Interest in home schooling resource surges as Fla. districts face new state requirements

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Local families are exploring alternative education options because of confusion caused by new state COVID-19 requirements.

Wednesday, Jacksonville parents told Action News Jax they’re facing tough decisions when it comes to their kids’ education.

Action New Jax told you Monday that the Florida Department of Education issued an executive order requiring all schools to reopen for all students at least five days a week, starting in August.

Under the order parents would have the option to send their kids to school all week or not.Dr. Kai Kafferly with video schooling resource Outschool explained the uncertainty has parents turning to home schooling.

He said the virtual home schooling help resource has seen a surge in Florida sign-ups.

On the program, students can take online courses, which can then be approved by a certified Florida teacher so that they count in the same as traditional, in-person classes.

”We’ve already seen an influx out of Florida, already, as of about 13 or 14 hours ago,” explained Kafferly.

He added, “Governor DeSantis and the Department of Education just railroaded all the school districts, when really it’s more of a local issue.”

Parents told Action News Jax they understand why home schooling is an option some prefer over traditional, on-campus instruction.

Mom Courtney Dexter said, “You want them to go to school to have the social, but then you do have a little fear of -- I hope nothing serious happens.”

Cox Media Group