Homeschooling in Color Expo comes to Tallahassee

Homeschool classroom decorated by Trishay Burton and Nia Iyanu
Photo submitted by Christina Compere

Trishay Burton wants melanin babies to be educated in environments that represent who they are and who they will become.

This led Burton to start an annual expo that focuses on homeschooling geared toward black children. She started this annual expo to equip parents with the tools and knowledge to better educate their children in a safe, comfortable environment.

“I chose to homeschool because I’m tired of the same system taking our children in and not having their best interest at heart. Nobody can tell me they can.” said Burton. “I have a plan to create a homeschooling co-op in Tallahassee for melanin children once my daughter reaches age.”

According to the 2017 annual Florida Department of Education report, more than 37,000 students are home schooled in the state of Florida. More than 1,000 live in Leon County. North Florida Christian Academy offers the option for parents to become certified and teach their child from home. Teachers at NFC also have the option of offering online courses for students in grades 6-12.

One of the administrators at NFC Academy recently stated in the Digital Journal press release, "NFC Academy is a homeschooling provider with a difference. We are catering to the homeschooling needs of full-time, part-time, transfer, and international students with a purpose to meet needs of a growing and exciting group of students. Our programs are comprehensive, learning-oriented, and accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Our strength lies in merging modern education with a biblical worldview to create a value based, compassionate, and spiritually committed society."

Once a homeschooled child completes the 180 days of coursework for their grade level, a state of Florida certified evaluator will come to the home and view their class portfolio or have the student complete a standardized test.

Charles Tucker, a certified teacher, homeschool parent and state evaluator for home-educated children, said he travels to several counties every month to evaluate home school children wanting to get promoted or go to college. 

Students learning in their local homeschool classroom
Photo submitted by Christina Compere

"It’s a different process for homeschool children to get into college. The state and national law requires an annual evaluation by a certified teacher," Tucker said. "The work in a student’s portfolio or a standardized test will determine if they are ready for the next grade level. High school seniors, for instance, have the option of taking the SAT or to submit a portfolio."

According to the Florida Parent Educators website, Brenda Dickenson and her Late husband Craig were pioneers for the present-day home education scene. Dickenson homeschooled her two children from kindergarten through high school. 
Their work with the Legislature has allowed home education students the opportunity to apply for Bright Future scholarships, participation in dual enrollment, extra curricular activities and the Florida Virtual School.

The Homeschooling in Color Expo event is run under Burton’s company Nurturology, LLC, which focuses on natural and holistic ways to heal mommy and baby through health, education, business/finance and spirituality. It will be held on Jan. 19, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tallahassee Community College Workforce Development Center on Appleyard Drive. Visit www.nurturology.net for more information.