Episode 74: Charter Schools
Should I sign up with a homeschool charter school? We discuss what a charter school is, what a homeschool charter school provides, and the pros and cons to consider before you decide. In our Coop Q & A, we answer the question, "How can I spend my charter school funds?"
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Show Notes
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Scoop on the Coop
Mandi got to learn about and celebrate Chinese New Year with her kids despite not being able to attend our co-op event (check out the literature we used below). Jessica’s 4 year old has been enjoying learning alongside his big sister and is having fun learning his letters through his music program and sticker books.
What is a Charter School
A charter school is a public school governed by charter school laws. Currently, 45 states have charter school laws. These laws allow an administrator to form a board, receive authorization from a school district, and open a publicly funded school. Charter Schools do not have to adhere to all the same rules as the state run traditional public schools. But, charter schools do have their own set of operational restrictions as set forth by their state and authorizing school district.
Types of Charter Schools
The spectrum of charter schools range from a typical, brick & mortar, 8 am - 3 pm school to a fully independent study, “homeschool” type school. It depends on the charter!
A popular type of charter school in California are hybrid charters that meet part time on a brick & mortar campus and then part-time homeschool.
While we’re focusing on the independent study charter school as it relates to homeschooling, we do want to mention that if you are interested in a traditional style charter school, check out Thomas Sowell’s book, Charter Schools and Their Enemies.
Pros of Enrolling in a Homeschool Charter School
Educational Funds
Curriculum Support
Assigned Educational Specialist/Teacher
Networking & Community Opportunities
Experiences: Fairs, Sports, Electives
State Testing: gives children the experience of taking a test and being tested
Special Education Services
Cons of Enrolling in a Homeschool Charter School
Committing to Adhere to/Follow/Acknowledge Standards
Agreeing to Testing: too much testing, arbitrary standards being tested
Submitting Work Samples
Coop Q & A
Question: What do you use your charter school funds on?
Answer:
Curriculum
Consumables
Sticker activity books
Puzzle books
Workbooks
Art supplies
Printing
Non-consumables
Books - reference & reading
Tools - microscope, binoculars
Maps and globes
Technology
Vendors
P.E. activities
Outschool.com - online classes
Clubs/Classes - chess, art, farm school
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