You are not asked nor required to participate in standardized testing at all in California under a PSA. You also don't need an "official" transcript. You can type up your own for high school and have them accepted by everyone. You also don't need to justify the grades or what they learned for the state. They may be questioned at colleges but that is the same with public schools.
Great video! I've had a great experience with a charter homeschool in the past, but I was a little frustrated with the restrictions that you mentioned. So, this year my daughter is in the 7th grade and we are homeschooling again. We decided to file a private school affidavit this time. We wanted to give our daughter the freedom to choose when and what was covered. To be able to really dig into a subject that really interests her. For example she is very interested in Eliza Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's wife, so we are letting her completely dive in. When she's done or ready to move on to something else we will support that decision. As parents we wanted to let her drive her own education. This is something new and exciting for all of us and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
I wish I had seen your video before I signed my children up for charter school! You just made it sound so easy and I really really appreciate all the information that you've provided in this video!! ✌️❤️
I really appreciate you breaking all that down for us new to leaving the public school system. I no longer feel lost. Out of all 3 I will try homeschooling first. Also, I love your suggestions on what to do in the meantime until we need to file in October. My daughter gets bullied often, so she will feel a great relief not returning to public school.
Hi Jazzy, I'm so glad you found my video and it helped. I'm so sorry your daughter is going through bullying. I pray the shift to homeschooling becomes a blessing for the both of you.
What type of homeschooling doesn’t require vaccines? My daughter has Tourette’s Syndrome and since I haven’t been vaccinating her motor tics have become less severe. She’s going into 7th grade and public schools (even if public school independent study at home) require the next set of vaccines. She’ll be ending 6th grade this June so I’m opting to homeschool. The charter school I spoke with in town says they require vaccines even if I’m homeschooling. Any suggestions?
@nessamarie003, This is such a struggle facing so many families. I'm so glad you asked. Not all charter schools require vaccines, so if that is your preference, check around. The state has been pushing for years to require it, expect it to change at some point. Filing a PSA or joining an umbrella school do not require vaccination status. Be aware that some homeschooling groups formed by parents or some businesses and individuals that offer classes my require vaccines. Especially since covid. You don't have to use those business though. Ultimately, I suggest moving out of then state. California has become so controlling over educational freedoms in the past 10 years, that it's only a matter of time before the ban it all together. I know that is easier said than done, but it's Definitely something to work towards.
Thank you so much for this video! The kind of information my wife and I were looking for. I am still super new to all this but we decided that homeschooling out kids was the way to go. Although, we are not sure which way to go. I feel like charter school is a good options for us. Thank you again for this video :)
So I’m positive this is what I want for my 2nd & 4th grader. I’ve been researching all year and I’m still kind of lost on how to start. But I don’t want them in a day longer. So if I submit a letter of withdrawal to their school and file in oct what do I do in the meantime? What if I have no curriculum yet? I want to “unschool” for a bit and get to know what will work for them best. Help pls!!
Hi Rebecca, Such a great question, and one that SO MANY parents have. "Unschooling" is a great idea, since kids coming from public school typically need some detox time to adjust to the new freedom of homeschooling. I suggest setting parameters early with electronics and TV, so they are not drawn to those. I would also suggest setting up some activities within the first couple of weeks. Plan to go to the zoo, a museum, or just explore. Let them experience having some adventures during the time they would typically be at school. Definitely head to the library! Pick out books to enjoy individually and together. Read aloud to them. Lastly, spend time diving into something your kids enjoy. Baking? Bake together. Baseball? Baseball history. Space? Dive into book museums and build rockets. Don't be afraid to find the fun in learning. While you're taking this time to stretch your homeschooling legs, start looking into curriculums or teaching programs you like. Find something that excites you and start with that. Even if it is just one subject. You don't have to decided on every subject at once and start on it at the same time. I hope that helps! Congratulations on your courage to take a step in home educating. Feel free to email me if you have more questions.
This is the kind of video I’ve been searching for this past week 🤦♀️😊 I have a question. In charter school there flexibility as to where the kids are doing their school work? Can we leave on vacation for two weeks and not have to report absences? Or is it like public school that we have to wait for Christmas break? Tia(:
I'm so glad I was able to help ❤️ You have absolutely control as to where you can do school work. If you go on vacation you can take your work with you, or modify your typical work load to fit your vacation. While traveling we have switched to learning about the area we are traveling to instead of our regular day to day material. As for attendance, it's your call on how you report. We have never been absent a day despite all of our travel, because no matter where we are learning has transpired. Great questions, if you have any more feel free to email me privately.
In California, are PE (swim lessons or youth sports) classes covered under the homeschool charter umbrella? Coming from Alaska, we can use our allotment with a charter school to help pay for sports and music lessons along with secular curriculum. Thank you for your video!
Hi @jmcoastie Welcome to CA. Yes you can get music lessons and sports covered under some charter schools. I wish I could give you a blanket yes or no answer, but each charter school has a different written charter, so they will each vary.
Great information! Thank you! Unfortunately, California cut funding for Charter schools and we didn't get make the cut! I'm so bummed. We are going to file a PSA and do it ourselves. Not my first option, but we are plan on having a great year. My sister is also going to file a PSA, do you recommend doing it together, or is it better for us to just do our own? TIA
I'm so sorry Krista the SB98 bill that Governor Newsom passed was really aimed at hurting charter schools and homeschooling families. Hopefully it will be overturned and you can sign up with a charter, if that is what you're wanting to do. If you haven't done so already, I would get on the waiting list for several charters, incase the bill is over turned. For now, I suggest you and your sister each file your own PSA. Nothing says you can't do all your schooling and lessons together, but you would each be ultimately responsible for your own families.
I filed a PSA but have not heard back except an email that said its been filed. how do i know that its gone through and that im a leagal prive homeschool? id like to get my kids unenrolled from this public school asap. They are on a waiting list for a charter homeschool but since its such a long wait I have to go the PSA route until they come up on the list.
You can contact the office at: Educational Data Management Division Private School Data Support California Department of Education 1430 N Street, Suite 6308 Sacramento, CA 95814-5901 Email: privateschools@cde.ca.gov or Teacher and Leader Policy Office TLPO@cde.ca.gov 916-445-7331 Private School Data privateschools@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0317
If you a good at keeping track going private would be a free option. You don't need to report anything, just have records on hand in case anyone checks in.
Also, just wanted to tell you.. this is one of the best videos I've seen so far about homeschooling in California. I've been searching for some videos to help a friend of mine start her homeschooling journey and came across yours! So glad I did. There's a lot of videos circulating about homeschooling in California that are confusing! Yours was very well thought out. Blessings!!
A mom ask me if she needs a high school diploma. She wants to homeschool. I was thinking her husband can sign as a teacher assuming he has a diploma/ged
We u used to have archery classes in PE in high school a public school. Why can't you still get funding for this.? Or what about welding or mechanics or wood shop or building classes?
I'm not fully clear on what you are asking. Are you asking why public schools no longer offer archery? I know there are several homeschool charter schools that pay for archery classes. For welding, mechanics or wood shop, the first place I would start looking is a makers space. Google "makers space (city name)" and see what comes up in your area.
If I wanted to do home schooling for next year (sept 2022), should I register my private school now (oct 1th - oct 15th) ? Or can I wait for next year ?
I love how proactive you are! A kindred spirit 😁 Unfortunately, you'll need to wait till next year. You will probably start your school year before you file, since most families start around the same time as public schools.
Great video filled with useful information; thank you for making this video. We are anticipating to pull our high school sophomore out and possibly home school him for his junior and senior year. My question is, if home school applications are accepted October 1st-15th 2022...but school starts in August 2022 in Concord, how do we deal with this?
Yes and no. The options are all available for you when you have a kindergartener, but kinder is not a required grade in CA, so unlike other grades, you don't HAVE to do anything. When kiddos are older you are supposed to report one of the options, but kinder is optional. Does that make sense?
Yes, public Charter schools Do require state testing. In your video, you were talking about private school affidavit (in your words, "option #1") when you said testing is required. That's what I was saying needs to be corrected. Children under a private school affidavit are Not required to do standardized testing.
I'm just starting out my homeschooling research. I'm in CA and my daughter just turned 4 in October. We currently do workbooks and printable worksheets... small stuff, singing and counting. I'm feeling a bit unsure about what route to take in terms of charter or PSA. If we go charter school, does it require vaccines? Also as far as timing to file.... her birthday is 10/3/16 so then i world file after 10/3/22? Apologize for all the questions.
Hey Supatra Sturgeon, Don't apologize for your questions! How else can we get help when we need it? Since you daughter's birthday falls in October you do not legally have to enroll her in any school or file a PSA until the 2023-2024 school year. School is not required until your child is 6. Charter schools do offer enrollment into transitional kinder if a child's birthday falls between Sept - Dec. (which you qualify for). Charters do not require vaccines at this time, but I imagine it will only be a matter of time. As for which is better for you, Charter or PSA, that is really up to you. Charters do offer support and guidance, but do require oversight and recording. A PSA does not offer the built in support system, but also allows for more flexibility.
You've made it through the school year, you should be fine. If you're concerned they look back at your calendar and create something. If you've kept work samples, I'm sure you have plenty to show for the work you have done. It's as simple as marking off the days on a calendar.
Great question. I am not an authority on the facts to this question, but I can answer to my own experience. I know ALOT of homeschoolers and do not know a single person who has had an official knock on their door, BUT that would most likely only happen to someone who is 1. filed as a PSA or 2. Did not file proper paperwork at all. All families that I know that file a PSA belong to the HSLDA or a similar organization that helps to protect their rights. We are going independent this year, and will definitely be joining the HSLDA for added protection. Think of it like legal homeschool insurance. If anyone does come knocking I don't want to take any chances. If someone does come knocking, know your rights. You do not have to let them in.
I'm sorry I left you with more questions. I covered the 3 options available when homeschooling in California. Was there something specific I left you wondering?
You are not asked nor required to participate in standardized testing at all in California under a PSA. You also don't need an "official" transcript. You can type up your own for high school and have them accepted by everyone. You also don't need to justify the grades or what they learned for the state. They may be questioned at colleges but that is the same with public schools.
Great video! I've had a great experience with a charter homeschool in the past, but I was a little frustrated with the restrictions that you mentioned. So, this year my daughter is in the 7th grade and we are homeschooling again. We decided to file a private school affidavit this time. We wanted to give our daughter the freedom to choose when and what was covered. To be able to really dig into a subject that really interests her. For example she is very interested in Eliza Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's wife, so we are letting her completely dive in. When she's done or ready to move on to something else we will support that decision. As parents we wanted to let her drive her own education. This is something new and exciting for all of us and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
I love this! PSA will give you a lot of freedom to explore her interests.
I wish I had seen your video before I signed my children up for charter school! You just made it sound so easy and I really really appreciate all the information that you've provided in this video!! ✌️❤️
Thank you 😊 the greatest compliment is to share with others 🥰
I really appreciate you breaking all that down for us new to leaving the public school system. I no longer feel lost. Out of all 3 I will try homeschooling first. Also, I love your suggestions on what to do in the meantime until we need to file in October. My daughter gets bullied often, so she will feel a great relief not returning to public school.
Hi Jazzy, I'm so glad you found my video and it helped. I'm so sorry your daughter is going through bullying. I pray the shift to homeschooling becomes a blessing for the both of you.
Thank you for being so through, and helping families out, you are a Blessing!
You are so welcome
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It is so helpful. God bless you!
You're welcome! Thank you for watching and God bless you as well.
What type of homeschooling doesn’t require vaccines? My daughter has Tourette’s Syndrome and since I haven’t been vaccinating her motor tics have become less severe. She’s going into 7th grade and public schools (even if public school independent study at home) require the next set of vaccines. She’ll be ending 6th grade this June so I’m opting to homeschool. The charter school I spoke with in town says they require vaccines even if I’m homeschooling. Any suggestions?
@nessamarie003, This is such a struggle facing so many families. I'm so glad you asked. Not all charter schools require vaccines, so if that is your preference, check around. The state has been pushing for years to require it, expect it to change at some point. Filing a PSA or joining an umbrella school do not require vaccination status. Be aware that some homeschooling groups formed by parents or some businesses and individuals that offer classes my require vaccines. Especially since covid. You don't have to use those business though. Ultimately, I suggest moving out of then state. California has become so controlling over educational freedoms in the past 10 years, that it's only a matter of time before the ban it all together. I know that is easier said than done, but it's Definitely something to work towards.
Thank you so much for this video! The kind of information my wife and I were looking for. I am still super new to all this but we decided that homeschooling out kids was the way to go. Although, we are not sure which way to go. I feel like charter school is a good options for us. Thank you again for this video :)
You're welcome! Stick with it, remember we were all new at this at one time. I hope you have a great school year.
Thank you for creating this!
You're welcome 😊
So I’m positive this is what I want for my 2nd & 4th grader. I’ve been researching all year and I’m still kind of lost on how to start. But I don’t want them in a day longer. So if I submit a letter of withdrawal to their school and file in oct what do I do in the meantime? What if I have no curriculum yet? I want to “unschool” for a bit and get to know what will work for them best. Help pls!!
Hi Rebecca,
Such a great question, and one that SO MANY parents have. "Unschooling" is a great idea, since kids coming from public school typically need some detox time to adjust to the new freedom of homeschooling. I suggest setting parameters early with electronics and TV, so they are not drawn to those. I would also suggest setting up some activities within the first couple of weeks. Plan to go to the zoo, a museum, or just explore. Let them experience having some adventures during the time they would typically be at school. Definitely head to the library! Pick out books to enjoy individually and together. Read aloud to them. Lastly, spend time diving into something your kids enjoy. Baking? Bake together. Baseball? Baseball history. Space? Dive into book museums and build rockets. Don't be afraid to find the fun in learning. While you're taking this time to stretch your homeschooling legs, start looking into curriculums or teaching programs you like. Find something that excites you and start with that. Even if it is just one subject. You don't have to decided on every subject at once and start on it at the same time. I hope that helps! Congratulations on your courage to take a step in home educating. Feel free to email me if you have more questions.
This is the kind of video I’ve been searching for this past week 🤦♀️😊 I have a question. In charter school there flexibility as to where the kids are doing their school work? Can we leave on vacation for two weeks and not have to report absences? Or is it like public school that we have to wait for Christmas break? Tia(:
I'm so glad I was able to help ❤️ You have absolutely control as to where you can do school work. If you go on vacation you can take your work with you, or modify your typical work load to fit your vacation. While traveling we have switched to learning about the area we are traveling to instead of our regular day to day material. As for attendance, it's your call on how you report. We have never been absent a day despite all of our travel, because no matter where we are learning has transpired. Great questions, if you have any more feel free to email me privately.
@@WanderStruckFamily thank you!
In California, are PE (swim lessons or youth sports) classes covered under the homeschool charter umbrella? Coming from Alaska, we can use our allotment with a charter school to help pay for sports and music lessons along with secular curriculum. Thank you for your video!
Hi @jmcoastie Welcome to CA. Yes you can get music lessons and sports covered under some charter schools. I wish I could give you a blanket yes or no answer, but each charter school has a different written charter, so they will each vary.
Great information! Thank you! Unfortunately, California cut funding for Charter schools and we didn't get make the cut! I'm so bummed. We are going to file a PSA and do it ourselves. Not my first option, but we are plan on having a great year. My sister is also going to file a PSA, do you recommend doing it together, or is it better for us to just do our own? TIA
I'm so sorry Krista the SB98 bill that Governor Newsom passed was really aimed at hurting charter schools and homeschooling families. Hopefully it will be overturned and you can sign up with a charter, if that is what you're wanting to do. If you haven't done so already, I would get on the waiting list for several charters, incase the bill is over turned. For now, I suggest you and your sister each file your own PSA. Nothing says you can't do all your schooling and lessons together, but you would each be ultimately responsible for your own families.
I filed a PSA but have not heard back except an email that said its been filed. how do i know that its gone through and that im a leagal prive homeschool? id like to get my kids unenrolled from this public school asap. They are on a waiting list for a charter homeschool but since its such a long wait I have to go the PSA route until they come up on the list.
You can contact the office at:
Educational Data Management Division
Private School Data Support
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 6308
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901
Email: privateschools@cde.ca.gov
or
Teacher and Leader Policy Office
TLPO@cde.ca.gov
916-445-7331
Private School Data
privateschools@cde.ca.gov
916-319-0317
Kinda great! The psp sounds interesting since im bad at the reporting part but ok with the keeping track part.
If you a good at keeping track going private would be a free option. You don't need to report anything, just have records on hand in case anyone checks in.
Hi, my daughter will turn 6 on December 23, 2024. So i have to file it for next October?
I recommend checking the CA dept. of Education website.
www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/psainstructions.asp
I think it depends what charter school you enroll with.. we meet with our teacher once a month for an 1hr for all my 3 kids!
Also, just wanted to tell you.. this is one of the best videos I've seen so far about homeschooling in California. I've been searching for some videos to help a friend of mine start her homeschooling journey and came across yours! So glad I did. There's a lot of videos circulating about homeschooling in California that are confusing! Yours was very well thought out. Blessings!!
Thank you I’m so glad it helped 😊
A mom ask me if she needs a high school diploma. She wants to homeschool. I was thinking her husband can sign as a teacher assuming he has a diploma/ged
Thanks for this helpful video!
Your Welcome!
We u used to have archery classes in PE in high school a public school. Why can't you still get funding for this.? Or what about welding or mechanics or wood shop or building classes?
I'm not fully clear on what you are asking. Are you asking why public schools no longer offer archery? I know there are several homeschool charter schools that pay for archery classes. For welding, mechanics or wood shop, the first place I would start looking is a makers space. Google "makers space (city name)" and see what comes up in your area.
This video was fantastic!!
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Can you file a PSA for technically Pre-K/Kindergarten?
It depends if your state requires it.
If I wanted to do home schooling for next year (sept 2022), should I register my private school now (oct 1th - oct 15th) ? Or can I wait for next year ?
I love how proactive you are! A kindred spirit 😁 Unfortunately, you'll need to wait till next year. You will probably start your school year before you file, since most families start around the same time as public schools.
@@WanderStruckFamily Thanks for the quick answer. And thank you for the video. It has a lot of great information.
@@Lex8111 Your welcome 😊 Thank you for watching and asking
Great video filled with useful information; thank you for making this video. We are anticipating to pull our high school sophomore out and possibly home school him for his junior and senior year. My question is, if home school applications are accepted October 1st-15th 2022...but school starts in August 2022 in Concord, how do we deal with this?
Thanks so much!
You're welcome! Have a great school year.
@@WanderStruckFamily Thank you 😊
We are relocating to CA my daughter is in kindergarten and we want to homeschool. Are the requirements the same for kindergarten?
Yes and no. The options are all available for you when you have a kindergartener, but kinder is not a required grade in CA, so unlike other grades, you don't HAVE to do anything. When kiddos are older you are supposed to report one of the options, but kinder is optional. Does that make sense?
Yes that makes sense. A little scary to think kindergarten is optional. But I’m glad we will be able to homeschool her.
You are absolutely Not required to do state testing if you're privately homeschooling. I hope you correct this big error in your video.
That is correct, you are not reqiered, but charter schools can and will drop you from enrollment if you do not.
Yes, public Charter schools Do require state testing. In your video, you were talking about private school affidavit (in your words, "option #1") when you said testing is required. That's what I was saying needs to be corrected. Children under a private school affidavit are Not required to do standardized testing.
@@jaykay3839 Gotcha! Thank you for updating. 😊
If I don’t have a GED or high school diploma I can’t homeschool?
It depends on the state you are homeschooling in and how you are filing.
I'm just starting out my homeschooling research. I'm in CA and my daughter just turned 4 in October. We currently do workbooks and printable worksheets... small stuff, singing and counting. I'm feeling a bit unsure about what route to take in terms of charter or PSA. If we go charter school, does it require vaccines? Also as far as timing to file.... her birthday is 10/3/16 so then i world file after 10/3/22? Apologize for all the questions.
Hey Supatra Sturgeon, Don't apologize for your questions! How else can we get help when we need it? Since you daughter's birthday falls in October you do not legally have to enroll her in any school or file a PSA until the 2023-2024 school year. School is not required until your child is 6. Charter schools do offer enrollment into transitional kinder if a child's birthday falls between Sept - Dec. (which you qualify for). Charters do not require vaccines at this time, but I imagine it will only be a matter of time. As for which is better for you, Charter or PSA, that is really up to you. Charters do offer support and guidance, but do require oversight and recording. A PSA does not offer the built in support system, but also allows for more flexibility.
@@WanderStruckFamily Thank you so much!! 🙏❤
Is k-12 a character school?
Hi @shellystephen K-12 is an online public school
Shoot, I don't have attendance records for my third grader
You've made it through the school year, you should be fine. If you're concerned they look back at your calendar and create something. If you've kept work samples, I'm sure you have plenty to show for the work you have done. It's as simple as marking off the days on a calendar.
What are the chances of a school govt official come knocking on your door to ck up on you?
Great question. I am not an authority on the facts to this question, but I can answer to my own experience. I know ALOT of homeschoolers and do not know a single person who has had an official knock on their door, BUT that would most likely only happen to someone who is 1. filed as a PSA or 2. Did not file proper paperwork at all. All families that I know that file a PSA belong to the HSLDA or a similar organization that helps to protect their rights. We are going independent this year, and will definitely be joining the HSLDA for added protection. Think of it like legal homeschool insurance. If anyone does come knocking I don't want to take any chances.
If someone does come knocking, know your rights. You do not have to let them in.
This video isn’t “how to homeschool in California “. It’s how to be enrolled with Public Charter Schools.
I'm sorry I left you with more questions. I covered the 3 options available when homeschooling in California. Was there something specific I left you wondering?
@@WanderStruckFamily Going to Public Charter Schools isn’t real home schooling.