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Interest in home schooling could spike after Parkland shooting

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On the surface it may look like any ordinary high school science fair, but all the students gathered at Center Point Community Church are home schooled.

"I always tell people that, when they ask well where do your kids go to school?  I say oh well our school is fantastic, there are no drugs, no bullies, no shootings," said Sal Bazaz.

The Golden Gate resident has three kids, ages 9 through 13 that are home schooled.

The number of home schooled students in Collier County could grow in the wake of the Parkland shooting.

"I think people are still trying to get over the shock of the whole
situation, and when they look forward to what their students are doing next year, then it makes sense to make a change," said Michelle Estes, of CHEAC, the Christian Home Educators Association of Collier County.

Estes says interest in home schooling may spike because the Parkland shooting took place so close to Collier County.

She also thinks parents will appreciate learning plans tailored to their child, and the one-on-one attention they can give them.

"Because our kids are with us, we get to know them as people.  We get to be a part of their learning."

Bazaz says its that safe, familiar environment of home which convinced him it was the right place for his children's classes.

"Obviously all the dangers are out there, and if we can do anything to lessen that, then of course we are going to do it."

Florida law requires a home schooled student be evaluated by a certified teacher annually.