A national trend of parents opting out of traditional public schools has created an increased number of both homeschoolers and charter school students, according to a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
As a result of more parents seeking alternatives, many charter schools are partnering with homeschoolers and offering options to them.
These options include online curricula provided by charter schools, part-time options for homeschoolers, and other creative ways to complement the homeschooling experience.
Charter schools also offer parents benefits such as computer and internet access, books, school supplies, support from certified teachers, and a diploma.
For example, parents lose control and freedom of their children's education once a charter school is involved.
State law affects the options
Charter school law varies by state, and there are ten states that currently do not even allow charter schools.
Homeschool laws also vary by state.
Homeschooling laws are liberal in states such as Michigan, which has no requirement for the parent to initiate any contact with the government. Public schools in Michigan, including charter schools, allow homeschooled students to take non-academic courses, such as music, art, and gym. In return, the school receives part-time funding from the state.
Colorado also gives public funding for charter schools if a homeschooled student spends part of his or her school day in the charter school building.
States such as New York have strict homeschool laws, and require homeschooling parents to be under the authority of the state. Parents in these highly regulated states are required to notify and receive approval from the government.
For more information, see:
Exciting school choice blends: charter schools and homeschooling
Homeschooling and charter schools
National Charter School Directory
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Comments
Personally, as a home schooler I do not like the option of sending my children anywhere part time. We then lose many of the benefits we have homeschooling, and we lose control over our children. Plus the kids I know who try the part time thing always start to give their parents hassles over homeschooling and end up in the schools full time in the end.
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