Assessment Requirements in Florida

What’s required

Florida requires homeschooled students to complete a standardized test, teacher evaluation or other approved method. This is required annually.

Results must be submitted to county school district superintendent.

What happens if your child doesn’t meet the minimum

First things first: this is not a crisis. States build in a structured process to help your family get back on track. Here’s how it works in Florida:

• Process: One-year probationary period with remedial instruction
• Timeline: Must demonstrate progress within one year of probation notice
• If scores still don’t improve: Continuation in a home education program is contingent upon demonstrating educational progress

The important thing to remember is that you have time and options. Many families use a low score as a chance to adjust their approach, try new curricula, or get targeted help in specific subjects.

Approved tests

The following tests are accepted in your state:

• Iowa Assessments
• Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10)
• CAT
• TerraNova
• FAST (Florida state assessment)

Many of these can be administered at home or through a local testing service. Your homeschool co-op or state organization may also coordinate group testing dates.

Alternatives to standardized testing

If standardized tests aren’t a good fit for your child, your state offers these alternatives:

• certified teacher evaluation of portfolio
• licensed psychologist or school psychologist evaluation (per s. 490.003(7)-(8))
• method agreed upon with superintendent

These options can be especially helpful for students who experience test anxiety or whose learning style doesn’t translate well to multiple-choice exams.

Multiple pathways, different requirements

Florida offers 3 pathways to homeschool, and they don’t all have the same assessment requirements. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Home Education Program: assessment required (standardized test or teacher evaluation or other approved method, annually)
• Private Tutoring: no assessment required
• Private School (Including Umbrella/Cover Schools): no assessment required

Our wizard will help you pick the pathway that’s the best fit for your family’s situation.

Get your personalized plan

Every family’s situation is a little different. Our free wizard builds a step-by-step compliance plan tailored to your family, including exactly which assessments you need and when they’re due.