Getting Started
Welcome to one of the most exciting, challenging, frustrating and fullfilling journey's of your life. Perhaps you are starting out on your journey with confidence, perhaps with trepidation, probably some of both. All of us who contributed to this website were once where you are now, and although we have as many different paths as we have homeschooling parents and children, we are all so glad that we had once had the courage that you have now, and made the choice you are now making. No matter what methods or philosophies we tried, used, or discarded we all seem to agree on one point. We are so glad that we decided to take this time with our children. As you proceed on your journey, may your family be filled with love, your learning filled with excitement, and your days filled with adventure.
We know you have a lot to think about, and we are here to help. Below you will find your choices in homeschooling legally. In addition to this, please explore our Articles On Getting Started page. If you prefer print, all the information you need to get started you can down get by downloading the pdf version of Empowering Families, Starting The Homeschool Journey publication. You may also get a free copy in the mail, by contacting the Journey Request Contact .
Legal Choices
There are four ways to homeschool legally in California. They are as follows:
Many homeschooling families find that the independence of operating within their own private school brings an exhilarating freedom that can open up a special way of thinking about education. They can expand and experiment in a variety of ways they might not have otherwise realized were possibilities. This is also an especially good choice for a child who has a unique learning style or who has developed a particularly negative reaction to the school model of education.
Using a Private Independent Study Program
In addition to the private schools operated by one family for its own children, there are a number of other types of private schools that offer homeschooling programs.
Using a Public ISP or Charter School
Enrolling your child in an public independent study program is the legal equivalent to enrolling him in public school. These are the "home study" programs offered by many school districts, and charter schools. A good ISP can offer support and guidance on your homeschooling adventure.
Parents with a valid teaching credential can act as tutors for their children, or parents may employ a credentialed teacher. However, tutors and parents who choose to tutor their own children must fulfill certain legal requirements, including the teacher must have a valid and current California state credential appropriate to the grade level of the child or children being taught .