How to Start Homeschooling In Orlando
Are you considering homeschooling in Orlando for the first time? You are beginning an exciting adventure in a city where there is an abundance of homeschool support, tons of opportunities for homeschool field trips, and the ability to create a program and schedule that fits your family’s needs as well as the needs of your specific child(ren). On this page you will learn what it takes to get started homeschooling in O-Town, how to choose the best home school programs in Orlando, and ideas for taking your home education adventure into the amazing city where you live.
How to Homeschool in Orlando, Florida
If you are beginning to homeschool in Orlando, you are becoming part of a large and growing faction. Florida homeschool growth has trended strongly upward in recent years, with more and more families in Orlando embracing the idea of being able to customize an education program for their child’s specific needs and goals. Parents quickly realize that their role as a homeschool parent is not so much to teach as to facilitate all the educational resources already available to them.
To start your Orlando homeschool journey, you will want to:
- Review the Florida state homeschool laws and requirements.
- Withdraw your child from school if they are currently enrolled.
- Choose the best homeschool curriculum or mix of curricula that will fit your preferred homeschooling style and your child’s learning style.
- Connect with other homeschoolers by seeking out Orlando homeschool groups.
- Have fun learning together!
Time4Learning Curriculum for Orlando Homeschooling
Interactive online homeschooling is by far the most popular homeschool style and the easiest for new homeschooling parents to transition into. Time4Learning offers families the ability to start whenever they are ready. After signing up for our monthly homeschool subscription, students receive a login to an interactive program complete with animated or video lessons, critical thinking exercises, and ongoing assessments monitoring proficiency and progress.
Time4Learning is flexible enough to be used no matter how you are homeschooling, whether you are homeschooling on your own or as part of a Florida Umbrella School. Some of the reasons our program is such a popular choice for Orlando homeschooling families include:
- It helps homeschoolers prepare for the required annual education evaluation in Florida.
- The low-cost monthly subscription fits within almost any homeschool budget.
- Our curriculum covers all the core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies and even offers multiple foreign language courses to choose from.
- It works with multiple learning styles and is customizable for use with children with special learning needs.
- The automated record-keeping helps make keeping a homeschool portfolio a breeze.
- Time4Learning makes learning fun!
Homeschool Field Trips in Orlando and Beyond
Of course, your curriculum is just one component of a well-rounded homeschool program. With home education, you have the flexibility to make the whole world your classroom! For many families, regular homeschool field trips keep learning fresh, exciting, and relevant. When you live in a place like Orlando, Florida, these excursions are almost a must.
When you have the freedom as a homeschooler to jump in the car or on the LYMMO and head out on a learning adventure, why wouldn’t you? Some of the most popular homeschool field trips in the Orlando area include:
Orlando Science Center
Explore exciting exhibits (NatureWorks, KidsTown), engaging live science programs, and several science stations (Electron Microscope, Weather Center 9) at the Orlando Science Center. Be sure to inquire about the center’s K-8 homeschool adventure courses that feature lab/classroom experiences.
WonderWorks
If you think the upside down building is neat, wait until you step inside. WonderWorks has over 100 hands-on exhibits that students will love interacting with. Wonder Zones include Imagination Lab, Light & Sound Zone, and Natural Disasters. In addition, families will enjoy getting physical with the indoor ropes challenge and laser tag arena.
Orange County Regional History Center
Located in downtown Orlando, the History Center features both permanent and traveling exhibitions that explore thousands of years of Central Florida history. Exhibits include First People, Destination Florida, Cattle and Citrus, and African Americans in Central Florida. The museum has a program for homeschool students and families on a variety of topics.
Leu Gardens
What if you had 50 acres of classroom space? That’s what it is like to visit this public tropical garden. Discover the amazing world of plants in a multitude of garden spaces such as the Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden, and the Color Garden. There are even dedicated classes and programs for homeschoolers.
Wild Florida
Just about an hour south of Orlando, your family can get the ultimate Everglades experience. As you might expect, airboat rides are plentiful here, but after seeing the alligators, eagles, roseate spoonbills, wild hogs and turkeys in their native habitats, you’ll also have a chance to interact up close and personal with some animals in the Gator Park. Wild Florida has recently added a Drive-Thru Safari where you can view both native and exotic animals.
Avian Reconditioning Center
Each Saturday, this wildlife rehabilitation center is open to the public. A visit can increase your homeschooler’s awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for Florida’s raptors and the environments where they live. Depending on the day’s conditions, flight demonstrations featuring falcons and hawks take place throughout the day. Special events through the year include a Renaissance Day, World Migratory Bird Day, and Fall Owl Fest.
Of course, this is just a sampling of the educational field trips in Orlando. For even more ideas on taking your learning on the road, visit our Homeschool Field Trips in Florida post.