Thinking about homeschooling? A North Fort Myers expo can help

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A homeschooling expo is happening at the North Fort Myers Library on Friday to help families learn more about making the transition to educating their children at home.

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Homeschooling has grown in popularity over the years, with a significant spike during the pandemic. The latest numbers from the 2024-2025 school year show a slight dip compared to the year before, according to the Florida Department of Education.

Lee County has the most homeschooled students in Southwest Florida, with just over 4,200 students. Homeschooling can be an effective way to tailor a child's education to their needs.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Charlotte County had 1,170 students who were homeschooled, or 0.77%. Collier had 2,660 students, or 1.74%, and Lee County had 4,270 students, or 2.79%.

Hendry County had 267 homeschooled students, accounting for 0.17%. Glades County had 88 students or 0.06% and DeSoto County had 472 students for 0.31%.

Florida has a homeschooling voucher program called the Personalized Education Program. It provides parents with an education savings account that averages about $8,000 annually.

The money can be used for books, tutoring, school supplies and virtual classes. It is available to K-12 students who are Florida residents who aren't in public or private schools full-time.

To receive funding, parents must submit a personalized learning plan annually, and students are required to take an annual standardized test. The results do not impact future funding.

The homeschooling expo will give families more information on curriculum, resources and fun activities to add to their child's learning. The expo will be at the North Fort Myers Library from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The library is just off North Tamiami Trail and north of Pine Island Road.

Click here for more information on the SWFL Homeschool Expo.