Tell me about charter schools in CA please

[Ellie]

I've never actually heard of a charter that gives money to the families. That would be income and would be taxable.

All the charters I know about have the parent submit a request for classes or materials and then the school issues a purchase order directly to the vendor.

 

That's what I meant. :-)

[daijobu]

From what everyone has said it sounds easy to walk away from if you change your mind.

 

Sort of.  If you have purchased non-consumable items, you will be asked to return them.  But really, that's not the best use of OG money anyway.  The best way is to use OG money for classes, so you don't need to keep track of what belongs to OG, what is considered "consumable," and what needs to be returned.  I'm not sure what happens if you quit immediately after OG has paid for a semester of tuition.  

 

I had a super-cool OG who has let me keep some non-consumable items MONTHS after I quit OG.  Just because she's so very nice.  If you are on the peninsula (near Menlo Park) and need an ES recommendation, PM me.  

[KrissiK]

I've never actually heard of a charter that gives money to the families. That would be income and would be taxable.

All the charters I know about have the parent submit a request for classes or materials and then the school issues a purchase order directly to the vendor.

Ahh, so they don't just hand you a wad of cash money and tell you to go have fun, as long as it is educational. Well, that doesn't sound like so much fun to me! ;)

[Maela]

We've belonged to a charter in the central valley for 2 1/2 years now and have been very happy with it.  When I've read/heard about other charter schools in the area, it seems that our charter is very relaxed and gives us a lot of freedom (but less money).  

 

I like that my kids can *choose* to take various classes at the school.  None are required.  There's also a choir that they've been a part of, musical instrument classes, plays, a geography bee, etc.  They give us $250 I think each semester for outside classes.  There's a big room packed with curriculum, books, maps, paper, and math manipulatives for us to use (obviously nonconsumables must be returned).  The whole place is very family friendly, so that when dd is taking a three hour long class, ds and I hang out and do some school work, talk to other parents/play with other kids, go to the library, play on the playground...  It just works really well for us.  We are there 2-3 times a month for 2-4 hours at a time, which is plenty because we're 25 minutes from the school.

 

The only requirements are that we meet with our E.C. once per learning period (6-8 weeks), turn in a couple of samples from each core subject (pictures, writing, drawings, anything seems to go), and keep "attendance" (which they've specifically told me is "any day we do anything educational").  I can choose whichever curriculum I like and implement it in whatever way I like.  I don't have to turn in lesson plans; just give our E.C. a general idea of what we might be learning about in the next eight weeks.  The kids love our E.C. meetings because they get to show off what they know and our E.C. is super nice. 

 

But I know that every charter is different.  I really feel lucky to have this one near us.

[Roadrunner]

Ahh, so they don't just hand you a wad of cash money and tell you to go have fun, as long as it is educational. Well, that doesn't sound like so much fun to me! ;)

Well actually it is. They are paying for music lessons, nature study, horseback riding, martial arts - all the things my kids dreamed about but couldn't afford.

[kitten18]

Ahh, so they don't just hand you a wad of cash money and tell you to go have fun, as long as it is educational. Well, that doesn't sound like so much fun to me! ;)

No, it's not just a pile of cash (which you would have to pay taxes on) but the $1,600/year I get for each kid is still mine to spend how I want on curricula, books, classes, extracurriculars, etc.

[JenneinCA]

The people that use Ocean Grove or Connecting Waters around here use them for lessons and classes mostly. There is a wildlife program that is very expensive that I know one person used their money for. (Riekes, if you are local) It worked really well while the kids were elementary aged and doing elementry school stuff. She is looking at not using the charter next year because her oldest will be ready for high school level math and the hoops for a-g labeling are too much.

[anabelneri]

I have a friend who has her oldest in 9th grade now, and she stuck with OG but decided to not do the UC track so they don't have to do the A-G classes.  They can use their funds as they wish and high school as they wish.  I think she might have him take the CHSPE at some point and enroll in a community college, then pick his 4-year college from there and transfer.  I'm curious to see how it plays out for them.

 

I love my ES too... she is totally chill.  She lives near Santa Cruz but has families in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, and Mountain View.  Basically she wants people as close to highway (though not 101) as she can get.  I can give you her name if you PM me, but she tends to be full.

 

:)

[Momto4inSoCal]

This thread is old but I searched for AoPS and somehow ended up here  :confused1:  . We are with Sky Mountain Charter (LA county) and love it! I have heard some people that are against them. Mostly along the lines of a government conspiracy to take over homeschooling. Could it be true? Maybe, I'm a little more into the simplest answer is most often true theory but if things seem to be going downhill with the charter I wouldn't hesitate to take my kids out. Right now they do a lot of fun classes that I would not be willing to pay for if it weren't for the charter. My daughters both take piano, one is taking voice lessons, the other is having a tutor come for sewing lessons. We've done knitting classes, cooking classes, bowling classes, clay sculpting, circus gymnastic class. The biggest problem for me is learning to constrain myself with all the classes. I buy most of my curriculum and use their money for supplies (pencils, ink, arts and crafts) and classes. The thing it has helped with is I have ADHD and have a hard time staying on track. Knowing that someone is looking at our work and having someone to ask questions (although I've found this board more helpful than my ES) helps me. They do give you the state standard and while I don't follow the common core standards it's nice to know where the public school kids are at. The testing actually helps reassure me on the days I feel like I'm failing. I can look at the scores and realize we are doing fine. My daughter needs speech therapy and they provide that. They also have given us access to cool websites like discovery education, brain pop and ixl. The one thing they won't pay for is a team sport so we still have to pay for that. 

[908874]

This is an older thread but it answered a lot of questions I had on this matter. We just moved to CA from another state that does not offer any funds and was wondering about this. I am indeed looking at Sky Mountain Charter for next year, which is the one that serves our area. We will see if it works out since I have yet to get a response from the enrollment team and the ES. So thank you Momto4inSoCal for your post and everyone else for the insightful comments. 

[SeaConquest]

I believe that Sky Mountain is one of the higher $$$ charters in CA. I wish they were in San Diego! Good luck, and welcome to CA!

[CardinalAlt]

This is an older thread but it answered a lot of questions I had on this matter. We just moved to CA from another state that does not offer any funds and was wondering about this. I am indeed looking at Sky Mountain Charter for next year, which is the one that serves our area. We will see if it works out since I have yet to get a response from the enrollment team and the ES. So thank you Momto4inSoCal for your post and everyone else for the insightful comments.

When I did my initial paperwork for Sky Mountain, it was months before I heard back, basically a week before their school year would begin! So don't worry if it takes a while, I think it's about them firming up which students are returning, recruiting new ES's, etc. :). I already had most of my plans set for curriculum, so that wasn't an issue, and then a dream list of classes/activities to sign DD up for if Sky Mountain worked out. It's been great for us, finishing up our 2nd year now!

[908874]

When I did my initial paperwork for Sky Mountain, it was months before I heard back, basically a week before their school year would begin! So don't worry if it takes a while, I think it's about them firming up which students are returning, recruiting new ES's, etc. :). I already had most of my plans set for curriculum, so that wasn't an issue, and then a dream list of classes/activities to sign DD up for if Sky Mountain worked out. It's been great for us, finishing up our 2nd year now!

 

Thank you for letting me know. I have been asking myself when and if they will call me back. I am having fun with my dream list of classes :)

[AdventuresinHomeschooling]

We have a charter here in SoCal that many people I have met attend. You can do the full homeschooling where you meet with the specialist and do work samples, or you can attend twice a week, and they cover the full curriculum. There are electives you can attend for the first. Our stipend is only about 550, I think, and it will not go towards religious curriculum. Another mom said to just make sure their sample isn't religious, but the rub for me is that in the manual, they explicitly state that by attending the charter, you become a public school employee. You must do 4 hours a day minimum, and during those hours you consider instructional time, you cannot teach any religious material or comment on religion. If a child mentions something about God, you can acknowledge it, but you cannot teach anything about it. For some, this is no big deal.

 

For me, I would pay $1000 to be able to talk about my faith with my children when I teach them. No, our faith doesn't always come up during math or grammar, but I homeschool for that freedom and those teachable moments. I suppose I could "stop the clock," but you are really considered a state employee teaching your own child. I also homeschool to go at my own pace and for the flexibility in scheduling. I like being able to go to Disneyland when there isn't a crowd and not be tied to traveling within a school calendar.

 

This particular charter school even calls itself a Classical school, but it is aligned to state standards and Common Core. I am not really sure what is so classical about it.

 

It looks enticing to be able to do those extracurriculars and have curriculum assistance, but I would prefer a co-op setting where I can pick and choose. I am not interested for elementary at all. I'd consider it for high school, but high school is 4 days a week or none...you can't cherry pick classes. I'd like to outsource math and science in the upper levels, but why would I drive across town to go to a 4 day a week Common Core charter when I live in a top rated Common Core CA district where they can go for free? A co-op setting would be great, but I have not seen as many co-ops as when I lived in places. I suspect the charter is filling that need for many.

 

I have no issue with charters in principle so long as the state still recognizes my freedom to be independent. I would like to look at a good PSP, and MIGHT consider a good charter for high school for the ability to have a solid diploma for my kids, but I am not sure the hoops described above would be worth it. They definitely aren't worth it for elementary to me. And no, we don't make anywhere near 200k a year and are finding CA much more expensive than VA. But if money were the only deciding factor, well, public school is free with extracurriculars and would free me up to get a job. And I have a top rated school in my neighborhood.

[amsunshine]

Since kindergarten is not compulsory in California. I would not recommend officially enrolling a 5yo anywhere.

 

Furthermore, you should be aware that charter schools, whether they are home-based (including on-line programs) or classroom-based are public schools. Students enrolled in charter schools are considered public school students, not private school students, and so must comply with attendance and testing requirements, plus any other random requirements for content that classroom-based schools must comply with.

 

Personally, I would not give up the freedom to choose my own educational methods and practices in return for money from the state. As a private homeschooler, I get to pay for what I want to with my children, and I don't ever have to test or keep track of attendance or answer to an outside authority of any kind. 

 

Some charter schools may be restrictive, as this poster suggests, but a number these days are not.  So, you should do your due diligence and find out what the charter schools around your area are like.

 

Our charter school has been a dream.  I have absolute freedom to choose my dc's curriculum (although the school won't pay for openly religious curriculum).  We are not Christians, so this is not a problem for us.  However, there are some Christian programs I've liked that I still use, such as Memoria Press, but we just ignore the religious tidbits that are occasionally included therein. The school may or may not buy this curriculum for us, depending upon how religious they think it is.  I use things like MP literature guides and teach my kids (using the guides) literature, sans the religious stuff.  My reports include what I teach them which is related to literature/academics, and that is that.  If you happen to be religious, fine -- teach them religion, but that is your private business, and not schoolwork.   

 

There is testing required, but testing is a fact of life, if you want your kids to enter college.  Don't sweat it.  If your kids do well, great.  If not, no matter.  Many kids don't do well with standardized tests, and the new common core tests are still being ironed out. No colleges are going to ask them how they did on their elementary standardized tests, lol.  Just work toward giving your kids the education you feel is best for them and go from there. 

 

The funds for curriculum from the charter school my children attend have enabled our family to homeschool and our children have benefitted immeasurably.  It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely something to investigate thoroughly.  My oldest daughter tried out a regular brick and mortar school this year to test the waters as she was curious and a friend was going to the school.  After a month, we all knew she had to come back home because of how far ahead she was of her peers.  It was a little frightening, actually.  But reassuring, at the same time.  Homeschooling with mom is the best thing for our family.

[SeaConquest]

Some charter schools may be restrictive, as this poster suggests, but a number these days are not.  So, you should do your due diligence and find out what the charter schools around your area are like.

 

Our charter school has been a dream.  I have absolute freedom to choose my dc's curriculum (although the school won't pay for openly religious curriculum).  We are not Christians, so this is not a problem for us.  However, there are some Christian programs I've liked that I still use, such as Memoria Press, but we just ignore the religious tidbits that are occasionally included therein. The school may or may not buy this curriculum for us, depending upon how religious they think it is.  I use things like MP literature guides and teach my kids (using the guides) literature, sans the religious stuff.  My reports include what I teach them which is related to literature/academics, and that is that.  If you happen to be religious, fine -- teach them religion, but that is your private business, and not schoolwork.   

 

There is testing required, but testing is a fact of life, if you want your kids to enter college.  Don't sweat it.  If your kids do well, great.  If not, no matter.  Many kids don't do well with standardized tests, and the new common core tests are still being ironed out. No colleges are going to ask them how they did on their elementary standardized tests, lol.  Just work toward giving your kids the education you feel is best for them and go from there. 

 

The funds for curriculum from the charter school my children attend have enabled our family to homeschool and our children have benefitted immeasurably.  It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely something to investigate thoroughly.  My oldest daughter tried out a regular brick and mortar school this year to test the waters as she was curious and a friend was going to the school.  After a month, we all knew she had to come back home because of how far ahead she was of her peers.  It was a little frightening, actually.  But reassuring, at the same time.  Homeschooling with mom is the best thing for our family.

 

Since this thread was resurrected, I wanted to comment on this part specifically for religiously-minded homeschoolers considering a CA charter. We use predominantly secular materials, but, as was described above, our charter has been fine with purchasing Rod & Staff Spelling, Behrman House Hebrew, and Memoria Press New American Cursive. I know homeschoolers who have turned in Apologia Science as work samples, and another local charter that actually had Sonlight materials in their resource center for check out. All of this depends wildly on the charter, and I am not sure how some of this is even legal TBH. But, at least in San Diego County, it seems to be less the exception than the rule.

 

A new charter just opened up here last year that is offering $1800 for K-8 and $2400 for 9-12 per child. I looked at their vendor list, just out of curiosity, and they already included organizations like AOPS and the WTMA among their vendors. So yes, research thoroughly, as that money can make a substantial difference in the lives of many homeschoolers.  

[AdventuresinHomeschooling]

I would love to know more about that charter.

 

I know of some who have used religious curricula and just submitted a different worksheet for their sample, or perhaps they have a looser relationship with their specialist, but everything I read suggested that it could not be counted, and as a public school teacher, you were regulated as to what you could say and do, which seems unnatural to me. If others find this not to be the case, I would love to understand more. We just recently relocated to CA and had nothing quite like this in our old state.

 

It's not that I need religious curricula and use mostly WTM or secular curricula anyways, but I would not want to be limited if I feel a religious curriculum best fits my family's needs. I also believe that one's worldview will guide the discussion of particular topics regardless if it is approached from a Christian perspective, secular humanist perspective or other. You do not teach in a vacuum. I am teaching my children more than academics. I see academics as a part of the whole of how I raise my children, and I would not approach our educational relationship any differently than I approach other topics not regulated by the state.

 

I am mindful of these charter options for the upper grades, but as of now, I am enjoying the freedom and flexibility we have as we are fairly new in our homeschool journey. But I always take each year as it comes, and I do not feel in any way that these charter schoolers are not real homeschoolers. Homeschooling looks so very different than it did 20 years ago, and everyone has to do what is right for their family.

 

P.s. I didn't realize this was an old thread when I first responded as it popped up as a *hot* thread. Sorry.

[AdventuresinHomeschooling]

I would love to know more about that charter.

 

I know of some who have used religious curricula and just submitted a different worksheet for their sample, or perhaps they have a looser relationship with their specialist, but everything I read suggested that it could not be counted, and as a public school teacher, you were regulated as to what you could say and do, which seems unnatural to me. If others find this not to be the case, I would love to understand more. We just recently relocated to CA and had nothing quite like this in our old state.

 

It's not that I need religious curricula and use mostly WTM or secular curricula anyways, but I would not want to be limited if I feel a religious curriculum best fits my family's needs. I also believe that one's worldview will guide the discussion of particular topics regardless if it is approached from a Christian perspective, secular humanist perspective or other. You do not teach in a vacuum. I am teaching my children more than academics. I see academics as a part of the whole of how I raise my children, and I would not approach our educational relationship any differently than I approach other topics not regulated by the state.

 

I am mindful of these charter options for the upper grades, but as of now, I am enjoying the freedom and flexibility we have as we are fairly new in our homeschool journey. But I always take each year as it comes, and I do not feel in any way that these charter schoolers are not real homeschoolers. Homeschooling looks so very different than it did 20 years ago, and everyone has to do what is right for their family.

 

P.s. I didn't realize this was an old thread when I first responded as it popped up as a *hot* thread. Sorry.

[SeaConquest]

Adventures,

 

If you are in San Diego County, feel free to PM me, and I can pass along some charters that are generally more accommodating.

 

Parenthetically, I have never read or heard of any homeschooler that considered herself akin to a public school employee. I'm not sure what charter told you that, but that's a completely foreign concept to me. Perhaps others will chime in as well. As I said above (putting my lawyer hat on), I am not sure that what these charters are doing (vis a vis use of religious materials) is entirely on the up and on (saving that for another thread), but, if you are seeking a charter that will accommodate your worldview, I don't think that you will have too much difficulty in finding one.   

 

Also, I think you will find that it is generally easier to homeschool with a charter at the younger levels vs. at the high school level -- for a variety of reasons. 

[Momto4inSoCal]

I'm really happy with our charter. I was told I could not use our funds to purchase religious material but I can purchase whatever I want with my own money. I use R&S english and apologia science. I turn in samples of what we are learning by printing up a worksheet on the same concept and turning it in. We only need 2 samples per subject a month. I fill in a checklist amd meet with my es once a month and thats it. The checklist is annoying but it takes around 20-30 Min for both my kids so its not a huge deal. I have always figured if things change we can drop the charter. Really I bought all of our curriculum this year other than zoo phonics. They would have paid for math mammoth but I switched in October and needed something immediately so I just paid for it. Next year I am buying some curriculum through them though. Its nice to buy things like IEW just to try it. I don't have to worry about it not working out because I can turn it in, another family will be able to use it, then I can buy something else. It's also has been nice to be able to hire people to have classes at our house since it is hard to wait places with my 3yo twins.

[daijobu]

 

I know of some who have used religious curricula and just submitted a different worksheet for their sample, or perhaps they have a looser relationship with their specialist, but everything I read suggested that it could not be counted,

 

 

 

After being in a charter for a few years I've learned that there is a big difference between the official rules and what an ES actually requires.  I've had two ES's at the same charter who have told me radically different requirements about work samples.  Rules also change inexplicably from year to year, and I doubt those rule changes are fully documented.  It's more a matter of my ES telling me, "I have a new supervisor and she wants it done another way."  

 

For example, I had an ES who refused to meet with me unless my children were also present with me in my home.  Apparently it was a rule.  A year or so later, I was scheduling a meeting with my new ES.  She was fine meeting up with me when my kids were out of the house, as long as we didn't "make a habit of it."

 

One year for PE, I needed to snap a photo of my dd during soccer practice without her uniform on.  The next year, the rules changed, and I just needed to tell my ES what dd learned in soccer that month.  Which is pretty hilarious, because during the soccer season it's not as if during October dd learned about passing, and in November she learned heading, lol.  PE seems to be a particular sticking point with our charter, lots of conflicting rules that change arbitrarily year to year and during the year.  

 

I finally quit when the frequency of work sample submissions went from twice a year to every month.  I just got sick of the photocopying, all the extra testing that took up hours of our time.  Elementary was fine, a dream really, but middle school was a hassle, and I've heard it gets much worse in high school.  

 

Ask around.  Don't be afraid to switch to a different ES, even in the middle of the year.  Go to park days and ask other homeschoolers for their favorite ES.  Good luck!