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May 20, 2026

The Annual Evaluation, explained — what to expect and how to prepare

A walkthrough of the Florida homeschool Annual Evaluation: what it covers, how to prepare, what we look for.

The Annual Evaluation, explained

Every Florida homeschool family must complete an Annual Evaluation by the anniversary of their Notice of Intent. The first time you do this, it can feel intimidating. It shouldn't be. Here's what actually happens.

What the law requires

Florida Statute 1002.41 gives you five options:

  1. Certified teacher review of portfolio + conversation with student. (Our method.)
  2. Nationally-normed standardized achievement test.
  3. State assessment used by the district.
  4. Evaluation by a licensed psychologist.
  5. Any other valid measurement mutually agreed with the superintendent.

Option 1 is the most common and the least disruptive for students.

What we do at ESM

  • A 60-minute virtual meeting on Google Meet.
  • You send us 9 work samples per fundamental subject (Language Arts + Mathematics) before the meeting.
  • We review the portfolio, chat with the student about what they learned this year, and complete the county evaluation form.
  • We send the signed form back to you, ready to file with the district.
  • Cost: $50 per student. Year-round.

How to prepare

  • Pull samples throughout the year, not in a panic. Keep a folder. Drop things in.
  • 9 per subject minimum. Writing samples, math worksheets, projects, anything that shows progress.
  • Variety matters. Don't show us only worksheets. Photos of building projects, lab reports, art, anything counts.
  • Progress, not perfection. Florida law asks for progress "commensurate with ability" — not grade-level performance. We evaluate growth.

What if my child is behind?

We've seen it many times. The Annual Evaluation is not a gatekeeper — it's a record. If progress is genuinely lacking, the law has a remediation path; we'll talk you through it.

What about scholarship students?

The Annual Evaluation is required regardless of scholarship status. PEP and other programs may also have their own learning plan check-ins.

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