Homeschool enrollment requires a little homework on the part of parents. Although the state does not publish many statics on homeschool students, this doesn’t mean they aren’t collecting data on these students within the state. The responsibility for this data collection often falls to the homeschooling parent, meaning they must know their responsibility for their homeschool option.
Homeschool Enrollment in California Falls Under Four Options
The first homeschooling option requires filing a private school affidavit. This allows you to remove your child from public school and open your “own school.” In this situation, all record-keeping must be done by the parent and an online affidavit must be filed every school year that your instruction unit operates. This option, while an increase in record-keeping, often attracts parents for the great amount of education flexibility.
The second option allows a parent to become a teacher within a private school satellite program, who file paperwork. These schools often provide sample curriculum packages and group activities options. A step beyond this is enrolling in a public school independent-study program or public charter school. There is still flexibility on what a homeschool parent may teach, but it must fall within the specific program’s policy and filed permissions. This is offset with provided materials and state funds for some instruction elements.
The final option California allows is hiring a credentialed tutor. Tutors must be certified for the student’s current grate level and must engage in instruction for a three-hour minimum at least 175 days a year. However, you receive tailor-made instruction during regulated hours.
If you’re considering homeschool enrollment in California, explore your options with professionals like those at Lumen Learning, who can explain the benefits and drawbacks for your specific education situation committing to any specific program.
