FAQs
Do public homeschool charter schools require vaccinations for enrollment?
As of June 2020 in California, no. If your charter school does not have a campus and you are considered a full-time homeschooler, you are not required to be up to date on vaccines. You may need to provide a vaccine record upon enrollment, but it can be blank.
What if my child has an IEP?
You can still homeschool AND receive recommended services the public school makes available. You may need to advocate for your child to receive services when necessary. Visit the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Do homeschooled kids lack socialization?
Not usually. Many homeschool families seek out community, co-ops, enrichment, extracurriculars and other opportunities for socialization. In fact, homeschooled children often have a better range of social interactions by spending more time with adults and children of mixed ages.
Do homeschoolers get accepted to college?
Absolutely! Homeschoolers can find great success in college and being accepted to colleges and universities of choice.
How do I prepare my child for college?
When your child reaches high school, you have a few options: 1) Look into colleges and universities of interest and their requirements. Many have admissions counselors who have experience with homeschooled applicants. Some colleges and universities are more homeschool friendly than others. 2) take the PSAT to see how your child scores. Then decide on the college entry tests that are important to your student (SAT, ACT, etc.) and incorporate that into the curriculum. 3) Enroll in a local community college for dual enrollment credit. Your student may be eligible to receive both college and high school credit with dual enrollment, which can make getting into a college easier and get basic college requirements out of the way. 4) Increase extracurriculars, they are important additions to a college application!
Can single parents homeschool?
Yes, it’s possible. Much will depend on the ages of the children and the nature of work and work hours necessary by the parent. Homeschooling can be extremely flexible and the hours can match the availability of the parent.
How do I transition my child from traditional school into homeschooling?
Spend a little time deschooling (see below), and take some time to adjust. Research learning styles and educational methods that seem to fit your family. Then, set some goals and relax into a homeschooling lifestyle that feels comfortable.
What is deschooling?
The shift from traditional, government-influenced schooling to a less restricted model of education attributed most often to Ivan Illich.
How to homeschool older children when you have a toddler?
Just remember that homeschooling can be flexible. Find times when your toddler is occupied or napping to sit down with older children. Or, engage the toddler in an activity that makes them feel like they are participating in the learning while you assist or lead the older children. For more ideas, listen to our podcast in this topic!
Can I withdraw my child mid-year or do I need to wait until the end of the school year?
Yes! You can unenroll from the public school at any point during the year. Just be sure to follow the unenrollment process of your school and district. Then be sure you know the homeschool options in your state to file any necessary paperwork.