Socialization? Options?
Before you peruse the questions and answers on this page, know that homeschool is a lifestyle. I have listed the top two questions which are most frequently asked by "thinking about homeschool" families.
#1 SOCIALIZATION
Q: "What about socialization?"
A: Oh my goodness. I can't tell you how much of a myth that is! There is an analogy that I use that might help you visualize the answer to this question... Homeschooled children are social butterflies. Not only are they social with other butterflies, but with bees and flowers and gardeners and everything that is in the garden. These children interact with every age group in real life situations day in and day out. Children that are in a traditional school setting are butterflies with butterflies only. Same age group, same environment, not enough variety. So with that in mind, who is better prepared in the real world of socialization? Something to think about.
A: Oh my goodness. I can't tell you how much of a myth that is! There is an analogy that I use that might help you visualize the answer to this question... Homeschooled children are social butterflies. Not only are they social with other butterflies, but with bees and flowers and gardeners and everything that is in the garden. These children interact with every age group in real life situations day in and day out. Children that are in a traditional school setting are butterflies with butterflies only. Same age group, same environment, not enough variety. So with that in mind, who is better prepared in the real world of socialization? Something to think about.
#2 OPTIONS
Q: "What are my options for homeschooling in California?"**
A: When I first realized that our family was going to homeschool, I had NO CLUE how to go about it. I didn't even know there were options. I just figured, homeschool is homeschool, and that was that. Times sure have changed and I'm glad to be a part of it. Here are the different options for California...
~Charter Schools/Independent Study Programs (ISP)
~Private Satellite Programs (PSP)
~Affidavit
Q: "Help! What's the difference?"
A: We could have an hour discussion about these different options and still not cover it all. I still learn something new about each of these choices and why families choose them on a regular basis. I'll be brief and try not to confuse you, so that you may understand what I didn't know in the very beginning of my homeschool path.
Charter Schools/ISPs such as River Springs, Sky Mountain, California Virtual Academy (CAVA), and Community Home Education Program (CHEP) are public schools that have no tuition fees and participate in state testing. Basically, this is as main stream as you can get for homeschooling. Usually, you are assigned a credentialed teacher that you meet with every month or so and they guide you through the process. These schools take care of the "formal" paper work that is needed when doing a transfer, going to college or keeping an attendance log. These schools are public, so with that in mind, each charter/ISPs have their rules and regulations. The charters/ISPs option for homeschool was not affected by the, "In re Rachel L." Decision. That's because these options fall into the "public school" category, even though it's still homeschool. Confusing huh?
Private Satellite Programs (PSP) is exactly what it sounds like. Private, not public. There are a few categories that fall under PSPs: Regular private schools (some) that also have an option for homeschool, an individual family that becomes their own school with an Affidavit, individuals who become a school as a group that homeschools. Okay, now I'm getting confused! I'll do my best to differentiate between them. Stick with me, because at least you'll have a better understanding than when I first started and you will be able to make the right choice for your family.
There are many differences between charter schools/ISPs and PSPs. Here are some of the big differences:
A: When I first realized that our family was going to homeschool, I had NO CLUE how to go about it. I didn't even know there were options. I just figured, homeschool is homeschool, and that was that. Times sure have changed and I'm glad to be a part of it. Here are the different options for California...
~Charter Schools/Independent Study Programs (ISP)
~Private Satellite Programs (PSP)
~Affidavit
Q: "Help! What's the difference?"
A: We could have an hour discussion about these different options and still not cover it all. I still learn something new about each of these choices and why families choose them on a regular basis. I'll be brief and try not to confuse you, so that you may understand what I didn't know in the very beginning of my homeschool path.
Charter Schools/ISPs such as River Springs, Sky Mountain, California Virtual Academy (CAVA), and Community Home Education Program (CHEP) are public schools that have no tuition fees and participate in state testing. Basically, this is as main stream as you can get for homeschooling. Usually, you are assigned a credentialed teacher that you meet with every month or so and they guide you through the process. These schools take care of the "formal" paper work that is needed when doing a transfer, going to college or keeping an attendance log. These schools are public, so with that in mind, each charter/ISPs have their rules and regulations. The charters/ISPs option for homeschool was not affected by the, "In re Rachel L." Decision. That's because these options fall into the "public school" category, even though it's still homeschool. Confusing huh?
Private Satellite Programs (PSP) is exactly what it sounds like. Private, not public. There are a few categories that fall under PSPs: Regular private schools (some) that also have an option for homeschool, an individual family that becomes their own school with an Affidavit, individuals who become a school as a group that homeschools. Okay, now I'm getting confused! I'll do my best to differentiate between them. Stick with me, because at least you'll have a better understanding than when I first started and you will be able to make the right choice for your family.
There are many differences between charter schools/ISPs and PSPs. Here are some of the big differences:
Charter Schools/ISPs
|
PSPs
|
Affidavit
- Private
- Costs are entirely up to you
- Standards set by you
- Curriculum is whatever you choose
- You are responsible for record keeping
Even if you just understand that there are options, you're way ahead of me when I first started!