Florida K-12 Online School at Forest Trail Academy
Forest Trail Academy is an accredited Florida K–12 online school offering students across Florida and beyond a flexible, high-quality online education. Since its founding in 2007, the school has supported more than 10,000 students through a structured yet adaptable online learning environment designed to meet diverse academic needs.
Forest Trail Academy provides a comprehensive online curriculum from elementary through high school, allowing students to progress at their own pace while meeting recognized academic standards. With personalized academic support, flexible scheduling, and a strong focus on student success, the school offers families throughout Florida a dependable online learning option that balances structure with flexibility.
Why Choose Our Florida K-12 Online School
Families throughout Florida choose Forest Trail Academy for a comprehensive and flexible online education experience that supports students from kindergarten through high school.
Established online school serving 10,000+ students since 2007
100% online, zero-hassle learning programs
Graduates accepted into colleges and universities worldwide
Accredited regionally, nationally, and internationally
Our programs provide a strong alternative to traditional schooling while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Accredited Online Education for Florida Students
Forest Trail Academy operates as a fully accredited online school, ensuring that students in Florida receive a recognized and respected education. Accreditation confirms that coursework meets high academic standards and that credits and diplomas are accepted nationwide and internationally.
Our accreditations include
Middle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Accreditation International (Ai)
National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
Online School Programs for All Grade Levels
As a complete Florida K-12 online school, Forest Trail Academy offers academic programs tailored to every stage of a student’s learning journey.
Online Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5)
Students build strong academic foundations in reading, writing, math, science, and core subjects through engaging, age-appropriate instruction.
Online Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Learners transition into more advanced coursework while developing critical thinking, organization, and independent learning skills.
Online High School (Grades 9–12)
Our Florida online high school program prepares students for college and career readiness with flexible scheduling, certified teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum.
Flexible Learning Options for Florida Families
Forest Trail Academy supports a wide range of learning needs, including:
Homeschool families seeking an accredited curriculum
Students who need flexible scheduling
Learners balancing athletics, arts, or other commitments
Families looking for a safe and structured online school option
Students seeking credit recovery, summer courses, or individual classes
Students may enroll year-round and begin learning at a pace that fits their schedule.
Self-Paced Learning With Certified Teachers
Students enrolled in our online school in Florida benefit from:
Certified and licensed teachers
Personalized academic guidance and support
Self-paced coursework with structured learning paths
Continuous enrollment throughout the year
This approach allows students to learn independently while staying academically supported and on track.
Enroll in Our Florida K-12 Online School
Forest Trail Academy welcomes students from Florida and across the United States. Our online school combines flexibility, accreditation, and academic quality to support long-term student success.
Inquire Now to learn more about enrollment, curriculum options, and how our Florida K-12 online school can support your child’s education
Quick answer: Homeschooling in Florida works through one of two main routes. You register a home education program with your county school district, or you enroll your child in a private school. The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) states that a student at a private school located in Florida is not required to register as a home education student.
Homeschooling in Florida: The Legal Options
Florida requires school attendance from age 6 to 16, according to HSLDA’s Florida summary. Florida Statute 1003.01 lists the ways a child can meet that requirement, and three of them apply to homeschooling families:
- A home education program that meets Florida Statute 1002.41. The parent directs the instruction and registers with the district.
- A private school. The statute includes “a private school supported in whole or in part by tuition charges.” HSLDA calls the private school route the “umbrella” or “cover” school option, and an online private school belongs here.
- A private tutor who holds a valid Florida certificate for the subjects or grades taught, as HSLDA’s guide to Florida’s homeschool law describes.
Florida also offers tuition-free public online options, covered in the comparison below.
What Florida Home Education Parents File and Keep
Statute 1002.41 and the FLDOE parent FAQ set out a short list of duties. The parent is not required to hold a teaching certificate, and the law prescribes no curriculum and no set hours.
- Notice of intent. Send a written, signed notice to the superintendent of the county where you live, giving each child’s full legal name, address and birthdate. The statute sets a 30-day deadline after the program starts. Keep a copy and proof the district received it.
- Portfolio. Keep a log of educational activities made at the time of instruction that names the reading materials by title, plus samples of writing, worksheets, workbooks or creative work. Keep it for two years. The superintendent can ask to inspect it with 15-day written notice.
- Annual evaluation. File one each year with the superintendent. The parent chooses among five options: a review of the portfolio by a Florida-certified teacher, a nationally normed achievement test given by a certified teacher, the state assessment the district uses, an evaluation by a licensed psychologist, or another tool the parent and superintendent agree on.
- Notice of termination. When the program ends, file written notice with the final evaluation within a 30-day window.
Private Online School or Home Education Registration: What Changes
FLDOE answers this directly in its parent FAQ: “If it is a private school located in Florida, students are not required to register as a home education student in their district.” In plain terms, a student enrolled in a private school in Florida is a private school student, not a home education student. No letter of intent goes to the district, and the portfolio and annual evaluation rules in statute 1002.41 do not apply, because those rules belong to the home education program.
The same FAQ treats a private school outside Florida differently. It is considered a curriculum choice, and the family registers as a home education student with the district. Forest Trail Academy is a private school located in West Palm Beach, so a Florida student enrolled in its online school follows the private school route. A call to your district’s home education office will confirm how your county records the change.
Under statute 1002.42, a private school keeps the attendance records for its students. The same statute states the Legislature’s intent not to regulate, control, approve or accredit private schools. Accreditation therefore comes from outside agencies, so parents confirm it themselves.
Florida Online School Options Compared
| Home education program | Private online school | Florida Virtual School (full time) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of record | None. The parent directs the program, and the district holds the registration. | The private school. | Florida Virtual School, a public school. |
| Paperwork | Notice of intent, portfolio, annual evaluation and notice of termination. | Enrollment with the school. FLDOE does not require Florida private school students to register as home education students. | An application to the school, submitted before the first or second semester. |
| Testing or evaluation | One of five annual evaluation options, filed with the district. | Set by the school’s own policies. | Students take part in state standardized testing, per FLVS. |
| Cost | Parent buys the materials. | Tuition set by the school. Forest Trail Academy lists current tuition rates. | Tuition-free. |
| Diploma | No public school diploma. The parent’s signed affidavit of completion is the legal document, and the parent can issue a diploma. | Issued by the school, with an official transcript. | A State of Florida diploma issued by FLVS when graduation requirements are met. |
FLVS full time follows a fixed August to May calendar, and a full-time student takes all courses through FLVS and is not registered as a homeschool student. Home education students can take individual online courses through FLVS Flex once the district has the letter of intent, and a district virtual school offers the same option.
Accredited Homeschool Programs in Florida
Because the state does not accredit private schools, an accredited program means accreditation from an outside body. Forest Trail Academy is an accredited private online school. Its accreditors are Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International and NCPSA, and the accreditation page shows each certificate. Umbrella schools vary in what they offer, so HSLDA advises parents to confirm that a school meets Florida’s private school requirements. Our guide to accredited and non-accredited homeschooling explains what accreditation changes for transfers and college applications.
Graduation and Diplomas in Florida
The FLDOE parent FAQ explains that the public school system issues no diploma for a home education program. The parent’s notarized affidavit of completion is the legal document, and Florida Statute 1007.263 treats it as equivalent to a high school diploma for state college admission. Home education students must be registered with their district in grades 11 and 12 to qualify for Bright Futures, so families weighing the two routes should read the Bright Futures requirements for each.
A private school issues its own diploma and transcript. At Forest Trail Academy, full-time students earn the General Diploma (21 credits) or the College Prep Diploma (24 credits), and credits already earned are reviewed at enrollment. Graduates have been accepted at 1,000+ colleges. See how to earn an online high school diploma.
Where an Online Private School Fits for a Florida Family
A private online school suits families who want a school to handle instruction, grading, transcripts and the diploma while the child studies at home. Forest Trail Academy has served 10,000+ students since 2007. Courses are self-paced, certified teachers support each student, and enrollment is open in any week of the year. Explore online elementary school, online middle school, online high school and the homeschool programs. For a step-by-step plan, read how to start homeschooling.
Florida also has state scholarship programs for K-12 families. FLDOE lists them on its K-12 scholarship programs page, and each program has its own eligibility rules.
Homeschooling in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start homeschooling in Florida?
Send a written notice of intent to your county superintendent within the 30-day deadline in the statute, then keep a portfolio and arrange an annual evaluation. If you enroll your child in a private school in Florida instead, you do not register as a home education student.
Is a student in a private school a home education student in Florida?
No. FLDOE states that students at a private school located in Florida are not required to register as home education students. A private school outside Florida counts as a curriculum choice, and the family registers with the district.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Florida?
No. FLDOE states that the parent does not have to be a certified teacher. One of the five annual evaluation options is a portfolio review by a teacher who holds a Florida certificate.
Is Florida Virtual School free?
Yes. FLVS full time is a tuition-free public school, with a fixed school year and state testing. Homeschool students can take FLVS Flex courses after the district receives the letter of intent.
Does a homeschooled student in Florida get a diploma?
The public school system issues none for home education. The parent signs an affidavit of completion and can issue a diploma. A private school issues its own diploma.
Are there scholarships for private school or home education in Florida?
Florida offers several K-12 scholarship programs, listed on the FLDOE scholarship page. Check eligibility with the program administrator and confirm with any school before you enroll.
Ready to compare records and grade levels? Book a call with admissions.
Programs for Diverse Student Needs
Forest Trail Academy, proudly accredited by Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International (Ai), and NCPSA, offers flexible and inclusive online high school programs designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, regions, and learning goals. Our online school delivers the hallmark of truly effective traditional education programs through certified instruction, a standards-aligned curriculum, and personalized academic support. This structured yet adaptable learning experience allows students worldwide to earn a U.S.-recognized high school diploma while progressing at a pace that fits their individual needs and preparing for college and future opportunities.
This online high school program is ideal for student athletes and performers who need flexible scheduling to balance academics with training, competitions, or performances. As an accredited online school, students are able to learn at their own pace while maintaining academic progress without sacrificing professional or athletic commitments. This flexible structure supports consistent learning and makes the program well suited for students managing demanding schedules.
Our American online high school program supports Asian students who want access to a U.S.-based education while studying from their home country. Forest Trail Academy offers an accredited curriculum aligned with U.S. standards, helping students build strong academic foundations, improve English proficiency, and prepare for college admissions worldwide through our flexible online school environment.
European students benefit from an internationally accessible online high school program that delivers a U.S.-recognized diploma through a fully accredited online school model. Flexible pacing, instruction from certified teachers, and a globally recognized curriculum support academic progress and university preparation in the United States, Europe, and other international destinations.
This online high school program allows Latin American students to earn a U.S. high school diploma without relocating. Our online school emphasizes academic consistency, English-language development, and college readiness, making it easier for students to transition into higher education while studying in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
Middle Eastern students can enroll in an accredited online high school to access a high-quality American education from anywhere. The program offers a structured yet flexible online learning experience that supports diverse educational needs while preparing students for international college pathways and future career opportunities.
This program provides African students with access to an internationally recognized U.S. curriculum through our accredited online school. Our online high school program supports academic growth, critical thinking, and college preparation while allowing students to study remotely with flexibility and personalized guidance from certified educators.
