Pasco schools expand course offerings for homeschool students
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
Tampa Bay Times | By: Jeffrey S. Solochek | June 18, 2026
The big story: With homeschooling on the rise, Pasco County schools last year looked for ways to bring those students into their classrooms, if only for a single class.
The Flex Education program began with 34 high school Advanced Placement courses, available for a price to teens who received state-funded vouchers and free to those who don’t take the money.
It started slowly. Four students took six courses during the first two semesters.
That hasn’t deterred the district from growing its initiative.
On Tuesday, the school board approved expanding the offerings to include career and technical education classes, Cambridge AICE courses and other middle and high school courses where space is available.
It also added elementary art, computer science, music and physical education. As before, families with vouchers would pay a fee, as permitted in state law that allows voucher funds to be used for contracted services from school districts.
Board members said they like the idea of helping students and families make educational choices that suit their needs, however many it might be.
“We’re not just creating a pathway for our (voucher) and homeschool students to take classes on our campuses,” said board member Jessica Wright. “We’re also communicating directly with those families, we’re partnering with them, so that parents can really have the most unique setting for their child that they think is appropriate.”
A growing number of districts in Florida have started offering similar services.
