Information

New to Homeschooling?

Congratulations on considering joining the growing number of homeschooling families!  Making this decision can be a scary thing.  The HEAT is here to assist you in your homeschooling journey.

Here is helpful info:

  1. Join the HEAT Email List!  You will received emails about the many activities the Tampa Bay HEAT has to offer your family.
  2. Attend Homeschooling 101.  HEAT offers Homeschooling 101 twice a year. This free event will cover the basics of homeschooling, curriculum choices, socialization, testing and answer many of your questions.
  3. Pick up a red New to Homeschool Packet from the Homeschool Resource Center (307 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, 33511).  The packet includes info to help you get started.
  4. Check out the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) website at FPEA.com.  There is tons of information on this site to help new homeschoolers.  Download the Starting Point Guide here.
  5. Fill out a letter of intent and mail it into your county homeschool office. Join a support group!  Surrounding yourself with other homeschooling families will provide you a circle of mentors and friends, who become like family!  The homeschooling community is wonderful!   You can join the HEAT here.  

Homeschooling Thru High School Information

There are many questions to navigate as you consider homeschooling your child thru high school. Thankfully, in this area, we have so many resources that you don't have to worry about relearning Geometry or dissecting that frog.  Our website lists many local resources for classes.  You take your child to class a few hours per week, but they remain homeschooled.  My kids always enjoyed going to classes and seeing friends and I loved not having to experience Geometry again!

Bright Futures Information:  Our homeschooled kids are eligible for Bright Futures, just like traditional school kids.  Here is a link that addresses home educated students. 

Dual Enrollment:  Your homeschooled high school student can dual enroll at Hillsborough Community College and earn college credit and high school credit at the same time.  The best part is that it is free (homeschooled students must purchase their own books).  Here is a link to the Dual Enrollment Information Page!

Please contact us at tampabayheat@gmail.com  with any questions!  We are here to help!

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