How to Homeschool Children in California

In the state of California, students between ages six and 18 are required to attend some type of full-time day school, be it public or private.

The education code states, "California's compulsory education law (EC 48200) requires each person between six and eighteen years of age to attend public, full-time day school, and requires their parents or guardians to send them, unless legally exempt. The two principal exemptions are (1) instruction in a private, full-time day school, or (2) instruction by a tutor or other person holding a valid California teaching credential for the grade level being taught (EC 48220, 48222, 48224)." ₍₁₎

So if a traditional public school is not working out for you and or your student, that leaves two options; a private school, or a credentialed tutor. There is however, another public school option.

A public charter school.

Charter schools are still public schools, publicly funded and ran under similar regulations as traditional public schools, however they are apart of the California Education Reform in order to provide alternatives for students in the traditional public school.

A charter school is, "A Public school that may provide instruction in any of grades K-12 that are created or organized by a group of teachers, parents, community leaders or a community-based organization." ₍₂₎

Many charter schools offer various options for those who would like to home school, they include:
Meeting with a credentialed teach every few weeks to check on the progress of what is being taught at home, in addition to extra curricular classes on-site, or local businesses through public funding.

They also have a Full time day school program, just as a regular public school; however student to teacher ratio is usually smaller, as well as the entire student body.

Often entire schools are based on a theme such as Art, Science, or Technology, and emphasis is placed on these in general classes as well as extra curricular.

Independent Studies programs. Public school as well as charter schools offer independent studies to students in grades 9-12, in which the student is basically on their own. They are given assignments to complete, and meet with a credentialed teacher on a weekly or biweekly basis to turn that work in.

If assistance is needed it is up to the student to find this on their own. Often times the charter school itself may have resources such as tutoring, etc.
There are even on-line charter schools now. You simply login to the website with your user name and password. A calendar and task list comes up on the screen, telling you what your assignments are.

Your books and materials are sent to you in the mail.

You meet with a teach once every few months, receive progress reports etc. Many on-line charters schools, even have local support groups in which students enrolled in the same school get together and do things with one another.

Hiring a credentialed tutor can be expensive and very stressful. Deciding on who is the most qualified, checking their background, making sure they are available at a time that is most convenient for you etc. Typically tutors specialize In a specific subject such as Math, or English, and it may be difficult to find a tutor to teach your student everything that they need, and a tutor must have a credential in the subject in which they are teaching.

Your last option is private school. Just as there are various types of public schools, or public school programs such as charter school, independent studies there are many private school options.

Of course there is a traditional private school, in which you pay a monthly tuition for your student to attend during the day just as a public school. Often times you will find private schools that are religious based, and or based on a certain type of teaching method, like Montessori etc.

Recently however; there have been private school established that offer program specifically for home schoolers. They are often referred to as umbrella schools.

They themselves are private schools, and offer programs and resources targeted to home schoolers, such as correspondence via postal mail or the computer.

This is known as distance learning.

Some private schools have been established as community co-operatives in which there are various classes that students can enroll similar to a community center, but have you considered establishing your own private school. It's really a lot easier than it sounds.

In the state of California a private school is, "Reporting information for persons, firms, associations, partnerships, or corporations offering or conducting a full-time day school at the elementary or high school level for students between six and eighteen years of age." ₍₃₎

Sounds pretty easy. It is, in fact this is the way that I home school my three children, as well as a few for family and friends.

Private school are required to teach the general subjects in the English language such as math, reading, history, science, and physical education.

What you decided to teach and how you teach is up to you.

Private schools are also required to keep records of the courses they offer, the teachers that each, and the students that attend at the location listed on the private school affidavit. The private school affidavit is simply a form that can be completed on-line which lists teacher, and students, and location information about the school established, and that's it.

Currently private school instructors are not required to hold any type of credential, they are simply required to be " capable of teaching" so until and if that changes this is a legal option to home school, and if it is changed image the millions of private schools that will be affected in the state of California, simply because they want to make it difficult or illegal to home school in California.

Sources Cited

1. http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/

2. http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cs/re/csabout.asp

3. http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/