Is an umbrella school for me? (Two perspectives below)

http://www.homeschoolingflorida.com/blog/florida-umbrella-schools-dont-use-one/

https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/umbrella-school/

What is the difference between a co-op, a microschool, a learning center, or a hybrid?

Hybrid programs or micro-schools may refer to themselves as a "co-ops", but do not function in the traditional sense of a volunteer parent led co-operative.  They are often privately owned, a partnership, have paid staff or contractors and are for profit endeavors.  They may prefer the term co-operative to be free of government oversight as a registered school or to relate to the home education community with their services. In Florida, the terms Micro school, Hybrid, and co-ops are undefined terms in legislative language.  In turn, a school or private program may offer a program to home education students.  If the program meets the criteria defined in the Step Up for Students handbook as a "Home Education Instructional Program" families could get re-imbursed for student participation, your due diligence is required for determining child safety practices and SUFS reimbursement procedures when applicable.

Updated 4/16/25

Private School- Umbrella Options
  • Christian Insitute of Arts and Science-Pensacola
    • A Campus School (5-days-per-week at our brick-and-mortar school facility) as well as the Umbrella School with homeschooled students all across the Florida Panhandle and beyond. We offer a wide variety of classes, from academics to fine arts and physical education. Homeschooled students may attend our Campus School 1-5 days a week, take a class, join a science lab or club, and participate as little or as much as they would like.
  • Florida Unschoolers
  • Hilcrest Academy Freeschool
    • Hillcrest Academy Free School (HAFS) is a private correspondence school designed for home educated students grades PreK-12.
      We are listed at the Florida Department of Education website in the Directory of Private Schools, as required of all private schools in Florida.
      We are located in the Escambia County school district, but we provide an “umbrella” to members in all counties within the state of Florida. We offer our services FREE of charge, but gladly accept donations to cover our operating costs.
  • Home Life Academy
    • HomeLife Academy is a non-traditional K-12 private school and ministry serving thousands of homeschool families for nearly 15 years. Our homeschool diplomas have been accepted by colleges and universities all over the nation, from the University of Central Florida to Ivy League colleges to the Air Force Academy.
  • Risen Star Academy
    • There is no acutal school building and it is up to you to decide on the curriculum used and how and when your children are taught.  We are located in Okaloosa County, but we provide an "umbrella" to members in all counties withing the state of Florida.
  • Rocky Bayou Christian School-Niceville
    • RBCS has two categories of homeschool programs: Umbrella Program and Participation Only Program. Once enrolled in one of the two RBCS Homeschool Assistance Programs, academic opportunities are available on a space available basis. Elementary students (K-6th) may purchase consecutive 3 hour blocks in an RBCS classroom. In the Academy, 7th-12th grade students may purchase individual classes. Educational Therapy may also be purchased. Online Academy options are available to students in grades 3-12. In addition to Academic offerings, students in our Homeschool Assistance Programs have access to many of our Student Life activities including drama productions, athletics, and clubs – all of which maintain Christian discipleship as the primary focus.

Micro Schools, Learning Centers, Hybrid Options

Local Virtual Options
  • Connections Academy
    • Connections Academy is proud to provide two great online school options for families in Florida: Florida Connections Academy and Coastal Connections Academy. -Find a more flexible learning schedule -Pursue a passion like youth athletics, the arts and more -Take academically advanced and college preparatory classes -Receive specialized support to help with learning challenges -Gain real-world career and technical skills -Attend school in a safe and supportive learning environment -Find a public school alternative to homeschooling 
  • Escambia Virtual Academy

    • The Escambia County Virtual School Program is a new and exciting feature of the Escambia County Schools experience.  Our Virtual School Program equips students with 21st century skills by providing online learning with high quality, rigorous academic opportunities. With Virtual School, students and parents have the flexibility, variety, and academic continuity to accommodate numerous lifestyles or unique family circumstances.

  • Florida Flex Online School
    • Florida Virtual School provides Kindergarten-12th grade students with a variety of tuition-free*, flexible online courses. Take true ownership of your education by creating your own schedule and working at your own pace. Public, private, charter, and homeschool students will find the freedom to create their own path at Florida Virtual School.
  • Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
    • FLVS is one of the world’s leading online learning providers that delivers engaging and innovative experiences so students can enjoy a safe, reliable, and flexible education in a supportive environment. Learn more about our school options by grade level.
  • Santa Rosa Online
    • Santa Rosa Online Academy is Santa Rosa County's first full-time online public school serving students in grades K-12.