Using a Public ISP or Charter School
Independent Study Programs, which now can be through a district or ever more commonly a Charter School have changed a lot since we were in high school. Then it was frequently only for disciplinary problems, pregnant teens, and kids who were unable to go to school, now many families consider it a superior educational choice for their children. Choice being the key word. Many charter schools now offer a wide variety of curriculum and support. Some are more and less friendly to a wide variety of homeschooling philosophies, and many offer classes, field trips, and even work with community colleges. They can also be a way to get instant homeschooling friends. However, since these are public program, each have certain paperwork and reporting requirements that may or may not work with your family, and with all of these you will be working closely with a credentialed teacher, so be sure that your teacher is someone who will work with you, and your needs. If you are interested in this option, don't be afraid to talk to local homeschooling parents, who frequently have a lot of information about the choices in your area. The following articles give some more in depth discussion of this.
To locate charter schools in California go to: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs/index.asp
Charter Schools
By Debbie Schwarzer, Esq., Linda J. Conrad, Esq., and Elizabeth Bryant, Esq.
The newest method of homeschooling is to use independent study, distance learning, and homeschooling programs developed by various charter schools throughout the state. Since charter schools are part of the public school system, a child enrolled in a charter school program is, for legal purposes, enrolled in public school. Read more...
Public School Independent Study Programs
By Debbie Schwarzer, Esq., Linda J. Conrad, Esq., and Elizabeth Bryant, Esq.
Enrolling your child in a public school independent study program is the legal equivalent to enrolling him in public school. These are the "home study" programs offered by many school districts. Public ISPs vary widely from school to school in the level of control they exert over their students and the services they offer. Read more...
Public And Private ISPs
By Erin Friedman
Some homeschooling families choose enrollment in Independent Study Programs (ISPs) at public or charter schools, or private satellite programs (PSPs) at private schools. These programs vary widely in what they offer and what they require of their students. Read more...
Charter Homeschool Programs
By Klara East
Charter schools were authorized by the California legislature in 1992 to support innovation in public education. Since the passage of charter school law, an increasing number of charter schools have been designed by and for homeschooling families. Read more...
Before Enrolling: Questions to Ask a Charter School
By Marquette Gass
What kind of paperwork does the school require? Can you see samples of paperwork? How often is the paperwork due? What kinds of student work does the school want to see? How often will your child have to turn something in? Read more...