Homeschool benefits and savings in South Daytona
The South Daytona Community Trust awards a $1,500 scholarship, paid straight to the college or vocational school, for tuition, books, or related costs. High school seniors who live in South Daytona can apply, homeschoolers included; the 2026 deadline was May 1, so ask the city when the next cycle opens.
Who qualifies
Lives in South Daytona
The student must be a resident of the City of South Daytona.
Has a college acceptance
Show proof of acceptance into a college, university, or other post-secondary school.
Shows service and a recommendation
Provide community service proof signed by a school counselor and at least one high school recommendation; ask the city who signs for homeschoolers.
What it is worth
The 2026 award was $1,500, deposited directly with the winner's school for tuition, books, or related educational expenses.
- Scholarship award
- $1,500
- Paid to
- The college or vocational school
- Allowed uses
- Tuition, books, or related costs
- Essay length
- 500 words
The city describes one award recipient chosen by the Community Trust Board of Directors, so many applicants may not win.
From applying to keeping it
- Senior year
Get accepted
Secure an acceptance letter from a college, university, or post-secondary school.
- Before the deadline
Write the essay
Write a double-spaced, 500-word essay titled "How Does Volunteerism Benefit My Community?" with your student's name, address, high school name, and phone number.
- By the spring deadline
Submit the application
In 2026, submissions were due Friday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. Call the city at 386-322-3014 for the next deadline and where to submit.
- May City Council meeting
Award announced
The 2026 winner was announced at the May 12 City Council meeting, and the money goes directly to the school.
What it pays for
Covered
- Tuition
- Books
- Related educational expenses
Not covered
- Cash paid to the family
- Students who live outside South Daytona
Who to contact
City staff answer questions about the Community Trust scholarship and how to submit an application.
386-322-3014 2026 scholarship notice
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Florida
You must file the initial written notice with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting. You must file a termination notice and the annual evaluation within 30 days of ending the program.
Florida sets these rules:
- Subjects: Parent-directed instruction; Florida law does not prescribe a specific curriculum for a home education program.
- Testing: Provide an annual educational evaluation using one statutory method; a portfolio review is one option, and an alternate method requires agreement with the district superintendent.
- Records: Keep a portfolio with an activities log made as instruction occurs, reading-material titles, and work samples. Preserve it for two years and make it available for inspection on 15 days’ written notice.
- Teachers: Florida does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Florida also has two education savings accounts that home-educated students can use.
- The Personalized Education Program funds a Florida K-12 student's approved education costs through a scholarship organization, with income and priority rules. It is separate from registering a home education program with your district.
- The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities funds approved education and disability costs for a student with a qualifying disability, including one in a registered home education program. The award depends on the disability and its services.
Read the Florida homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Florida
Questions parents ask
- Can a homeschooled senior apply for the South Daytona Community Trust scholarship?
- Yes. The city's criteria say the student must be a senior currently enrolled in high school, home school included, and live in South Daytona.
- Who signs the South Daytona community service proof for a homeschooled student?
- The city has not said, so call 386-322-3014 to ask. The criteria ask for a school counselor's signature and a high school recommendation.
- Is the money paid to us?
- No. The award is deposited directly with the college or vocational school your student attends.
- What goes in the essay?
- A double-spaced, 500-word essay titled "How Does Volunteerism Benefit My Community?" Include your student's name, address, high school name, and phone number.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Each grant limits the expenses it covers. Where curriculum is eligible, it can pay for the teaching and feedback your child receives in our courses.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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