Want to pull out of charter home school...need guidance please! Esp from those in CA!

[Natalija]

Well, after homeschooling 8 years with our charter school, I now feel drawn to pull out and home school independantly. Yet, it makes me nervous! I buy my own curriculum anyway, with the excpetion of a few less important items and United Streaming online so that is not a problem.

 

We started with them when youngest dd started Kingergarten for "security" and guidance but now it doesn't feel right anymore. I am getting tired of feeling like I need to report to them and give them samples every 4 weeks. I have to say that they have always been flexible and let me do what I wanted but things will not be that way for high school next year. I already know we won't be going through them next year for that reason.

 

I'd like to know about filing as an independant school (isn't it R-4?).

 

What about some long distance umbrella schools like Kolbe, Arbor Academy or Clonlara. Is it worth the $$$ ?

 

I'd love to hear the cons of going independant. (The pros are pretty obvious but I wouldn't mind hearing them too!)

 

I don't know what to do. We have our first consultation at the charter school tomorrow and I did not prepare as I have been contemplating all this. I don't want to go and start the year with them when I am not sure. Honestly, I don't feel like dealing with it anymore.

 

I apologize for rambling. I feel confused here, can't you tell?!?

 

I am worried about dd starting high school next year, especially with no guidance. But I don't really want the guidance the charter has to offer as they only offer state curriculum texts for high school in order to fulfill CA state universities and colleges.

 

Sorry so long. I hope I made some sense! Any adivce will be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[Natalija]

Well, after homeschooling 8 years with our charter school, I now feel drawn to pull out and home school independantly. Yet, it makes me nervous! I buy my own curriculum anyway, with the excpetion of a few less important items and United Streaming online so that is not a problem.

 

We started with them when oldest dd started Kingergarten for "security" and guidance but now it doesn't feel right anymore. I am getting tired of feeling like I need to report to them and give them samples every 4 weeks. I have to say that they have always been flexible and let me do what I wanted but things will not be that way for high school next year. I already know we won't be going through them next year for that reason.

 

I'd like to know about filing as an independant school (isn't it R-4?).

 

What about some long distance umbrella schools like Kolbe, Arbor Academy or Clonlara. Is it worth the $$$ ?

 

I'd love to hear the cons of going independant. (The pros are pretty obvious but I wouldn't mind hearing them too!)

 

I don't know what to do. We have our first consultation at the charter school tomorrow and I did not prepare as I have been contemplating all this. I don't want to go and start the year with them when I am not sure. Honestly, I don't feel like dealing with it anymore.

 

I apologize for rambling. I feel confused here, can't you tell?!?

 

I am worried about dd starting high school next year, especially with no guidance. But I don't really want the guidance the charter has to offer as they only offer state curriculum texts for high school in order to fulfill CA state universities and colleges.

 

Sorry so long. I hope I made some sense! Any adivce will be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[Jana]

Natalija,

 

Is a middle ground possible with your high schooler? What about using an ISP? The ISP I belong to is connected to a private school and the high schoolers can take some of their classes on campus if they wish.

 

An ISP would provide you support, total freedom and a network of possible friends for you high schooler.

 

Just a thought.

[Ellie]

I'd like to know about filing as an independant school (isn't it R-4?).

Yes, it's Form R-4. You file on-line. It's a piece of cake :-)

 

What about some long distance umbrella schools like Kolbe, Arbor Academy or Clonlara. Is it worth the $$$ ?

They may or may not be worth the $$$, but you will still need to file an R-4 (or enroll with a private school which has a program for hsers). Students in California have to be enrolled in public school (which is what you're doing now) or private school or tutored full time by a credentialed teacher. Private schools have to file an R-4 in California; I don't believe Kolbe or Arbor Academy do, but Clonlara does (or used to).

 

I'd love to hear the cons of going independant. (The pros are pretty obvious but I wouldn't mind hearing them too!)

Freedom. Your school, your choices, your goals, your everything.

 

I don't know what to do. We have our first consultation at the charter school tomorrow and I did not prepare as I have been contemplating all this. I don't want to go and start the year with them when I am not sure. Honestly, I don't feel like dealing with it anymore.

Then don't do it. You might consider enrolling in a private school program this year; often it's just easier that way. Maybe you can find one that doesn't charge much and doesn't have much accountability. What part of the state are you in?

[melopher]

The R-4 has to be filed between Oct. 1-15, and you should do it just in case--meaning that it's better to be covered in case you decide later this year to go ahead and go independently. You aren't committed if you file, just covered. HSLDA has some good info, and even instructions on how to file the affidavit.

 

I'm only in my 2nd year hs'ing, but I love the freedom of being completely independent. It just works for me. It may not for you, but I think it's worth investigating.

[islandmama]

Natalija,

 

Is a middle ground possible with your high schooler? What about using an ISP? The ISP I belong to is connected to a private school and the high schoolers can take some of their classes on campus if they wish.

 

An ISP would provide you support, total freedom and a network of possible friends for you high schooler.

 

Just a thought.

 

We're doing the same thing...Jana, do you live near me? LOL!

 

We pulled out of a charter during the first semester of highschool. It wasn't flexible and the paperwork and requirements were burdensome! We ended up filing a PSA (new name for the R-4) that year, and it is sooo easy! I decided to go with an ISP this year because my dd wants to be a part of the ASB and they may take classes/sports at the school. The ISP is great for us! More like a support group that helps you get organized, but lets you maintain your freedom.

 

What about some long distance umbrella schools like Kolbe, Arbor Academy or Clonlara. Is it worth the $$$ ?

 

For us, no... It really isn't necessary. If I were going to pay money, I would find a local ISP that can provide support without the public school requirements.

 

California Homeschool Network has a really helpful website with info on filing a PSA and what the requirements are... Hope this helps some!

[JennW in SoCal]

I did the opposite from you, homeschooled independently for years then joined a charter school, and my kids will graduate with a charter school diploma and transcripts that are readily accepted by the CA univeristy system.

 

There are no cons for being independent in the K-8 years. It is a little trickier in high school as you need to think about your child's college plans. If your child wants to attend a 4 year UC or CalState school starting as a freshman, then he will need a diploma from a WASC accredited high school program. Otherwise you have to start at the community college and transfer. I know families who have stayed independent through high school, and most go the community college/transfer route. Some CCs are more friendly to homeschoolers than others, making the admissions process easy or a pain in the neck. Another independent high schooler I know applied at several private liberal arts colleges around the country and was easily accepted.

 

Another con to homeschooling independently in high school is if your child decides to attend a public school after a year or two of high school (it happens!). Public schools will not accept course work from an independent homeschool, but will happily accept the transcript from a WASC accredited charter or distance program. (WASC is the Western association of schools and colleges, and not all charters are accredited.)

 

You should ask on the high school board about Clonlara and other distance programs. And ask around your local homeschool network about local ISPs.

 

There are many different charters in California, so shop around if you decide to stay this route. With our charter I don't use state approved text books with my high schoolers and in fact have quite a bit of freedom in choosing materials. I also have my teens do most of the talking at the monthly meeting, have them work with the teacher on how to best meet course requirements.

 

Lots of options out there, aren't there?! I'd think about your college plans first then look for the high school options that will best fit those plans. Good luck!

[Ellie]

The R-4 has to be filed between Oct. 1-15, and you should do it just in case--meaning that it's better to be covered in case you decide later this year to go ahead and go independently. You aren't committed if you file, just covered. HSLDA has some good info, and even instructions on how to file the affidavit.

 

I'm only in my 2nd year hs'ing, but I love the freedom of being completely independent. It just works for me. It may not for you, but I think it's worth investigating.

 

HSLDA does not recommend filing an affadavit simultaneously with charter school enrollment.

 

A new private school may file an affidavit any time of the year--I filed my first one in April, when I took my dd out of her private school--but after that it is filed between Oct. 1 and 15.

[melopher]

HSLDA does not recommend filing an affadavit simultaneously with charter school enrollment.

 

A new private school may file an affidavit any time of the year--I filed my first one in April, when I took my dd out of her private school--but after that it is filed between Oct. 1 and 15.

They must have changed their opinion since they advised me, sorry for the confusion.

[Hen]

someone linked to California homeschool network- it's a very good site and will help you fill out the R-4, they also have a yahoo group where you can ask questions.

 

I homeschool a friend's son, I had her file a R-4 last spring because she pulled him out of a public school- it was very easy, we've had no problems.

 

I will be coming up on the highschool questions next year...so far we are planning on staying with our charter, they do have the strict textbook requirements for the UC route, but we are planning on going to a JC first, so we can go the route of still choosing our own materials. I figure if it is stiil too much paperwork and requirements, then we will pull out.

[rafiki]

.

[Carol in Cal.]

I would be very reluctant to homeschool high school without that support here in Ca.

 

My understanding is that it is an all or nothing proposition--if you're not enrolled somewhere, the local high schools don't accept your child's homeschool work at the high school level, so effectively they have to start over if they go to a regular high school for a year or two at the end. I would not want to have to say now that my DD MUST stay home during the entirety of her high school years.

 

Also, the UC schools don't accept some of the commonly used homeschooling curricula as valid for meeting their requirements. As a Cal grad, I want my DD to have that option open. So I want guidance from an accredited institution as to how to make sure that we don't inadvertantly make a choice that would rule that option out.

 

Lastly, I don't know for sure how to manage the lab science requirements yet, and I want to be able to get high school language credit elsewhere than my strictly homeschooling curricula. I need the documentation that an ISP will provide to even try to piece together high school requirements as I intend to pursue them.

 

Have you looked at IEW, Ocean Grove, or Connecting Waters? I'm currently with Ocean Grove, and I find them quite manageable so far. They have high school specialists as well, so I expect them to be extremely crucial for me to even consider homeschooling high school at all.

 

It would be different if I were willing to have DD be tracked into a language arts focus starting in 9th grade, but I really want her to keep her options open and to be able to attend any university that she wants.

[Hot Lava Mama]

I was wondering about the stuff you were saying about not being able to transfer to the UC system without and accredited school. Are you sure of that? I thought the system recently made headlines that they were becoming easier to get into for homeschoolers. Mostly because of the elite schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) actively seeking out homeschoolers. I understood that the UC system was following in those footsteps.

 

Can you enlighten me? My oldest is only 9, so I haven't done extensive research on this. I was actually going to start looking into this next year to make sure we were on the right path. If that is the case, I need to make sure we figure that into our equation! :glare:

 

Do you have kids in college? What has your experience been?

 

Thanks for the information. :001_smile:

 

Hot Lava Mama

[JennW in SoCal]

As far as I know, only UC Riverside is accepting independent homeschoolers as incoming freshmen. As far as I know the other UCs and Cal State schools only accept students from WASC acredited schools, and the process for getting and renewing that accredidation is a huge deal for schools. I personally haven't heard about any changes to this, only that the UCs are looking at changing their general admissions requirements as well as the transfer requirements.

 

My high school senior is planning on starting at a community college and eventually transferring. Most independent homeschoolers I know have done this as have many public school kids. It sure is cheaper and easier!

 

As others have pointed out, the other risk being independent is that other public high schools will not accept independent homeschool credits. It is worth deciding on a path and sticking to it through high school so you don't have any surprises.

 

Keep checking with the state-wide homeschool networks as your student progresses because things do change over time.

[Wildiris]

Our California charter school just added more "rigorous" high school classes and called them preparatory classes. From what I've observed, this preparatory track is using the those mind dulling text books that kids and their parents just love to hate.

 

Would it be possible for you to stay with you charter school and do what you want i.e., exceed their preparatory track and still have your child graduate high school?

Edited October 2, 2008 by Wildiris
forgot "r" on your

[Sylvia in CA]

We are in a charter school. We also started to hs independently until a number of years ago. My dd graduated last year from charter school. She was able to apply to UC and CSU colleges and be accepted because she graduated from an accredited high school and met a-g course requirements. I don't think the a-g requirements have been mentioned. Here are some options to be accepted in UC/CSU:

*Graduate from an accredited high school

 

*Meet a-g requirements (courses approved by UC that meet their course standards)

 

*Score exceedingly high in SAT/ACT in addition to meeting other application requirements

 

*Exceptions exist, i.e., UC Riverside who actively recruit homeschoolers

 

Recently, UC has added some additional requirements for a-g courses taken through a school where 80% or more of instruction is offsite. Here are some examples of those requirements. BTW, these are quoted from the "Policy on Non-Site-Based Independent Student Schools."

 

*Students are expected to spend at least one hour per week per "a-g" course engaged in interactive instruction and/or academic tutoring/advising. This instruction and/or support may be provided onsite or through virtual means.

 

*Students taking a UC approved "a-g" course are expected to have regular access (i.e., at least weekly) to a teacher who is a subject expert teacher in that area, whether in person or by phone or email. Etc.

 

*Students should be assessed to ensure mastery of the content standards. Acceptable assessments include, but are not limited to, tests, essays, projects, research papers, presentations, and exams. All courses must have a final exam or a significant final project.

 

If I were you I would shop around for charter schools if you plan to stay with them. Some do offer flexibility of curriculum. As you can see, getting accepted into UC system is not that easy from an independent homeschool and is getting harder from even an offsite charter school (or at least it's harder to meet their requirements).

 

hth

Sylvia

[Natalija]

It seems so confusing and intimidating. I don't even know if dc will go to a CA college or university but we want that option open.

 

For now, we are going to stick with the charter till we figure things out.

 

I need to look for a WASC accredited homeschool or long distance program that has more of a classical curriculum vs those dreaded dead textbooks!

 

Anyone know of any, please pass it on!!

Thanks all! :-)

[Zanyan]

I feel for you! As a family, we made the decision to send our son to a small charter high school which has the a-g requirements as the minimum grad requirements. I was nervous to send him off to high school, and thought he'd hate the dreaded text books, but after the first couple of weeks of learning how to use them, he doesn't mind them. He's actually really enjoying the give and take, the interaction available to him in classrooms that wasn't available in the same way at home. He has several friends who go to the school - it attracts formerly home schooled kids - so that was another bonus.

 

We have very limited options for independent home schoolers at the high school level here with regard to quality ISPs (though we have great choices at the K-8 level). We, too, wanted to make sure that our son met the UC a-g requirements without question.

[ubermomto5]

i have been homeschooling 'officially' in ca for 5 years now. filing an r-4 is easy, the hardest part is figuring out what your school name will be!

i tried 1 year with a charter. the $ was very welcome and allowed for ballet class and the like. but it was getting harder and harder to be patient with the feeling of being watched and judged. i was tired of dealing with it too. so we have been completely independent again, just as we began. and we are all happier. being independent fits me because i am very independent and determined and know what i want.

i have to say the only drawback to being independent for us is the money. we homeschool so cheaply because we have to and it was pretty luxurious to be able to try all the different curriculums and classes. but, life is simpler now. priorities!

also, my sil homeschools(ed) her 2 oldest with a charter but from 15 onward they attend some classes at the j.c. nearby. it seems to be an ideal situation for all. we will probably go that route as well. it is more independent work and yet still guided by experienced teacher.

[TraceyS/FL]

I have to say.... this thread and the info in it has been bothering me since it was posted.

 

I'm a 3rd generation Californian - so i feel like i can have an opinion! LOL!! We have only been in FL for 4.5 years.

 

Anyway, I'm just still in shock over their anti-homeschool attitude, while other schools are actively recruiting them. But hey, I'm not sure WHY I'm surprised either....

 

DD wants to go to school in CA, but while i'll follow the A-G guidelines, I'm not going to do the rest unless it plans out that way. She will just NOT be having the UC or CSU as an option.

 

AND, with all the "vocal" statements about how everyone wants HSing to be legal in CA that were spewed by the powers that be over "that case", how can the states University System exclude them? How messed up is that??? Will it need some lawsuit of some deep pocketed homeschool family to get it changed?

 

Anyway, i finally had to post on this topic since someone BTT it and I woke up at 4am :tongue_smilie:

[Ellie]

It seems so confusing and intimidating. I don't even know if dc will go to a CA college or university but we want that option open.

 

For now, we are going to stick with the charter till we figure things out.

 

I need to look for a WASC accredited homeschool or long distance program that has more of a classical curriculum vs those dreaded dead textbooks!

 

Anyone know of any, please pass it on!!Thanks all! :-)

The way we kept the option open of attending a California public college was community college. It seemed logical to us to allow our dc to do their lower division courses at a community college--less expensive, smaller classes, easier to get into the classes they wanted, *guaranteed* admission as a transfer student to Cal State or UC schools. My older dd transferred to San Jose State; younger dd chose not to, but all of her credits will transfer to both State and UC schools, if she decides to do that. We hsed both until they started taking classes at the c.c. when they were 14.

 

And a warning: Your dc, if they are not enrolled in a public school (which they are now) must be enrolled in a private school which has filed an affidavit in the state of California. Distance learning programs such as Kolbe or CLASS or American School et al do not satisfy that legal requirement. You would still need to file your own R4.

[Carol in Cal.]

The way we kept the option open of attending a California public college was community college. It seemed logical to us to allow our dc to do their lower division courses at a community college--less expensive, smaller classes, easier to get into the classes they wanted, *guaranteed* admission as a transfer student to Cal State or UC schools. My older dd transferred to San Jose State; younger dd chose not to, but all of her credits will transfer to both State and UC schools, if she decides to do that. We hsed both until they started taking classes at the c.c. when they were 14.

.

 

In past years, some classes in CC's did not transfer as their counsellors had predicted. I have a brother who spent 3 years in the City College of San Francisco, and then 3 years at Berkeley. Once he got to Cal, he had to take his calculus and physics over, because UC accepted the units but not the content of those CC classes, contrary to the belief of the CC counsellors. This was because UC had 3 tracks for physics and two for calculus, and the CC only had the middle one for physics and the easy one for calculus, so those classes didn't meet the CS major requirements at Cal.

[SkateLeft]

Distance learning programs such as Kolbe or CLASS or American School et al do not satisfy that legal requirement. You would still need to file your own R4.

 

Kolbe is based here in Napa, California, and files its own R-4 affadavit as a CA private school. I believe that CA students enrolled in Kolbe would not need to file an R-4 affadavit anymore than if they were enrolled in their local neighborhood Catholic school.