What a 2025 Trump Victory Could Mean for Higher Education Regulations: Predictions and Insights (Part 1)
Your Blueprint to Launching an Online K-12 School in Florida: A Straightforward Guide
August 1, 2023
We provide the licensing and accreditation needed to establish a new university and offer comprehensive guidance throughout the process.
This involves helping our clients understand all the legal and financial requirements around university establishment, as well as providing marketing and branding advice to ensure their university or college stands out from other educational institutions.
Our competitors can only offer a limited service, either licensing or accreditation, as most don't have the skills or team required to provide a turnkey service. This is why EEC stands out from the crowd – we can offer our clients everything they need to get their university off the ground easily and efficiently.
This involves helping our clients understand all the legal and financial requirements around university establishment, as well as providing marketing and branding advice to ensure their university or college stands out from other educational institutions.
Our competitors can only offer a limited service, either licensing or accreditation, as most don't have the skills or team required to provide a turnkey service. This is why EEC stands out from the crowd – we can offer our clients everything they need to get their university off the ground easily and efficiently.
We aim to provide a complete service that will give our clients every chance of success when setting up their university. With EEC, you get a complete package of expertise and support for your university startup project.
At EEC we're looking at building a long-term relationship with our clients, where launching a university is only the first step.
We are confident that no other company can match our team of experts and their specialized knowledge.
At EEC we're looking at building a long-term relationship with our clients, where launching a university is only the first step.
We are confident that no other company can match our team of experts and their specialized knowledge.
Setting the Foundation: Starting Your Application Process
Allow me to paint a picture: you have a burning passion for education and you've always dreamed of establishing a lasting legacy to inspire future generations. Now, you're ready to transform this dream into a reality by founding your own online K-12 school in sunny Florida. But you might be wondering about the first steps. Well, fret no more! As a seasoned educational consultant, I've shepherded numerous investors like you through this very expedition. Let's unravel the complexities together and set you off on the right foot.
Initially, you'll be laying the groundwork of your organization – an entity that promises to offer the priceless service of education. Regardless of whether your school is a for-profit or non-profit organization, your journey commences with an application to the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations in Florida.
To Profit or Not to Profit: Understanding Your School's Tax Position
For-profit schools, much like other businesses, are obligated to pay business taxes. This means acquiring a Business Tax Certificate is a must, acting as your key to operating legally within the state. However, if you're aiming for a non-profit setup, especially with an educational or religious orientation, you might be eligible for a tax-exempt status under section 501( c )( 3 ) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
But bear in mind, tax-exemption doesn't mean you're entirely free from obtaining a Business Tax Certificate. You may still need one, but potentially without any charge. For tailored advice, your best bet is to consult your local municipality. They're your allies, there to aid you in navigating these regional processes.
Legal Navigation: Familiarizing Yourself with Florida Statutes
Once your organization is officially established, the next step involves acquainting yourself with the pertinent laws. No need for panic, you won't need a law degree for this. Florida Statutes applicable to private schools cover critical facets of operation, from annual surveys to maintaining attendance records.
As a school owner, you'll have certain responsibilities. For instance, you'll need to submit the Annual Private School Survey and your fingerprints to the FDLE for a criminal background check.
Maintaining Records: An Essential Responsibility
Record-keeping is another area where Florida Statutes have set specific guidelines. In the unlikely event of your school closing down, you're required to transfer all permanent student records to the public school district.
Compulsory attendance is a critical element as well. According to the regulations, a student must have a minimum of 170 actual school days attendance, with required instructional hours varying based on their grade level.
Stepping into the Spotlight: Registering with the Department of Education
With a firm grasp of these regulations, you can proceed to the next step: registering your school with the Department of Education. In accordance with Section 1002.42, Florida Statutes, you're mandated to report student enrollments by grade annually.
Remember, private schools must notify the Department of Education when they open, change location, or close. To facilitate this, you'll need to request a School Code and Password to register as a private school.
A Word of Caution: Accreditation and Recognition
Upon mailing a signed, notarized copy of the survey to the Department of Education, your school will be listed in the Directory of Private Schools. While this is indeed an achievement, bear in mind that it doesn't imply state approval, recognition, or accreditation.
Private schools in Florida operate independently of the State Board of Education and the local education district. This independence grants you flexibility and autonomy, but also implies you should seek professional assistance to navigate aspects like policies, courses, credits, transcripts, and accreditations.
Conclusion: Launching Your Dream Online K-12 School in Florida
And that's it – your roadmap to launching your dream online K-12 school in Florida. Always remember, while the journey may seem daunting at times, it's a rewarding endeavor. You're not just founding a school; you're constructing a legacy that will leave a lasting impact on countless lives for years to come.
As your consultant, I'm here to guide you every step of the way, transforming complex legislative jargon into understandable language and steering you on this exciting path. Together, we'll breathe life into your vision of an online K-12 school in Florida.
Should you find yourself with questions or in need of personalized assistance, I encourage you to reach out. For personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to Expert Education Consultants via email at info@experteduconsult.com with any questions you may have. This service is complimentary.
To explore customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, schedule a personalized one-on-one paid consultation with Dr. Sandra Norderhaug here. I’ve been helping clients establish educational institutions in the United States for over a decade, and I look forward to helping you, too
