H.E.R.I Jacksonville

H.E.R.I. is a volunteer organization, of almost 800 families serving homeschoolers in the northeast Florida region. Essentially, we are a support group of other smaller support groups, home-based private schools and individuals, and as such offer unlimited opportunities for serving and encouraging one another. Home Educational Resources and Information, better known as HERI (?hurry?) was established in 1985 to provide support and communication between homeschoolers. Soon after the homeschool law was enacted HERI provided support to home schoolers registering with the superintendent?s office, as well as those registering with 600 schools. HERI began with the HOME FORUM, its monthly newsletter, which provided a vehicle for communication between homeschoolers. Other services were added as volunteers surfaced and needs became evident. HERI is a non-profit corporation organized for all homeschoolers regardless of race, creed or other homeschooling alliances. HERI is NOT a school, or in any way a legal covering for homeschoolers. Information is provided, but homeschooling parents bear the ultimate responsibility for establishing their homeschool programs within the boundaries of the law. All parents considering homeschooling should thoroughly research and read all guidelines and laws before beginning.

H.E.R.I.'s Mission Statement:
*Strengthen homeschooling families by providing resources and networks for success.
*Promote unity and support in the local homeschool community.
*Promote unity in homeschooling at the state and national levels.
*Promote homeschool to as an equally viable alternative to education.
*Promote homeschool accomplishments before business, colleges, and the general public.
We are volunteer organization that operates under Christian principles and we reserve the right to pray before, during, and after any and all activities, meetings, in the name of Jesus Christ the Only Unique Son of Jehovah, God.

 All services are contingent upon the availability and willingness of its members to volunteer. Currently offered are:

1. THE HOME FORUM - A monthly newsletter containing information concerning what is available for you and your family through HERI, as well as news and other resources in North East Florida for homeschoolers.
2. The Resource Library - is located at 400 Cahoon Road South, Call 783-8197 for the schedule of open hours. Books, tapes, videos and some science equipment are available for members to check out. Information catalogs and handouts on various subjects are available as well as library assistants who can help answer your questions.  The library is opened Mondays and Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
3. HERI Testing - is offered to HERI members only. Group standardized testing is offered to meet the year end evaluation requirement of the public school superintendent's office, as well as in the testing requirements of many home based private schools. Registration deadline is always announced in the HOME FORUM and testing is done in April/May (An additional fee is charged for this service).  For those not testing with H.E.R.I. or desiring an alternate form of evaluation, a Teacher Referral List of state-certified teachers willing to test or evaluate home schoolers is available on this site.
4. Curriculum Convention - This includes many seminars on homeschooling as well as many curriculum vendors. This event is held in July.
5. Used Book Sale - Book Buster - This is an event where you can sell your used books as well as buy others used books and is held at the end of the school year in June.
6. Other Activities - include seminars, science fairs, senior graduation, Grad Nite, Jr./Sr. Banquet, grade promotion events and various get-togethers.

SUPPORT GROUPS

H.E.R.I. is committed to the success of individuals who homeschool. The best way to grow and encourage one another is to meet on a regular basis with other home schoolers to share problems and solutions. This is a seemingly impossible task for an organization of 800+ families scattered across a city the size of Jacksonville! Smaller support groups are therefore formed and encouraged to meet this need. See our local groups listed on our website under Resources in the main menu and contacts page in the HOME FORUM for a support group near you. 

HOME BASED PRIVATE SCHOOLS (623/617 SCHOOLS)

Home based private schools are similar to support groups except that they also cover home schoolers legally. Before the enactment of the Home Education Act of 1985 (Florida Statute 232.02(3)), families desiring to teach their children at home often incorporated to form home-based private schools under Florida Statutes 623 or 617 in order to legally cover themselves while homeschooling. With the Home Education Act (Florida Statute 232.02(3)), many new families chose to home school under the new law. The most common reasons for joining a 623 or 617 school are 1) increased support and accountability and 2) personal and religious convictions concerning submission of parental authority to the government.  You can find a list on our website under Resources in the main menu and in the HOME FORUM.