Helpful Information To Get You Started
JOIN THE HEAT EMAIL LIST
Sign Up and receive Emails about the many different activities, classes, and athletics that the Tampa Bay Heat offers you and your Family.
New to Homeschooling? Start by attending our Homeschool 101 session!
Tampa Bay HEAT offers Homeschool 101 sessions quarterly. This free event is designed to walk you through the basics of homeschooling, including curriculum options, scheduling and planning, socialization, and testing requirements.
The evening is broken into two focused sessions so you can choose what best fits your needs:
6:00–7:15 PM
Homeschooling Through High School – covering planning, credits, and preparing for the high school years
7:30–8:45 PM
Homeschool 101 – a comprehensive overview of getting started, curriculum choices, structure, and expectations
Each session includes time for questions and discussion, giving you the opportunity to walk away with clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
Get Your Free Homeschool Starter Packet
If you’re new to homeschooling and looking for a place to start, we’re here to help!
Email Shelley Whisenant at [email protected] to request a New to Homeschool Packet. We can send the information electronically, or you can pick up a folder at the next Homeschool 101 session (typically offered quarterly).
VISIT THE FPEA WEBSITE
Check out the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) website at FPEA.com. There is tons of information on the site to help new homeschoolers. You can also download the Starting Point Guide here.
FILE YOUR LETTER OF INTENT
Fill out a letter of intent and mail it to your county district superintendent’s office within 30 days of starting your homeschool program. Most counties have a home education department. Click the button below to go to your county’s website.
JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
Surrounding yourself with other homeschooling families will give you a circle of mentors and friends who become like family! The homeschooling community is wonderful! You can join the HEAT here.
Homeschooling Highschool
You may be nervous about being able to challenge your high schooler with the academics required for their grade level. However, you are not alone, and we have many resources available, including high school classes, so you do not have to worry about relearning Geometry or dissecting that frog. You can take your child to these classes a few hours a week, but they remain homeschooled, all without the worry of having to relearn Algebra. Plus, it’s a great way for them to see friends!
We offer both a Highschool Prom and Graduation.
Opportunities For Our Students
Dual Enrollment
Your homeschooled high school student can dual enroll just like traditional students and earn college credit and high school credit at the same time! This saves both time and money because the best part about dual enrollment is that it is free! Though homeschooled students must purchase their own books. Here is a link to the Dual Enrollment Information Page!
Bright Futures
Our homeschooled kids are eligible for Bright Futures, just like traditional students. This Scholarship can cover up to 100% of the following fees; tuition, capital improvement, financial aid, athletics, health, activities & services, differential, transportation, and technology. Here is a link that addresses home educated students.
Contact Us
Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions! We are here to help!