean that you will be any less of a homeschooler from a practical standpoint, simply that the law recognizes a difference between private school students and home education students and applies different rules and privileges to each. You must weigh the pros and cons of each status before deciding whether to register with a private school or as a home educator. Again, this legal distinction has no bearing on your ability to teach your children at home, but may have other implications for your family.

What Information About My Child Will Be Shared by the Private School?
In this case, private is truly private. Private schools never disclose information about their students to anyone, unless requested to do so by you. Each private school is required to give the state information about its student body on an annual basis, but this is aggregate data only — that is, the schools report how many students they have at each grade level. Beyond this, the only people to receive information about your child’s progress is you (and anyone you authorize). It is completely private.

There are many private schools catering to homeschoolers in Florida. Before selecting a school, you will want to make sure the school is a good fit for your family.