H.E.R.I Jacksonville

Benefits of H.E.R.I. Membership;

1. The Home Forum (monthly newsletter)
2. Testing and Evaluation Privileges
3. FPEA Membership included (save $10 off your FPEA membership and receive FPEA Almanac - quarterly newsletter)
4. Discounted HSLDA dues
5. The Resource Library
6. H.E.R.I. Curriculum Convention & Leadership Conference
7. Discount admission for H.E.R.I. and FPEA Conventions
8. Bookbuster - (Greater return on items sold at Annual Used Book Sale)
9. Support Group Network
10. Graduation Participation
11. Opportunities for your homeschool students

H.E.R.I. is a strong, vital volunteer organization serving the home educators of the greater Jacksonville area.  H.E.R.I.’s aims are to support, encourage, and promote excellence in family directed education and to foster unity among home educators  H.E.R.I. offers its members all these great benefits:

• The Home Forum-Our monthly newsletter informs you of what is available for you and your family through H.E.R.I. and lets you in on homeschool news and resources in Northeast Florida. H.E.R.I. members receive a discount on advertisements and can run free homeschool buy/sell ads.
• The Resource Library-Fantastic resources for H.E.R.I. members! You will have access to all sorts of books for all ages, hundreds of CD's from past conventions and workshops covering topics from preschool through college admittance, videos, science equipment including good quality microscopes which are available for onsite use and consumables such as filter papers available at cost. We offer a curricula section where you can examine curricula and a circulating section where you can check out materials. Homeschool catalogs can be perused and there are always experienced homeschoolers to help answer your questions.
• Testing and Evaluation Resources- H.E.R.I. members have access to group standardized SAT testing to help you meet the state’s annual evaluation requirement.  Our teacher referral list cites “homeschool-friendly” Florida certified teachers willing to test students or evaluate portfolios privately.
• H.E.R.I. Curriculum Convention & Leadership Conference-Members are the first to know about the top-notch speakers and curricula vendors. They are entitled to a significant admission discount on this important annual event.
• Book Buster Used Book Sale-Make money and save money! Come buy and sell used books and other educational materials at our annual Book Buster. (Members pay 10% and non members pay 20% handling charge)
• Support Group Network-The best way to grow and encourage one another is to meet on a regular basis with other homeschoolers to discuss challenges and solutions. To meet this need, the formation of smaller support groups is encouraged. These groups receive discounted membership, are advertised in the Home Forum, and receive free admission to functions specially designed to inspire and train leaders. Know you are helping other homeschoolers- Part of your membership fee goes to our website, mailing out information packets, the phone line, and assistance at the library. It is our goal to help families begin their journey with the knowledge needed to be successful.
• FREE Florida Parent-Educators Association membership-By joining H.E.R.I. you also become a member of the strong, statewide association, FPEA. You will receive a complimentary subscription to the Almanac, a membership card entitling your family to discounts and much more! Many superintendents (including ours) have backed away from troublesome or illegal requirements when faced with the might of our statewide organization.
• Home Education Foundation-Brenda Dickinson of HEF serves homeschoolers as a lobbyist in Tallahassee. She has been highly instrumental in securing and preserving our homeschool rights. Supporting HEF collectively with over 800 member families gives H.E.R.I. a voice in Tallahassee as the largest support group in Northeast Florida.

Opportunities for your homeschool students:

1. Middle- and high-school students can enter the annual H.E.R.I. Fine Art Show
2. Students of grades K-12 can enter the H.E.R.I. Science Fair where winners can go on to compete in the Kiwanis Regional Science Fair
3. Students are given a certificate of promotion with special recognition for graduating seniors at the H.E.R.I. Grade Promotion and Talent Show. Kindergartners enjoy a cap and gown graduation and all ages wow us with their talents. Afterwards, everyone is invited to a reception to celebrate the school year’s end.
4. The Junior / Senior Banquet is our formal prom alternative
5. Graduating seniors participate in a H.E.R.I. favorite memory-making tradition – Grad Night at Disney – and the beloved H.E.R.I. Graduation, a beautiful, meaningful commencement ceremony and reception.
6. Other H.E.R.I. activities include seminars, field trips and various get-togethers.

The H.E.R.I. Website The website provides the most current information about happenings in the homeschooling community - locally, state-wide and on international levels. We offer information and resources through our featured links. Let us help you find answers to those difficult questions.

How Do I Join? Join on the web site (choose Join H.E.R.I. from main menu) , send in your membership application and dues (Membership Form) or join through a support group. To obtain an application, download one from our website at www.herijax.com, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to H.E.R.I., PO Box 551067, Jacksonville, FL 32255-1067, requesting an application. If we can be of service to you, and you are currently homeschooling or plan to, we would like you to join us.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY - Memberships cancelled within 5 business days will be refunded, minus the $1 surcharge for online transactions.  No cancellations after 5 business days will be accepted.