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CA Independent Homeschoolers…..
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Remember to file your private school affidavit between now and October 15!
Deeply thankful for this option!
Hi Alphabetika,
It seems all the homeschoolers I know use charter schools to get funds for homeschool curricula. I’m still in the early years, so not officially schooling yet (though my son is eligible this year for TK funds.) We have decided not to participate in the charter home school option, at least not for a few years. We just really like being truly independent, so we will file an affidavit next year. Just wondering about your own experiences and why you have also chosen to not participate in the homeschool charter option.
Any other CA homeschoolers not in a charter?
We are with a charter but A Lot of my home school friends are independent. In our home school group, which is rather large, probably 1/2 are independent. Out of those, some have tried a charter, then back to independent, or not. And, then some have never been a part of a charter. It’s definitely a hot topic and one we try to stay clear of (in the home school group) to support all forms of homeschooling.
We’re in CA, too.
Callalily,
This is our 15th year homeschooling, so when we began, charter schools were not as prominent as they are now. I don’t know if there even were any! We were with a couple of private PSPs, then spent several years in a CM/classical PSP started by a dear friend. Eventually that PSP amicably disbanded, and we’ve been indie since then.
We, too, like being independent of state requirements and testing. There is huge freedom in it. I think that freedom is intimidating to some homeschoolers, who may want someone overseeing them and keeping them accountable. The families I know who use charters have their kids going to learning centers twice a week. I have a theory that more and more homeschoolers believe that they truly *need* someone else giving them that guidance and that they aren’t capable enough do it on their own. And, of course, people like the funds the charters provide for curriculum and extracurriculars. It’s so expensive to live here, and I know it’s really hard for families to afford extra classes and things, made harder sometimes by the competitive nature of this area where it seems like *everyone* is doing SO. MUCH.
I do believe we need guidance and community, of course! I just don’t think that belonging to a charter school or co-op is the *only* way to do it. I’m sure I sound more judgmental than I mean to be. I’m speaking only for my own family. We like the freedom in scheduling, curriculum, subject matter, style, etc. that being independent or in a low-key PSP provides. In the process of graduating my two older daughters, we have used outside classes and online classes at times, too. So I’m not saying that being independent means that you never seek any help! I love seeking help, frankly. If someone walked through my door right now and said, I’ll teach your daughter math from now until she graduates, I’d probably kiss that person’s feet. (Math is one area where using outside teachers has been crucial for us!) I love that aspect of homeschooling; that is, being able to ask for help and mentoring in various areas where you need it. I just ask people we know or find as individuals rather than being part of a charter.
Whew! Long answer that I hope makes sense. Please forgive me if I sound critical towards those who use charter schools. I wouldn’t try to talk someone out of enrolling in one if that’s what fits her family. I want to be an encouragement to those who *do* want to have the freedom that independent HSing can provide but aren’t feeling confident about taking that step. So, that’s my take on it in a long-winded way!
If I can encourage you (or anyone else), please feel free to email me at salvete underscore amici at sbcglobal.net.
Thank you both for sharing your experiences. Yes, it is a sensitive subject, and I appreciate your responses.
Alphabetika, so much of what you said resonates with me. I appreciate your encouragement and will email you. Thanks!
We’ve been with our charter for 10 years and I don’t really know anyone who feels they aren’t capable to homeschool without one. As a matter of fact, as soon as I let a new family know that they can be independent, they are just as excited about that as they are about hearing of the charter. I certainly didn’t feel that way when we joined ours. I knew families who were private long before we joined and I understood what we were gaining and/or giving up.
Our charter is not perfect, but the relationship I have with our credentialed teacher has been wonderful! Do I need her support, probably not, but I appreciate it. She is incredibly encouraging and and does not hover over us, or choose our curriculum, which is very CM, which she completely supports. Do I need her to support it? No. It’s just nice that two women can talk about homeschooling and get excited over the new books we’re going to use! No different than the tutor or piano/ballet teacher giving you feedback on your child or watching them grow over the years and are proud of them and that they were able to take part in that growth.
I speak to a lot of families about homeschool options, but I never say one way is better than another, even tho we use a charter. The choice to, or not to, is so very personal. You may really never know why a family chooses it or how they may struggle with the judgment that comes from others who chooses not to. Each side has to defend their choice and are made to feel guilty no matter which way go. I have been verbally attacked for our choice and been made to feel as if we weren’t true homeschoolers because of it. And that we “just don’t know any better.”
Sorry for the gruff reply, but this is a hot topic, that’s for sure.
Yes, it’s definitely a hot topic. I apologize if I was offensive in my post. I truly did not mean to be judgmental, only to share my experience with someone who asked. There’s room for everyone.
I apologize too for sounding so defensive. It seems that no matter how you choose to home school you have to defend yourself. With a charter, you have to explain your reasons for choosing it. Then untangle the misunderstandings of how a charter operates, at least in your own experience. And, how involved the charter is, or isn’t, in the everyday workings of your hs, or how “free” you really can feel, especially with a good credentialed teacher. Sometimes that can make or break your enjoyment of a charter. Ours is wonderful in knowing how much to help or not to help. I’ve recommended mine to several families who have asked because I know how she deals with families. I know she will pray for you about anything, school related or not. I know she knows how a struggling reader can eventually blossom in time. She is kind and patient. And, if I didn’t meet with her once a month I might forget that our children are enrolled in a charter, LOL. And, I know, from experience, that I choose all of our curriculum. I can get input from our CT if I need it since that is what she is there for, but I don’t have to accept it. I can make plans for the year, then switch plans if I want to. Just because I enjoy it, I share my plans with her and she always says how great is sounds. And how fortunate my children are to have such a literature-based curriculum.
That’s been our experience and I know that that is not everyone’s experience…I’ve listened to the moms who are so overwhelmed by homeschooling and then with the charter (then you remind them that they don’t need a charter:) I’ve known families who have requested a new teacher and that changed their experience, altogether.
And, I know that no one needs a charter and I’ve listened to reasons why. But, I’ve also had to share our experience (which has been 10 years) to unravel some of the misunderstandings about charters, or even about homeschooling in general. Not understanding what a charter can be like can be very frustrating to new families, especially if they were told that a charter “does this or that or you can’t do this or that” by well-meaning moms. They just want to know their options to make an educated decision, which half the time is independent, half is charter, or one year it’s private, the next charter. Only after they’ve been experiencing their choice can really know, for themselves, which they care for and why.
Sorry about the novel. And, I do apologize for being so defensive, alphabetica. You were sharing with another person and when I read it (since we’re in CA, too), I just had to share our experience. But I know I didn’t do it in the kindest way.
Awww, no apology needed, My3. Truly! You’re not unkind. If there’s anything we should be passionate about in the world, it’s how we educate and raise our families, so naturally we have a lot to say about it. And California is a….unique sort of place with lots of freedom, lots of options, and lots of opinions. So if you’re going to “write a novel” about it, I think this forum is a great place to do it. : )
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