Homeschool Programs

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DO SCHOOL YOUR WAY

At Rocky Bayou Christian School, we believe in assisting parents to provide the best Christian education possible. That is exactly why we have chosen to provide homeschool programs that partner with parents who choose to educate their students outside of the traditional classroom setting. We respect each family’s decision and stand ready to assist in any way we can.

On-Campus Opportunities

Academic

Once enrolled in one of the two RBCS Homeschool Programs, academic opportunities are available on a space available basis. In the Academy, 6th-12th grade, students may purchase individual classes. Online Academy options, which are not affected by space available, are also available to students in grades 6-12. All Rocky classes are taught from a Biblical Worldview. Students of any age may purchase Educational Therapy, space available. Due to high enrollment, no campus classes are currently available to students in K-5.

Student Life

In addition to Academic offerings, 6th-12th grade students in our Homeschool Programs have access to many of our activities including drama productions, athletics, dances, retreats, and clubs – all of which maintain Christian discipleship as the primary focus.

Homeschool Program Options

RBCS has two categories of homeschool programs to ensure we can meet your needs:

Umbrella Program

Umbrella Program students are legally considered to be RBCS Private School students by the state of Florida and so are not registered with their county school district to homeschool. The RBCS Umbrella Program includes:

  • Unlimited guidance
  • Annual group testing
    • K-8 required: more information coming soon
    • 9th-11th required: PSAT, ASVAB (11th & 12th), ACT (11th) offered; SAT accepted
    • 12th not required nor offered but ACT/SAT highly suggested. Scores typically increase with each test sitting.
  • Maintenance of academic records
  • Transcripts for 9th-12th grades
  • Senior activities including the RBCS graduation ceremony
  • Diploma for students who complete RBCS academic requirements
  • K-12th may purchase Educational Therapy, space available
  • 6th-12th grade students may purchase up to 4 on campus classes, space available. These students may also purchase full enrollment in Rocky Online.
  • Elementary students may participate in activities such as cheerleading in the fall and recreational basketball and soccer in the winter.
  • 6th-12th grade students may participate in activities such as athletics, clubs, dances, retreats, and drama productions. Associated costs apply.

Participation Only Program

Students in the Participation Only Program are registered with their local county school district to homeschool.  The Participation Only Program:

  • K-12th may purchase Educational Therapy, space available
  • 6th-12th grade students may purchase up to 3 classes: on-campus, space available, or Rocky Online classes.
  • Elementary students may participate in activities such as cheerleading in the fall and recreational basketball and soccer in the winter.
  • 6th-12th grade students may participate in activities such as athletics, clubs, dances, retreats, and drama productions. Associated costs apply.

HOMESCHOOL APPOINTMENTS

For more information about our programs and opportunities as well as guidance for umbrella students, please set up an appointment with Kim Cannon, the Director of Homeschool Assistance Programs, or email homeschool@rbcs.org.

ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT

Homeschool Fees 2024-2025

New-to-Rocky homeschool students who desire to be involved in any Rocky opportunities must first funnel through the Homeschool Office for an initial application process to one of the two program options (Umbrella or Participation Only.) Similarly, returning homeschool students must reenroll annually in order to remain active on campus.

All students who are pursuing any summer activities such as summer athletic workouts must be enrolled for the upcoming academic year.

  • New-to-Rocky Homeschool Students and returning Homeschool Students that were not currently enrolled at the end of the 2023/2024 school year should fill out an Application by clicking the Apply Here button.
  • Returning Homeschool Students that were currently enrolled at Rocky at the end of the 2023/2024 school year may fill out a Reenrollment Form by clicking the Reenroll Button and signing into the parent’s Family Portal.

Homeschool Athletics

RBCS welcomes local homeschool athletes into our Christ-centered athletics program.  For Elementary aged students, RBCS offers recreational cheerleading in the fall as well as basketball and soccer in the winter.

In the 6th-12th grades, the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletics Association) rules and regulations apply, including the submission of forms (EL7, EL7V) specific to students who are non-umbrella (registered with their local county to homeschool.)  Please refer to the chart below. All FHSAA forms can be found on the Athletic page of our website.  RBCS Athletics is now using Final Forms for all EL form submission as well as communication with athletes. Be sure to read the Sports Registration section on the athletics page for details.

FHSAA Required Forms

*All forms and fees must be submitted prior to athletic participation

Homeschool Standardized Testing Services

OUTSIDE HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES

Area Co-ops and Support Groups for Niceville, Crestview, and Surrounding Areas

  • Classical Conversations
  • NOAH Facebook Group – North Okaloosa Association of Homeschoolers
  • NOAH Chatter & Networking Group – page for homeschool families with businesses, services, etc.
  • NWFL Panhandle Homeschoolers

Understanding Florida Homeschool Law

  • Florida has two main legal avenues to homeschool: students must be registered with the county as a homeschooler OR registered under an umbrella program.
  • Homeschool students registered with their county must maintain compliance via an annual evaluation (standardized testing or a portfolio review by a Florida certified teacher.)
  • HSLDA has an excellent video that explains Florida Homeschool law (https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-floridas-homeschool-law.)

State and National Supports

  • FPEA (Florida Parent Educators Association)
  • HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)
    • National homeschool advocacy organization
    • Legal representation for members
    • Tons of extra resources
    • https://hslda.org/
  • Logos Christian Academy
  • Emerald Coast Co-op
    • Contact: eccdestin@outlook.com
    • Emerald Coast Co-op is a parent led co-op that meets on Tuesday mornings at Coastline Calvary Chapel in Destin. The co-op offers electives only for K-6th grades and both core curriculum and both core curriculum and electives for 7th-12th grades. Classes are run by semester and there is a small fee per student. Parents are expected to stay and participate each week. Students may join mid-year if space is available. In addition to classes, the co-op often meets for lunches out and field trips.
  • Panhandle Christian Home Educators Support Group
    • Contact: Les and Gina Payton, regionalrep1@fpea.com
    • Meets the last Monday of every month at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive
    • Our group was formed to fellowship, equip, encourage, and support real life community relationships in home education. This gives value to personal advice and helps provide perspective, when people know each other. A local support group understands your needs and gives you a place to not only participate in activities but opportunities to start your own and is where kids can learn and embrace diversity. A support group helps new home educators and is a place where others can benefit from veteran contributions too. Give it a try any month and let’s be authentic together. Please contact the payton@fpea.com to get the details or watch for the monthly announcement on Happy Homeschooling too.

 

Local Homeschool Facebook Connections

  • Happy Homeschooling on the Emerald Coast – RBCS Homeschool announcements and local homeschool-friendly opportunities.

Homeschool Testimonials

Our kids wanted to play sports and it was important to us as parents that they were in an environment that taught more than just athletic skills, but also Christlike integrity, sportsmanship, and humbleness. And we have gotten that from Rocky Bayou.

As a homeschool family, it’s easy for students to miss out on opportunities to play sports. Rocky is well-known in the area as a school that is welcoming to homeschool families and able to offer competitive sports team. We have had an excellent experience.

We are thankful that our children have the opportunity to play sports under Christian leadership at Rocky.