Mom-Approved Guide to Homeschooling in South Florida

Thinking about homeschooling in South Florida? This guide breaks down local co-ops, microschools, and curriculum options, plus support networks, tips, and scholarship info. Each section includes clickable links so you can explore more easily.

Co-ops, Microschools, Pods & Hybrids (South Florida)

• Playful Academics (Miami) – Montessori-inspired classes, co-op days, and enrichment.
  Website: https://www.playfulacademics.com •

• Eaton Academic Homeschool (Miami) – Secular academics, tutoring, enrichment; helpful Florida homeschool guide.
  Website: https://www.eatonacademic.com 

• The Learning Atelier (Miami) – Private tutor + homeschool studio (@thelearningateliermiami).
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_learning_atelier/ Instagram

• South Florida Homeschool Resource Center (Broward) – Classes, pods, clubs, and meetups.
  Website: https://southfloridahomeschoolresourcecenter.com South Florida Homeschool Resource Center

• PATH – Parents’ Association for Teaching at Home (Kendall/Miami) – Longstanding support group with activities, classes, and co-op offerings.
  Website: https://www.pathhomeschool.org/ PATH Homeschool

• Alternative Homeschool Educators (Tri-County) – Inclusive group coordinating classes, events, and co-ops.
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlternativeHomeschoolEducators/ Facebook

• ACIL Homeschool Co-op (Miami) – Listed via FPEA’s directory (contact for details & schedule).
  FPEA group page: https://fpea.com/groups/ACIL-Homeschool/ FPEA

• Microschool & Pod Directories – Find small hybrid programs or start your own pod:
  • Microschool Florida Directory: https://microschoolflorida.com
  • South Florida Non-Traditional Education Options (FB): https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthFloridaNonTraditionalEducationOptions/ Micro School FloridaKaiPod Learning Pods

(Many of these groups also list park days, field trips, and workshops; check their calendars or Facebook pages.) 

Curriculum (secular & faith-based)

• All About Reading – Secular, hands-on, great for wiggly learners: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/

• Optima Academy Online (Florida) – Classical, online: https://optimaacademy.online/

• Sonlight: https://www.sonlight.com/

• Life of Fred (math): https://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

• AmblesideOnline (Charlotte Mason): https://www.amblesideonline.org/

• Five in a Row: https://www.fiveinarow.com/

• Singapore Math: https://www.singaporemath.com/

  • Dimensions (by Singapore Math): https://www.singaporemath.com/programs/dimensions-math/

  • Primary Mathematics: https://www.singaporemath.com/programs/primary-mathematics/

• Rainbow Resource (one-stop curriculum shop): https://www.rainbowresource.com/

• The Good and the Beautiful (faith-based): https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/

• Abeka (faith-based): https://www.abeka.com/

Support, Inspiration & Local Know-How

• @sparkingwonder (Jen) – Local homeschool coach & courses

• @busytoddler (Susie Allison, M.Ed.) – Play-based learning ideas

• @braveandrooted – Gentle parenting + homeschool rhythms

• @sparkiddos_therapy – Learning strategies & OT-style supports:

• FPEA – Florida Parent-Educators Association – Groups, events, and the big annual convention: https://fpea.com/ 

Scholarships & Funding (Florida)

• Step Up For Students – Personalized Education Program (PEP) – ESA-style scholarship that can fund curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and more for home-educated students (K–12).
  Learn & apply

Florida Legal Basics (save this)

• File a Letter of Intent within 30 days of starting; keep a portfolio; submit an annual evaluation (multiple options allowed). Read statute & DOE guidance:
  • Florida Statute 1002.41: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1002/Sections/1002.41.html
  • FLDOE Parent FAQ: https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/18379/urlt/ParentHomeEdFAQ.pdf
  • FLDOE Parent Resources: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/other-school-choice-options/home-edu/parent-resources.stml Florida LegislatureFlorida Department of Education+1

Tips (read before you buy anything!)

• If you don’t like a curriculum, it’s okay to change. Kids and seasons shift—pivoting is normal and healthy.

• Get social on purpose. Most co-ops and support groups host field trips, park days, workshops, and statewide conventions—amazing for community (peek at FPEA + local group calendars). FPEA+1

• Use scholarships. Step Up For Students (PEP) offers K–12 funding that many Florida homeschoolers use for curriculum, tutoring, and services. Step Up For Students

• Find locals fast. Search Facebook/Meetup for “homeschool” + your city (e.g., “Pembroke Pines homeschool group”) to connect with moms nearby. Modulo

• Supplement if you want. You can add tutoring like Kumon or Huntington Learning Center—both have many South Florida locations:
  Kumon locator: https://www.kumon.com/locations • Huntington locator: https://huntingtonhelps.com/location/ KumonHuntington Learning Center

One-page “Start Here” Checklist

1. Decide your approach (eclectic is fine!).

2. File your Letter of Intent (within 30 days). Florida Legislature

3. Pick a lightweight math + reading spine; add interest-led extras.

4. Join one co-op or pod + one online support space.

5. Apply for PEP if eligible. Step Up For Students

6. Keep a simple portfolio; set a reminder for your annual evaluation. Florida Department of Education