How to Homeschool Legally in California
Page 1 of 1
How to Homeschool Legally in California
Sarah Wilson Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:43 am
One of the questions many people have who are unfamiliar with homeschooling is “Is it legal?” In all 50 states, the answer is “Yes!”
Each state has the authority to decide what qualifies as homeschooling and how or if it will be monitored. In California, there are four ways to legally homeschool. All this information, and much more, can be found on the HomeSchool Association of California (www.hsc.org) website.
1) Establish a Private School
Each October, private schools file an online Private School Affidavit (PSA, formerly known as an R-4), stating the name the school, contact information, how many students in grades 1-12 (contrary to popular belief, kindergarten is not mandatory in California), etc. Private schools must maintain certain records, but it is nothing too onerous.
By filing as a private school, the homeschool family becomes independent of the public school system, and has complete control over curriculum, education methods, and attendance. This option allows families to experiment with learning, as well as address the specific needs of the children.
2) Using a Private Satellite Program (PSP)
In addition to private schools run by homeschooling families, there are many private schools that offer homeschooling programs. An interested family would enroll their child in one of these programs, and then not file a PSA.
3) Using a Public ISP or Charter School
Public ISPs and charter schools are part of the public school system, and are accountable as such. ISPs (Independent Study Programs) can offer educational support and guidance. Charter “homeschools” offer teachers, classes, and materials to homeschool families, without the child necessarily sitting in a classroom everyday.
4) Tutoring
Parents with valid teaching credentials can act as tutors for their children. Parents may also hire credentialed tutors. Tutors, whether they are the parents or employed by the parents, must hold a valid California state credential for the grade(s) and subject(s) being taught, and must fulfill other certain legal requirements.
What is NOT legal is to NOT have your child enrolled in a school program of some sort, whether it is public or private. Homeschool associations and groups do not advocate families pursuing this course.
Each state has the authority to decide what qualifies as homeschooling and how or if it will be monitored. In California, there are four ways to legally homeschool. All this information, and much more, can be found on the HomeSchool Association of California (www.hsc.org) website.
1) Establish a Private School
Each October, private schools file an online Private School Affidavit (PSA, formerly known as an R-4), stating the name the school, contact information, how many students in grades 1-12 (contrary to popular belief, kindergarten is not mandatory in California), etc. Private schools must maintain certain records, but it is nothing too onerous.
By filing as a private school, the homeschool family becomes independent of the public school system, and has complete control over curriculum, education methods, and attendance. This option allows families to experiment with learning, as well as address the specific needs of the children.
2) Using a Private Satellite Program (PSP)
In addition to private schools run by homeschooling families, there are many private schools that offer homeschooling programs. An interested family would enroll their child in one of these programs, and then not file a PSA.
3) Using a Public ISP or Charter School
Public ISPs and charter schools are part of the public school system, and are accountable as such. ISPs (Independent Study Programs) can offer educational support and guidance. Charter “homeschools” offer teachers, classes, and materials to homeschool families, without the child necessarily sitting in a classroom everyday.
4) Tutoring
Parents with valid teaching credentials can act as tutors for their children. Parents may also hire credentialed tutors. Tutors, whether they are the parents or employed by the parents, must hold a valid California state credential for the grade(s) and subject(s) being taught, and must fulfill other certain legal requirements.
What is NOT legal is to NOT have your child enrolled in a school program of some sort, whether it is public or private. Homeschool associations and groups do not advocate families pursuing this course.
Sarah Wilson- Posts : 4
Join date : 2010-04-21
Similar topicsPage 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum|
|
|