Homeschool Ocala
Complete resources for Marion County homeschool families: legal requirements, co-ops, FPEA support, field trips, and sports eligibility
Homeschooling is completely legal in Florida and more flexible than you might think.
Florida Statute 1002.01 allows parents to establish private home schools with minimal oversight. You choose your curriculum, teaching method, and schedule. The only requirements are maintaining attendance records and completing an annual evaluation of educational progress. Most Marion County homeschoolers find community through FPEA (Florida Parent Educators Association) and local co-ops that share expenses, classes, and field trips.
Key Point:
No teacher certification or state approval needed. Flexibility in curriculum, pace, and teaching method. Optional co-op participation for socialization and shared learning.
5 Steps to Start Homeschooling in Marion County
A straightforward process to establish your homeschool and ensure compliance with Florida regulations
Understand Florida's Legal Requirements
Homeschooling is legal in Florida and regulated under Florida Statutes 1002.01. Parents act as instructors and must maintain records of instructional activities.
Notify Your School District (Recommended)
While not required by state law, it's recommended to notify Marion County Public Schools. Submit a Letter of Intent to Establish a Private School on or before August 1st. This clarifies your status and prevents attendance issues.
Maintain Attendance Records
Keep a portfolio of instructional activities including attendance logs, reading lists, evaluation materials, and samples of work. Florida doesn't mandate specific curricula—use any method that includes reading, writing, math, and science.
Complete Annual Evaluation
Florida requires annual evaluation of educational progress. Options include: standardized testing (FCAT, SAT, ACT), evaluation by a certified Florida teacher, or student portfolio review demonstrating academic progress.
Maintain Records for 5 Years
Keep all educational records, assessment results, and attendance documentation for at least 5 years. This protects your homeschool and supports transitions to traditional schools if needed.
Marion County Homeschool Co-ops
Connect with organized homeschool communities offering shared classes, field trips, sports, and social activities
The largest homeschool network in Marion County, offering weekly co-op classes, field trips, sports programs through the Tim Tebow Act, and social events. OAHC provides subjects like literature, science labs, fine arts, and athletics for elementary through high school.
A secular, inclusive co-op emphasizing project-based learning and critical thinking. Offers STEM-focused classes, nature studies, literature circles, and flexibility in scheduling. Welcomes families of all educational philosophies.
Christian-centered co-op offering Bible study integration, classical education approach, and character development. Provides group science labs, writing workshops, fine arts, and field trips with faith-based curriculum supplements.
Charlotte Mason and nature-based homeschool philosophy emphasizing outdoor education, living books, and hands-on learning. Offers forest classes, nature journaling, ecological studies, and field trips to local nature preserves.
High school-focused co-op preparing students for college entrance. Offers dual enrollment coordination with College of Central Florida, AP exam prep, SAT/ACT coaching, and college counseling integrated with homeschool coursework.
Not sure which co-op is right for you?
Consider your educational philosophy (classical, Charlotte Mason, secular, faith-based), preferred meeting schedule, and desired subjects/activities. Many families contact multiple co-ops to find the best fit. Visit the Marion County FPEA chapter meetings to meet coordinators and ask questions.
FPEA: Florida Parent Educators Association
The largest homeschool support organization in Florida with 50,000+ members
The Florida Parent Educators Association is the largest, oldest, and most established homeschool support organization in Florida, serving over 50,000 member families. FPEA provides resources, advocacy, networking, and educational events for homeschooling families.
FPEA hosts an annual convention (typically in summer) with 200+ workshops, keynote speakers, vendor hall, and networking opportunities. Covers all educational philosophies, grade levels, and special needs. Attendance is a game-changer for curriculum selection and community connection.
The Marion County FPEA chapter meets regularly for parent meetings, speaker events, and co-op matchmaking. Connect with experienced homeschoolers, get curriculum recommendations, and find support specific to your family's approach.
FPEA advocates for homeschool rights in Florida, provides up-to-date legal information, and offers resources to ensure compliance with state requirements. Their website has comprehensive FAQs about notifications, evaluations, and co-op legality.
Why Join FPEA?
Homeschool Events & Field Trip Destinations
Ocala offers excellent venues with dedicated homeschool programming and educational opportunities
Free First Saturday monthly, plus dedicated homeschool days (call ahead). Offers docent-led tours, art appreciation classes, and rotating exhibitions perfect for art history and cultural studies.
Highlights:
- Free first Saturdays
- Education programs
- Art history focus
Contact: (352) 236-7100
STEM-focused museum with hands-on exhibits in inventions, engineering, and innovation. Offers homeschool programs, group discounts, and rotating exhibits exploring how things work.
Highlights:
- STEM education
- Hands-on exhibits
- Inventor programs
Contact: (352) 401-3900
Home to equestrian programs and competitions. Offers homeschool clinics, riding lessons, and behind-the-scenes tours showing animal husbandry, equine science, and agricultural management.
Highlights:
- Equestrian education
- Animal science
- Agricultural programs
Contact: (352) 307-0707
Alexander Springs, Salt Springs, and other preserves offer homeschool field trips focused on ecology, natural science, and conservation. Excellent for biology, environmental studies, and outdoor education.
Highlights:
- Environmental science
- Ecosystem studies
- Outdoor exploration
Contact: Florida Parks (352) 236-0288
Libraries offer homeschool story times, STEM programs, research resources, and flexible meeting spaces for co-op classes. Many branches have specialized programs for different ages.
Highlights:
- Research resources
- STEM programs
- Meeting spaces
Contact: (352) 671-0000
Non-profit environmental education center with trails, wildlife viewing, and naturalist-led programs. Perfect for biology, ecology, and hands-on nature studies.
Highlights:
- Nature education
- Wildlife studies
- Trail systems
Contact: (352) 401-3900
Curriculum & Learning Resources
Florida allows complete flexibility in curriculum selection—choose what works for your family
Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric stages. Emphasizes great books, critical thinking, and Socratic discussion. Popular choices: Veritas Press, Memoria Press, Classical Conversations.
Living books, nature study, and short lessons. Focuses on "habit training" and appreciation for learning. Common curricula: Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason.
Student interests drive learning. Parents facilitate rather than direct. Builds intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning skills. Requires excellent recordkeeping.
Deep dives into single topics integrating multiple subjects. Example: American History unit includes literature, science, art, and math. Popular: BookShark, Story of the World.
Structured online courses with teacher interaction. Gives some professional oversight while maintaining homeschool flexibility. Many accept dual enrollment students.
Combine different approaches. Most families do this—using classical for language arts, unit studies for science, online for math. Complete flexibility is a homeschool advantage.
Curriculum Selection Tips
- Attend the FPEA annual convention (summer) for curriculum reviews and recommendations
- Connect with your co-op—members often loan or resell used curriculum
- Try before buying: many publishers offer free samples or trial periods
- Consider learning styles and paces of all children in your family
- Budget $2,000–$5,000 per child annually depending on program choices
- Remember: you can change curriculum mid-year if something isn't working
Sports & Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Homeschoolers have multiple pathways to athletics, advanced academics, and college credit
Allows homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics and extracurriculars. Homeschoolers can try out for school teams, join sports clubs, and compete in district tournaments if they meet academic and conduct requirements.
Many homeschool co-ops offer their own sports programs (football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse). These are organized within co-op networks and often include competition with other homeschool groups.
High school homeschoolers can enroll in dual enrollment courses at CCF starting as early as 9th grade. Earn high school AND college credit simultaneously. Courses include STEM, humanities, and career paths.
High school homeschoolers in Marion County can enroll in CCF courses starting in 9th grade. Earn dual high school and college credit simultaneously. Programs include STEM, humanities, healthcare, technology, and business pathways. Many homeschoolers combine 2–3 dual enrollment courses with independent homeschool coursework for a balanced approach.
Common Dual Enrollment Courses
- College Algebra
- Chemistry
- Biology
- English Composition
- US History
- Psychology
Benefits
- Earn college credit early
- Save on college tuition
- Improve college applications
- Explore career interests
- Challenge advanced students
- Earn AA degree in 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about homeschooling in Marion County, Florida
Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in Florida and regulated under Florida Statutes 1002.01. Parents act as private school instructors and have flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods, and scheduling. No state approval or teacher certification is required, though maintaining records and annual evaluation is mandatory.
State law does not require notification, but Marion County Schools recommends submitting a Letter of Intent to Establish a Private School by August 1st. This clarifies your homeschool status, prevents truancy inquiries, and can help if you need documentation for sports eligibility or dual enrollment.
The Florida Parent Educators Association is Florida's largest homeschool support organization with 50,000+ member families. FPEA offers networking, annual conventions, local chapter meetings, legal resources, and curriculum guidance. Joining provides access to community, current legal information, and co-op connections. Membership is highly recommended, especially for new homeschoolers.
Yes, homeschool co-ops are completely legal. They are not required—you can homeschool independently. However, co-ops offer numerous benefits: shared classes, sports programs, social activities, field trips, and peer interaction. Many families use co-ops for specific subjects while homeschooling others independently.
Yes, under the Tim Tebow Act (Florida Statute 1002.421), homeschoolers can participate in public school athletics and extracurriculars if they meet academic and conduct requirements. Your child can try out for teams and compete in official district tournaments. Contact Marion County Schools athletics director for enrollment procedures.
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit. College of Central Florida offers dual enrollment for homeschoolers starting in 9th grade. It's an excellent way to earn college credits early, explore career paths, and earn advanced placement credit.
Florida requires annual evaluation of educational progress but gives you flexibility in how. Options include: standardized testing (FCAT, SAT, ACT), evaluation by a certified Florida teacher (can be done online), or portfolio review demonstrating academic progress across subjects. Keep records and evaluation results for 5 years.
Ocala offers excellent field trip venues: Appleton Museum (free first Saturdays, art education), Cade Museum (STEM exhibits), Ocala National Forest (ecology and nature), Florida Horse Park (equestrian science), Morningside Nature Center (environmental education), and Marion County Libraries (research resources and STEM programs). Many offer group discounts for homeschoolers.
More Family Resources in Ocala
Kids & Family Guide
Complete guide to daycare, preschool, summer camps, kids activities, and family fun in Ocala.
Schools in Marion County
Public schools, private schools, magnets, charters, and educational programs throughout Marion County.
Upcoming Events
Calendar of family-friendly events, festivals, sports, and activities in Ocala and Marion County.
Kids Sports in Ocala
Youth sports, athletics, recreation programs, and athletic clubs for kids in Marion County.
Private Schools Guide
Comprehensive directory of private schools including Christian schools, Montessori, and independent schools.
Summer Camps
Summer and spring break camps including STEAM, arts, sports, nature, and recreation programs.
Start Your Homeschool Journey
Homeschooling in Ocala is a rewarding path that combines flexibility with community support. Connect with local co-ops, join FPEA for resources and advocacy, and tap into Marion County's excellent field trip opportunities.
Whether you're just starting or already homeschooling, Marion County's homeschool community is welcoming and well-organized.