Enrollment & Basic Info

• ​What is SSA? Sunshine State Academy: K-12 (SSA) is a non-traditional remote (virtual) private school serving students in grades K–12 in Florida. SSA provides year-round enrollment so that families can educate their children on the schedule that best suits their needs and lifestyle. SSA operates as a parent-directed private school. We are listed in the Florida Department of Education’s Directory of Private Schools. 

• When can I enroll? Anytime. SSA offers year-round enrollment.

• Do I need to withdraw from my current school? Yes. Follow your current school’s withdrawal process.

• Do I file a homeschool letter of intent with the county? No. SSA enrollment replaces this requirement.

• What documents are required? Birth certificate, immunization/waiver, and health records (per Florida law).

• What are my enrollment options?

  • Use your own curriculum (parent reporting required)

  • Use SSA curriculum (reporting included)

• Can seniors enroll? Yes, but prior records must be verified within 30 days.

 

State, Scholarships & Policies

• Can SSA serve families outside Florida? Yes, we have students all over the world (families must follow local laws).

• Is SSA accredited? SSA is currently seeking accreditation from The National Association for Legal Support of Alternative Schools.

• Is SSA recognized as a private school in Florida? Yes. SSA is a registered private school. Our school code is 5624.

• What about state scholarships? Check our scholarships page for more information.

 

Costs & Fees

• What are the enrollment fees?

  • K–8: $75

  • High School: $100–$200

• What does the enrollment fee include? Basic enrollment fees cover your enrollment in SSA for the academic year, annual set-up, record keeping, and end of year check. This is your only fee, unless you select additional services upon enrollment or later in the academic year.

• Is curriculum included with enrollment? No. Curriculum is not included in our low-cost enrollment fee. However, online curriculum can be added.

• Are there required additional fees? No, unless you request services or have a senior graduating.

• What are senior fees? Senior fees cover services that are specific to graduating students. These include optional services such as administrative processing of Bright Futures Scholarship applications or Common App applications. Additional senior academic counseling and planning can also be purchased. The required request to graduate fee is due when all courses are complete and include our custom-made high school diploma with padded cover and one copy of official transcripts. Shipping fees for the diploma are included.

• Are fees refundable? No. All fees are non-refundable.

 

Parent Responsibilities

• Who teaches my student? You (the parent). SSA is parent-directed private school.

• Where do I drop off my student and when? You don't. SSA is a parent-directed private school. 

• Do I need to submit grades and attendance? Yes, unless using SSA’s online curriculum.

• How many school days are required? 180 days per year.

• What counts as school? Traditional work, field trips, hands-on learning, and more.

• Can my student manage communication? No. Parents must handle all official communication.

 

Records, Transcripts & Reporting

• Does SSA provide diplomas and transcripts? Yes, for graduating high school students.

• Are report cards automatic? No. Available upon request (fee applies).

• How often are grades submitted? Grades are submitted at the end of each semester: December 31 (fall semester), May 31 (spring semester), and July 31 (for summer enrollment)

• How is reporting submitted? Parents submit course plans, grades, and attendance via our Parent Portal.

• How do I access the Parent Portal? Upon enrollment, information is provided on how to access our Parent Portal via the invoice. Make sure to save this for your records and set up your portal as soon as possible.

 

Curriculum & Academics

• Can I choose my own curriculum? Yes.

• What is “verifiable curriculum”? Verifiable curriculum includes: (1) online programs that track grades, (2) published curricula with grading guidance or services, (3) co-op or teacher-led classes where grades are assigned, or (4) tutor-led courses with a final grade and brief documentation. Parents may also design their own course with SSA approval.

• Does SSA offer curriculum? Yes, optional online programs (Edmentum).

• What is used for K–5? Exact Path + supplemental materials.

• What is used for 6–12? Edmentum Courseware (500+ courses).

• Do I need a course plan? Yes, unless using SSA curriculum. Plans include the course name, and a brief description of the curriculum or approach used.

• Who assigns grades? Parents (unless using SSA curriculum).

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Services & Support 

• Does SSA offer help if I need support with homeschooling? Yes. SSA offers optional paid services to support families with curriculum, planning, and student progress.

• What types of support services are available? Services may include:

  • Curriculum selection guidance

  • Academic planning

  • Progress monitoring

  • Senior year support (graduation, college prep)

  • Consultation sessions

• Is support included with enrollment? Basic enrollment includes limited administrative support. Ongoing or individualized support is available as a paid service.

• How do I get help choosing curriculum? You can request a curriculum consultation service for personalized recommendations based on your student’s needs.

• Can SSA help monitor my student’s progress? Yes. Progress monitoring services are available to help ensure your student is staying on track academically.

• What if I need help with high school planning or graduation requirements? SSA offers academic planning and senior support services to help families navigate credits, transcripts, and graduation requirements.

• How do I request additional services? You can view and request services here: https://www.sshacademy.org/additional-services

• Are these services required? No. All support services are optional, but may be recommended or required if families are unable to meet SSA requirements independently.

• Why are there additional fees for services and support? SSA is designed as a low-cost private school where families only pay for the services they need. Additional support services require time and individualized attention from administrators. SSA is directed by Dr. Chrysalis Wright, a developmental psychologist with over 18 years of homeschooling experience who also works full time and homeschools her own children. Providing personalized support takes time away from professional and family responsibilities, so these services are offered as optional, fee-based support.

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High School, Graduation & College

• How many credits are required? 24 credits.

• What GPA is required? Minimum 2.0.

• Can middle schoolers earn high school credit? Yes, if ready.

• Can students graduate early? Yes (age 16+, requirements met).

• Can seniors transfer in for a diploma? Yes, with full verification.

• Does SSA offer dual enrollment? Yes (ASU Universal Learners).

• Does SSA participate in Bright Futures? Yes. However, SSA cannot guarantee that students will receive the scholarship.

• Does SSA guarantee college admission? No. Check with the college of interest to confirm that your student meets their admission requirements.