FAQ

  • What is an Umbrella School?

    An umbrella (or cover) school is an alternate education private school. This private umbrella school serves to partner with parents while overseeing the homeschooling of children to fulfill government educational requirements. Umbrella schools vary in services offered and tuition. Some umbrella schools offer online group lessons, a defined curriculum, team sports, field trips, standardized testing, in person lessons, and more. Above Reproach Academy qualifies as a private umbrella school (DOE#9632) and is registered with the state of Florida, in Pasco County.

  • What is a hybrid co-op?

    A hybrid co-op serves a dual purpose. Functioning as a co-op to traditional homeschoolers while also serving private umbrella school students by offering in person classes.

  • What is a micro-school?

    A micro-school is a small group of students meeting in person, setting daily goals, and collaborating on activities and creative projects, all supported by an adult mentor.

  • What is a co-op?

    Co-ops are structured groups of families who want to share some of the benefits of group learning opportunities. Usually, they are parent-led organizations where parents volunteer to lead organized classes or workshops in areas they feel confident in.

  • What is a support group?

    A homeschool support group will provide social opportunities for you and your child, as well as networking and support. Many support groups also have age or hobby related clubs, organize field trips, offer classes, parties, dances, and more. A support group differs from co-ops and education focused entities and tends to serve as a resource to the community.

  • What are my responsibilities if I enroll my student as a private umbrella school student?

    To remain compliant with the department of education, private umbrella schools are required to take attendance. https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7562/urlt/6A-1-09512.doc

    Furthermore, private schools must obtain and maintain a copy of the enrolled students’ birth certificate, registration form, physical form, and immunization forms (or waivers).

  • What does it mean to be a traditional homeschooler in Florida?

    Traditional homeschool students are registered with the county they reside in as being home educated. Homeschoolers turn in an annual evaluation to the school choice department of the county they are registered with. Homeschoolers are required to keep a portfolio of their work, as well as a list of books read, and activities they have participated in. Listed below are the counties closest to our hybrid co-op classes.

    Hernando County https://www.hernandoschools.org/departments/school-choice/home-education

    Pasco County https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/home_education

    Citrus County https://www.citrusschools.org/departments/student_services/student_services

  • Is Above Reproach Academy a legitimate private school?

    Above Reproach Academy (DOE#9632) is a private umbrella school registered in the state of Florida under Pasco County. Above Reproach Academy supports your right to independently home educate your child while actively partnering with you. For attendance purposes your child is considered a private school student; however, you are responsible for educating your child. Evaluations and statewide testing are not required. Above Reproach Academy would like to walk beside you, the parent and teacher, as you home educate your child. It is the goal of Above Reproach Academy to help parents navigate the journey while encouraging a standard of education that is above reproach.

  • Do I need to register with the county I reside in if I enroll in Above Reproach Academy?

    Above Reproach Academy will not dictate what you should teach your children and currently has no curriculum requirements. Due to the current political climate of our country, Above Reproach Academy has chosen to assist parents in remaining accountable for their child’s education by having parents answer a month end question. It is Above Reproach’s deepest desire to partner with parents in their education journey while helping them stay above reproach. By law, Above Reproach Academy is required to take attendance. We have chosen to assume every day is a day for education and by staying current with tuition, you are compliant with attendance. Parents wishing to issue grade reports will need to submit grades and class titles. Furthermore, high school students are required to have a quick road-mapping session prior to their ninth-grade year. This session will help assure them they are on track to earning their Above Reproach Academy issued diploma and get them prepared for class-tracking and grade reporting for transcript purposes. In addition, high school students who will be requesting a transcript from Above Reproach Academy must submit grades quarterly upon enrollment in Above Reproach Academy. Elementary and middle school students are welcome to participate in road-mapping sessions for their grade areas. This session is available as an a la carte service.

  • What do I do if I want to leave my current school and enroll in Above Reproach Academy?

    You must withdraw from your current program before enrolling in the new program. If you are a homeschool student, you must terminate your program and the enroll in your program of choice.

  • What are the statutes for homeschooling in my state?

    https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/other-school-choice-options/home-edu/statutes-rules.stml

  • Are there curriculum requirements for my traditional homeschooler?

    No, there are no set curriculum requirements for your homeschool student in Florida. If your child is in high school, it is highly recommended to seek out their future college’s requirements. It is also suggested you follow the guidelines provided by the state for issuing a high school diploma.

    https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7764/urlt/standarddiplomarequirements.pdf

    https://www.fldoe.org/schools/k-12-public-schools/sss/graduation-requirements/

  • Will my student receive a diploma as a traditional homeschool student? Will they receive one as a private umbrella student?

    Yes, in the state of Florida, the parent of a traditional homeschool student can issue a diploma. As a private umbrella school student, the school can issue a diploma if the student has met all requirements.

  • Can my traditional homeschool student attend college?

    Yes, your student can attend college as well as participate in dual enrollment programs. They can also earn the Bright Future’s Scholarship.

  • Can my homeschooler attend dances like prom and homecoming, field trips, parties, or graduation?

    Yes, most areas have a support group that plans and implements these activities for home school students. Above Reproach Academy is currently working on a database of home education resources.

  • Does Above Reproach Academy accept scholarships?

    Above Reproach Academy does not participate in government programs or accept government funding. Above Reproach Academy believes accepting government funding further encourages the overreach of the government into parental rights.