FAQs | Homeschooling Options | R-4 & ISP Checklists

 

Material included on this website is not intended to be and does not constitute the giving of legal advice.
This is for informational purposes only.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: We are thinking of homeschooling our child ... how do we start?

A: First consider the various legal options available to you in California. Pick one that best suits your family's current needs. You will not be required to continue with this particular option as long as you homeschool; one of the benefits of home education is the flexibility it affords families. You might enroll with a public or private ISP for your first year, then file the R-4 in subsequent years, and return to a private ISP for your child's high school years.

Q: How can I homeschool my preschool-age or kindergartner?

A: You don't need to legally "school" young children in the state of California. The required age for compulsory education is six years-old and kindergarten is not required in California. Young children learn best when they are permitted and encouraged to explore their surroundings - as opposed to pursuing academics. For more information about activities for homeschooling "littles," please read the article, A Homeschool Curriculum for Pre-school and Kindergarten. For valuable information about the dangers of universal preschool, please visit the Universal Preschool website.

Q: How do I remove my child from public (or private) school?

A: It is generally a very simple procedure. Read the article Removing Your Child from School for ideas.

Q: Where can I get more information about homeschooling?

A: Numerous places!! Including books; local homeschooling support groups; and state and national organizations.

Q. Are there any grade level guidelines that I need to follow when homeschooling my own children?

A. Not unless you have enrolled them in a public independent study program or public charter program. If you opt to file the R-4 or enroll in a private ISP, your children will be enrolled in a private school - the CA education code does not mandate specific grade-level academic requirements. However, many families like to see what is being studied at certain grade levels and that information can be obtained at one of the following online resources. For a listing of a variety of scope and sequence outlines, visit BayShore's resource pages. Here are two to get you started:

CA Content Standards World Book Course of Study Standards

 

Q: Is it possible for me to homeschool my special education child?

A: Yes! Learning disabled and other special needs children tend to learn better at home because they receive one-on-one attention using materials that are tailored to a child's individual learning style and temperament. For more information and resources on homeschooling differently abled children, visit the special needs webpage.

Q: After homeschooling for awhile, can my child return to traditional public/private school?

A: In most cases there are not any problems returning to a traditional classroom setting, records-wise. The only time it can be difficult is if your child wants to return to senior year of high school after having been homeschooled as many school districts may want to see a transcript of grades and credits. The other potential problems for the child are academic boredom and peer pressure.

Q: How can my homeschool student graduate from high school?

A: If your child is enrolled in a public or private ISP and they complete all graduation requirements, most programs will issue a diploma. The other alternative is to take the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) which, upon successful passage, will grant a high school diploma. This is a popular option among homeschoolers who (with the permission of their high school principal or counselor) can take the test when they are working at a 10th grade level (thus, many 13+ teens take and pass it).

Q: What about college?

A: Many college-bound students (not just homeschoolers) choose to attend community colleges simply because it is a cost-effective way to complete the first two years of college, while fulfilling most general education (GE) requirements for a bachelor's degree. It is also much easier to apply to a four-year university as a junior-level transfer than an incoming freshman. However, many colleges do accept freshmen homeschoolers.

back to top

   

 

 

CA Homeschooling Options

The Private School (R4) Affidavit may be filed which establishes a homeschool as a private school (E.C. 48222 & 33190). The affidavit is filed with the California Department of Education (CDE). The affidavit is generally filed between October 1 and October 15, although it can be filed at anytime during the year after October 1. However, the CDE stops accepting online submissions of the R-4 and removes the online form on December 30. After that time, they will only accept them through the mail (if you already have the form) or statements/letters-in-lieu from new schools. However, give the online form a try - it may still be up!

File the R-4 Online

Requests will not be taken by phone, although email and fax (916/319.0135) requests will be accepted. Regardless of how you submit your request for the R-4 private school affidavit, the CDE requires the following information: name of school (CDS code if applicable), street address of the school and phone number. The CDE has a frequently asked questions (FAQ) website on the R-4 Private School Affidavit, including as it pertains to homeschoolers.

Private ISP is a satellite program of a private school who has filed the R4. This affords the homeschool family a maximum amount of privacy from public school officials. Many families removing their children from public school opt for these programs because they will handle the transfer of student records and many will offer some guidance counseling. Others choose the private ISP option simply because it provides them with a sense of security so that they can focus on the actual homeschooling of their children. BayShore School is one such private independent study program. Other programs can be found at the A to Z Home's Cool website.

Public School ISP is homeschooling under the auspices of the public school system. Children enrolled in these programs become public school students, subject to the rules and regulations of both the district and the state.

Charter Programs are a newer option available for homeschoolers. These programs can be operated by school districts or corporations with all funding coming from the public school system. Enrolled children are public school students. Requirements vary, but tend to be similar to those found in public school independent study programs. Charter programs are currently under scrutiny by the CA state legislature, as some have had questionable business practices. Thoroughly investigate any program - public or private - before enrolling! To search for charter programs in your area, visit the CA Network of Educational Charters (CANEC) website.

Homefires also has a listing of charter schools.

 

Cautionary Notes Correspondence Schools: There are many programs offering prepackaged curriculum for home educators. However, you will still be required to file an affidavit or enroll in a private school independent study program (ISP) should the correspondence school be out of state.

 

Credentialed Teacher/Tutor a homeschooling parent with a valid CA. teaching credentialed for grades and subjects taught may be exempted under the private tutorial exemption (E.C.§ 48224). Your credential must be valid and current in the state of California (out-of-state credentials are not sufficient); cover the grades/subjects you are going to teach (you cannot use a single subject credential to teach anything other than that subject); and emergency substitute or administrative credentials do not count.

 

   

   

 

Checklists Enrolling in a Private or Public ISP (including charter programs) You Will Need To ... Enroll in the program of your choice The new school program will request your records from your children's previous school(s) Enjoy Your Homeschooling! Filing your own R-4 Private School Affidavit You Will Need To ... Determine your school name Complete the Private School Affidavit / R-4 on the CDE website Make school letterhead to request student records from previous schools Set up your school with the following: -teacher record (your qualifications) -course of study -cumulative files for each student -health forms PM171A & PM 286 (or signed waivers)- available at your local health department Enjoy Your Homeschooling!

 

Know the Education Codes If you are planning to file the R-4 it is highly advisable that you familiarize yourself with the California Education Codes which apply to private schools. Please keep in mind that the terms "homeschooling" or "home education" are not recognized within the codes and filing under the R-4 creates a private school. The California Education Codes are available online § 33190 Verification of Private School Instruction § 48200 Compulsory Education Law - Persons Included § 48222 & 48224 Pupils Exempt § 51200 General Provisions Required Courses of Study § 51210 Grades 1 - 6 § 51220 Grades 7 - 12

 

For More Information   Homeschool Association of CA (HSC) Homefires A to Z Home's Cool   Helpful Online Articles   A Homeschool Curriculum for Pre-school and Kindergarten Homeschooling the Older Child/Teen Help! I Need to Take My Child Out of School