The School Board encourages the enrollment of all school-age children residing in this District in public schools so that they may enjoy the benefits of a well-planned educational program and the socialization possible in a group environment.

The Board recognizes its responsibility for assuring that every resident school-age child is enrolled in an approved school or is offered an equivalent education elsewhere and designates the Superintendent to act in its behalf.

A parent must abide by F.S. 1002.41 to establish and maintain a home education program. All parent notices of intent to educate a child in an equivalent education (home-education) program are to be submitted in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee.

The Superintendent shall develop and implement administrative procedures which ensure that, prior to enrollment of a home-education student, all requirements specified in F.S. 102.41 and the State Department of Education regulations have been met.

Students in grades 7-12 who are residents of Polk County and who are participating in a home education program in accordance with F.S. 1003.21, or who enrolled in a private school may be admitted as part-time students (up to three (3) class periods) on a space available basis to the District. Students in grades K-5 may be admitted as part-time students for electives. Electives include art, music, and physical education.

Home education/private school students may seek admission to any public school offering the course(s) of interest. Exceptional education and gifted students will be provided services as required by law and may be admitted as part-time students (up to three (3) class periods).

Academic placement of the child for the current school term will be made by the school, in accordance with the transfer requirements as stated in the current District Student Progression Plan. The specific topic references are: all transfer students, middle/high students; and transfer students, senior high school students. Elementary students shall be placed academically as any other student who seeks to enter a public school. Placement may be adjusted if warranted following classroom observations and assessment.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for the transportation of students in home education/private schools programs both to and from the public school providing the course(s) of interest. The school principal will establish the time and place for the arrival and departure of home education/private school student accepted into the part-time program. All home education/private school students who attend the District on a part-time basis are subject to the same relevant rules and regulations as full-time students.

The Superintendent may allow a student who is being educated at home or at a private school to be admitted as a part-time student on a space available basis or to participate in one or more of the District's co-curricular or extra-curricular activities providing s/he meets the eligibility criteria established for an activity. Admission consideration is restricted to secondary schools.

F.S. 1001.41, 1002.41, 1003.21