History of Homeschooling
homeschooling and family tree private school
Bob and Nancy Moral started Family Tree Ministries, a 501c3 organization in 1999. Family Tree Private School is part of this ministry. Many families are discovering the world of homeschooling and choosing a "parent directed" education model of schooling instead of a model exclusively with a teacher in a classroom. This term, "parent directed" was first introduced by Nancy Moral, the Director of Family Tree Ministries and Private School at a Florida senate education committee in the early 2000s and has since been adopted in many private and governmental bodies to describe homeschooling and education in our "type" of school.
"Homeschooling" was practiced in the state of Florida only in private schools until 1985, then the Florida legislature provided a means for those students to register publicly with the state. It is debatable if there are any benefits to registering with the state, yet many private schools remained open for homeschool enrollment to continue this "parent directed" model with the added benefits of privacy, choice of curriculum, official documentation, one-on-one support, high-school credit and free classes and programs designed for private school students in Florida.
Students enrolled in Family Tree Private School are not considered "homeschoolers" by law, as defined in the 1985 law though they are free to do the same things as all homeschoolers. Our students are considered 100% private school students for all intents and purposes of the law but can join the same homeschool support groups and activities and are strongly encouraged to do so! So, Family Tree students get the best of both worlds - unlimited activities in their local community of homeschoolers and the benefits and support of being in a private school. Those who only "register" with Family Tree remain enrolled with their district. Why our School?
Family Tree is one of the oldest and most respected non-traditional schools in Florida. Nancy Moral, the Director is personally involved with each family and has extensive experience in home education with a Masters Degree in Educational Technology and Research and has been a leader in the homeschool movement since the mid 90s. Family Tree Private School maintains numerous professional affiliations for academic involvement, such as Florida Virtual School online, the College Board, dual enrollment programs, the Florida Parent Educators Association and more. Our students regularly go on to college, the military and the workforce well prepared. We work in concert with support groups and are all about doing whatever benefits our students! Registered students receive the same personalized support and documentation as enrolled students but remain enrolled with the district.
Benefits of Enrolling with Family Tree Private School:
1. Complete privacy (instead of state enrollment) 2. Choice of excellent, reputable curricula and activities 3. Official documentation (Report Cards. Transcripts and a High School Diploma, community service hours, letters of reference, etc. ) 4. One-on-one support and guidance provided by Nancy Moral for testing, choice of curriculum, special education services, career/college guidance, organizing your homeschool program, etc. 5. High school credits for dual enrollment, church activities, hobbies, job training, apprenticeships, etc. 6. Access to apply for classes, such as Florida Virtual School, college dual enrollment, district testing services, homeschool cooperative groups and any community activities open to private school students. School Information: Family Tree Private School Profile Department of Education School ID. # 3292National College Board ID. # 101-618Florida Teaching Certificate # 542928 for 30 years Florida Parent Educators Association #400Florida Non-profit Corp. # N00000005146 Florida Name Registration # G00236900044I.R.S. 501 c(3) Tax Exempt Organization E.I.N. # 65-1030629
Most consultations are no charge on an as-available basis. We are happy to help! Other services, such as private school enrollment available for a fee, free professional consultations or professional tutoring (free and fee based). Thank you.