Homeschooled students in grades 9-12 are eligible for membership in the Rho Tau chapter of ESA. ESA uses the HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) definition of homeschooler. According to the HSLDA, a student must complete 50% of his/her studies at home under the direct supervision of the parent. Co-ops, group classes, and even community college courses are acceptable as long as the 50% rule is followed. Students enrolled in public school programs, charter school programs, full-time college programs, or other programs where more than 50% of the school time is spent in the supervision of a school setting or where the public school receives 50% funding for the student’s attendance or where the public school system, umbrella school, on-line school assigns the grades without parent participation, are not eligible for ESA membership.

As a requirement of the national office of Eta Sigma Alpha, achievement test scores are used to establish a measure of academic success for membership since GPAs among homeschoolers are not standardized. For details about which tests are accepted and minimum scores required, please see the Membership Requirements Link

To retain membership with the Rho Tau chapter of ESA the following participation requirements must be met: Attend a minimum of 50% of the bi-monthly in-person meetings Attend a minimum of 50% of the bi-monthly zoom meetings Miss no more than 2 of the service projects/social events per year Payment of annual dues Our monthly meetings are held from 1pm to 3pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month, rotated between online meetings and in-person meetings in the Citrus Park/Carrollwood area. A full calendar of meetings and events will be shared with members.

Initial first-year chapter dues are $100 per student. Renewal dues are $50 per student per year. Chapter dues are intended to cover the chapter’s annual registration fee to the national organization, cover the costs of basic office supplies, service project materials, refreshments, and other administrative costs. Dues are non-refundable and non-transferable. There may be entrance or admission fees to social activities that members plan. In addition, members may be asked to contribute items for collections or fundraising efforts.

Click here for a New Member Application. After submitting your application, please send all required documentation in ONE EMAIL to: rhotau.esahonor@gmail.com. Upon approval of your application, an invoice for $100 will be sent due upon receipt. Please submit ALL of the following documentation in ONE email. The Membership Requirements provide full detail. Please email with questions prior to submission, if needed. Headshot/portrait photo A copy of test scores Transcripts showing 3.5 GPA or higher Letters of recommendation (academic, extracurricular/employment, social) - please provide 1 letter from each category 250-500 word essay written by applicant. Prompt: How has homeschooling prepared you for the world, a career, and higher education after high school? For membership renewal, please click here [link not yet active].