Frequently Asked Questions - Choosing the right educational pathway can feel overwhelming. We've answered some of the questions we hear most often to help your family better understand the programs and services offered through Above Reproach Academy. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you!
What is an Umbrella School?
An umbrella school is a registered private school that partners with homeschooling families by providing official enrollment, academic record keeping, transcript services, diploma pathways, and educational guidance while allowing parents to direct their child’s education.
At Above Reproach Academy, our Umbrella School program is designed for families who wish to maintain primary responsibility for their student’s education while receiving the support and accountability of a registered private school.
For families seeking a more comprehensive educational experience, Above Reproach Academy also offers the SOAR Program, our fully administered private school program. Through SOAR, ARA selects and oversees the curriculum, maintains all official academic records, monitors student progress, issues transcripts, and awards diplomas to eligible graduates who meet our graduation requirements.
Whether a family chooses our Umbrella School, Hybrid Co-op, or SOAR Program, our mission is to partner with parents in providing a Christ-centered education that equips students academically, spiritually, and personally.
What is a hybrid co-op?
The Above Reproach Academy Hybrid Co-op is a collaborative educational program that combines the flexibility of home education with the benefits of engaging, classroom-based instruction. Students attend scheduled classes taught by qualified instructors while parents remain the primary educators and continue directing their child’s overall education.
Our Hybrid Co-op emphasizes discussion-based learning, hands-on experiences, critical thinking, collaboration, and character development in a Christ-centered environment. Students enjoy meaningful relationships with teachers and peers while participating in enriching academic and elective classes.
The Hybrid Co-op is an instructional program and does not, by itself, provide official transcripts or a high school diploma. Families who desire private school enrollment, transcript services, graduation planning, or diploma pathways may choose to enroll through Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School or SOAR Private School Program.
What is a micro-school?
A microschool is a small, relationship-centered educational model that emphasizes personalized learning, small class sizes, meaningful teacher-student relationships, and flexible instructional approaches.
Above Reproach Academy incorporates many of the qualities of a microschool through our small class sizes, discussion-based instruction, hands-on learning, and strong partnership with families. However, ARA offers multiple educational pathways—including our Hybrid Co-op, Umbrella School, and SOAR Private School Program—to meet the diverse needs of students and families throughout Florida.
Our goal is to provide an educational experience where every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
Which educational pathway is right for my family?
Above Reproach Academy offers three distinct educational pathways to meet the unique needs of each family.
Hybrid Co-op – Ideal for families who want engaging, discussion-based classroom instruction, enriching electives, and a Christ-centered learning community while remaining the primary educators.
Umbrella School – Designed for independent homeschooling families seeking the support and accountability of a registered Florida private school, including official enrollment, academic record keeping, transcript services, and diploma pathways.
SOAR Private School Program – A fully administered private school program in which Above Reproach Academy directs the curriculum, monitors academic progress, maintains official student records, issues transcripts, and awards diplomas to eligible graduates who meet our graduation requirements.
If you’re unsure which option best fits your family’s goals, we’d be happy to discuss your student’s needs and help you choose the educational pathway that’s right for you.
Which program are SOAR students considered a part of?
Students enrolled in the SOAR Program are private school students of Above Reproach Academy. Unlike our Hybrid Co-op and Umbrella School programs, SOAR is a fully administered private school program in which Above Reproach Academy oversees every aspect of a student’s education.
Through the SOAR Program, Above Reproach Academy selects and governs the curriculum, provides instructional oversight, monitors academic progress, maintains all official student records, issues transcripts, and awards diplomas to eligible graduates who successfully meet our graduation requirements.
SOAR is designed for families seeking the structure, accountability, and personalized support of a private school while benefiting from Above Reproach Academy’s Christ-centered philosophy, strong parent partnership, and commitment to academic excellence.
What is a support group?
A homeschool support group is a community of families who come together to encourage one another, share resources, build friendships, and participate in educational and social activities. Support groups may offer field trips, special events, parent encouragement, and opportunities for students to connect with other homeschoolers.
While Above Reproach Academy values the importance of community and provides many opportunities for families to build meaningful relationships, our educational programs offer additional levels of support beyond a traditional support group. Whether through our Hybrid Co-op, Umbrella School, or SOAR Program, families receive educational guidance, Christ-centered community, and opportunities designed to help students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
What are my responsibilities if I enroll my student as a private umbrella school student?
Families enrolled in Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School remain the primary educators and play an active role in their student’s educational journey. Parents are responsible for providing or selecting their student’s curriculum, ensuring regular instruction, maintaining attendance records as required by Florida law, and supporting their student’s academic progress.
To maintain accurate academic records, families are responsible for submitting all required enrollment and academic documentation to Above Reproach Academy. This includes a completed enrollment packet, a copy of the student’s birth certificate, current Florida School Entry Health Exam (physical) and immunization records or a valid exemption, semester grades for all enrolled students, and high school course descriptions for transcript preparation and graduation planning. Additional documentation may be requested when necessary to maintain complete and accurate student records.
Above Reproach Academy partners with families by maintaining official student records, providing transcript services, assisting with graduation planning, and awarding diplomas to eligible graduates who successfully meet our graduation requirements. Our goal is to support, encourage, and guide families while preserving the flexibility that makes home education unique through a strong partnership between home and school.
What does it mean to be a traditional homeschooler in Florida?
A traditional homeschooler in Florida is a student whose parent has filed a Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program with their local school district. The parent serves as the primary educator and is responsible for complying with all applicable Florida home education requirements, including maintaining a portfolio of educational records and completing an annual educational evaluation or other approved assessment.
Families who choose this educational pathway maintain their home education status with their local school district rather than enrolling in a private umbrella school.
Many traditional homeschool families choose to participate in Above Reproach Academy’s Hybrid Co-op classes, field trips, clubs, and educational activities while continuing to fulfill the legal responsibilities of Florida’s home education program. Families who prefer to enroll in a registered Florida private school may choose Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School Program or SOAR Program instead.
Is Above Reproach Academy a registered Florida private school?
Yes. Above Reproach Academy is a registered Florida private school serving students and families throughout Florida through multiple educational pathways.
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each family:
- Hybrid Co-op – Provides engaging, discussion-based classroom instruction, enrichment opportunities, and a supportive learning community while parents remain the primary educators.
- Umbrella School – Supports homeschooling families through private school enrollment, academic record keeping, transcript services, graduation planning, and diploma pathways.
- SOAR Program – Our fully administered private school program in which Above Reproach Academy directs the curriculum, maintains all official academic records, monitors academic progress, issues transcripts, and awards diplomas to eligible graduates who meet our graduation requirements.
No matter which pathway a family chooses, our mission is to partner with parents in providing a Christ-centered education that develops strong character, academic excellence, and a lifelong love of learning.
As a registered private school, Above Reproach Academy maintains student records, issues transcripts, and awards diplomas to eligible graduates who meet our graduation requirements. This is not applicable to our hybrid co-op. We are committed to partnering with families to provide a Christ-centered education marked by academic excellence, strong character, and meaningful relationships. (DOE #9632)
Do I need to register with the county I reside in if I enroll in Above Reproach Academy?
Students enrolled in Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School or SOAR Private School Program are enrolled in a registered Florida private school and should not file a Notice of Intent with their local school district.
Families participating only in our Hybrid Co-op should continue to follow the legal requirements of their primary educational program. If they are registered as traditional homeschoolers with their county school district, they should maintain compliance with those requirements. If they are enrolled through Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School, no additional county registration is required.
If you are unsure which educational pathway is right for your family, we are happy to help you determine the option that best fits your student’s needs.
What do I do if I want to leave my current school and enroll in Above Reproach Academy?
We’re honored you’re considering Above Reproach Academy! Transitioning to a new educational environment can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Our admissions team will guide you through each step, including selecting the educational pathway that best fits your family’s needs, completing the enrollment process, requesting any necessary records, reviewing transcripts (when applicable), and developing an academic plan for your student.
Depending on your student’s current educational setting and the program you choose, additional documentation may be required before enrollment can be finalized. Our team will clearly communicate what is needed and answer any questions along the way.
We encourage families to contact us before withdrawing from their current school so we can help ensure a smooth transition and minimize any interruption to their student’s education.
What are the statutes for homeschooling in my state?
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state. Families residing in Florida are encouraged to review the current Florida home education statutes and requirements through the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Legislature’s official website. Florida’s primary home education law is found in Section 1002.41, Florida Statutes, along with other statutes relating to educational choice and private schools.
Above Reproach Academy is committed to helping families understand the educational pathways available to them. Whether you are considering traditional homeschooling, our Hybrid Co-op, the Umbrella School Program, or the SOAR Program, our team is happy to answer questions and help you determine which option best meets your family’s educational goals.
Please note that educational laws and requirements may change. Families are responsible for complying with the laws applicable to their chosen educational pathway.
Are there curriculum requirements for my traditional homeschooler?
No. Florida law does not require traditional homeschool families to use a specific curriculum. Parents have the flexibility to choose the educational resources and teaching methods that best meet their child’s individual needs and learning style.
At Above Reproach Academy, families participating in our Hybrid Co-op follow the curriculum selected for the courses in which they are enrolled. As a proud participant of the Master Books Ambassador Program, Above Reproach Academy utilizes Master Books curriculum as the foundation for our core academic classes, while many electives incorporate additional resources, hands-on projects, literature, and teacher-created materials to enrich the learning experience.
Families enrolled in our Umbrella School Program have the flexibility to choose the curriculum that best fits their student’s needs while receiving the support and services of a registered Florida private school.
Students enrolled in the SOAR Program follow the curriculum selected and administered by Above Reproach Academy as part of our fully administered private school program.
Will my student receive a diploma as a traditional homeschool student? Will they receive one as a private umbrella student?
Students who are registered as traditional homeschoolers through their local school district do not receive a diploma from Above Reproach Academy. Parents may issue a homeschool diploma upon completion of their student’s high school program in accordance with Florida law.
Enrollment in Above Reproach Academy’s Umbrella School Program does not automatically qualify a student for an Above Reproach Academy diploma. Students seeking an ARA diploma must meet the Academy’s established graduation requirements and academic standards. Graduation eligibility is determined through transcript review, course planning, and ongoing academic evaluation to ensure each graduate has successfully completed a program of study consistent with Above Reproach Academy’s expectations for academic excellence.
Students enrolled in the SOAR Program follow Above Reproach Academy’s curriculum and graduation requirements. Upon successful completion of those requirements, eligible students are awarded an Above Reproach Academy diploma.
Families considering an ARA diploma pathway are encouraged to work closely with our administration to develop a graduation plan that supports their student’s educational goals and ensures all requirements are met.
Can my traditional homeschool student attend college?
Absolutely! Traditional homeschool graduates are regularly accepted into colleges, universities, trade schools, military service, and career training programs across the country. Colleges evaluate students based on many factors, including academic records, transcripts, standardized test scores (when required), dual enrollment coursework, extracurricular involvement, community service, leadership, and individual achievements.
At Above Reproach Academy, we are committed to helping students prepare for life after high school. Whether a family participates in our Hybrid Co-op, Umbrella School Program, or SOAR Program, we offer guidance in academic planning, transcript preparation, graduation planning, and college readiness to help students pursue their educational and career goals.
For students interested in earning college credit while completing high school, Above Reproach Academy also offers dual enrollment opportunities through Above Reproach Collegiate Academy (ARCA) in partnership with Christian Halls International. These opportunities allow eligible students to begin their college journey while receiving continued guidance and support from the ARA team.
Every student’s journey is unique, and we are honored to partner with families as they prepare students for success in college, career, ministry, military service, and beyond.
Can my homeschooler attend dances like prom and homecoming, field trips, parties, or graduation?
Absolutely! At Above Reproach Academy, we believe meaningful relationships and shared experiences are an important part of a student’s educational journey. Eligible students enrolled in our programs are encouraged to participate in a variety of educational, social, and community events throughout the year.
Above Reproach Academy hosts field trips, service projects, clubs, celebrations, graduation ceremonies, and other special activities designed to enrich the student experience. In addition, we proudly partner with a local homeschool organization and encourage our students to participate in their larger community events, including dances and other social opportunities, allowing students to build friendships and connections within the broader homeschooling community.
Some events may have specific eligibility requirements, registration deadlines, or additional fees. Details for each event will be communicated in advance.
Our desire is to provide students with an educational experience that is academically enriching, spiritually encouraging, and filled with opportunities to grow in character, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
Does Above Reproach Academy accept scholarships?
Yes. Above Reproach Academy is an approved Direct Provider with Step Up For Students and proudly accepts the Personalized Education Program (PEP) and Unique Abilities (UA) scholarships for eligible programs and services.
At this time, Above Reproach Academy does not accept the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) or the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship.
If you have questions about scholarship eligibility or how your scholarship may be used for one of our educational pathways, our team is happy to help you understand your options and guide you through the process.