FAQ

Is private home education legal in California?

• Yes, it is legal! California’s home educators generally operate under the private school laws (Ed. Code 48222) or the state credentialed teacher exemption from public school (Ed. Code 48224).
• Some families choose to establish a private school in their own home, filing a private school affidavit with the State Department of Education and complying with the same rules and regulations for educating that apply to any other private school in California. Other families enroll in an Private school Satellite Program (PSP) such as Christian Heritage School that serves homeschooling families; this option may be offered by a brick-and-mortar private school or a private school that exclusively serves homeschoolers. Christian Heritage School (CHS) would be considered a PSP in the latter category. [Some public schools in California operate under a charter and cater to homeschoolers, but these are still public schools, not private.]
• Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) exists to defend the parent’s right to educate their children at home. We highly encourage membership in HSLDA whether you join our school or not.
• Family Protection Ministries (FPM) is the only full-time organization working in the California state capitol monitoring all legislative and administrative actions and advocating in behalf of private home educators and parents. They have been fighting for homeschooling rights since 1986

What’s the difference between private homeschooling and charter school?

• Charter schools are becoming more and more popular in California especially. However, you do need to be mindful that charter schools are a part of the public school system and therefore you must abide under their authority. California State Constitution Article 9, section 8 – “No public money shall ever be appropriated for the support of any sectarian [religious] or denominational school, or any school not under the exclusive control of the officers of the public schools; nor shall any sectarian or denominational doctrine be taught, or instruction thereon be permitted, directly or indirectly, in any of the common schools* of this state.” Ed. Code 47605(d)(1) states that “a charter school shall be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment, practices, and all other operations.” We have heard many stories from parents stating that their administrators and/or teachers at their charter school says that they can teach their students Christian curriculum if they (the parents) provide the curriculum. However, the law clearly states that no “sectarian or denominational doctrine be taught… directly or indirectly…” meaning that it is illegal to teach Christian curriculum. For more information on this please read what Family Protection Ministries has to say about it. They are a ministry in Sacramento that fight to protect our right to homeschool.
• Private homeschools may be as small as one family teaching one student at home or as large as several hundred homeschooling families joining together for support and accountability under a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) just like Christian Heritage. In either case, a Private School Affidavit is filed with the state and they comply with the California Education Code sections that relate to private schools. Since private schools are not eligible for state funding we are able to have the freedom to teach our children the word of God daily without any issues or recourse.

Why home education?

• The ability to individualize their course of study, adapting instruction to each child’s learning style and unique interests or needs
• The advantage of one-on-one teaching time
• Greater opportunity to guide the development of their children’s character, passing along cultural heritage, demonstrating the importance of ethics and morals, as well as imparting Biblical values
• A flexible schedule allowing more time for children to learn at their own pace, more time for hands-on activities and field trips, and accommodating a parent’s work/vacation schedule
• Opportunity to improve social skills through more contact with people of all ages including adults

Can my high schooler return to public school?

• In most cases, Public High Schools in our area only accept credits for classes taken in an accredited high school program. Accreditation is given to a program where all students are being taught the same curriculum among other criteria outside the scope of private home education, and in no way attests to the quality of the program. Because Private school Satellite Programs (PSPs) are generally NOT accredited schools, there is the very real possibility (likelihood) that your local public school will NOT accept homeschool-earned high school credits for transfer. Some public high schools will not accept credits from online public charter schools either. Therefore, it is possible that home educating during any portion of high school may require a commitment to continue through graduation. Many private Christian schools do, however, accept homeschool-earned credits, but that is completely dependent on each school’s policies. Consider carefully.

Am I qualified?

• The California Education Code specifies that teachers in a private school must be “persons capable of teaching.” Therefore, no credential is required to meet legal standards.
• Parents do not need to know everything in order to teach. The example and enthusiasm of the loving parent in learning along with their children will motivate and encourage them. Teachers’ manuals sold by many curriculum publishers usually offer a wealth of information to help teach the material. Co-ops and outside classes provide parents with various helps. A tutor may be retained if desired for particularly difficult subjects such as advanced math.

Can homeschoolers get into college?

• Yes! Many colleges are actively recruiting homeschoolers and more and more public colleges and universities are smoothing the entry path for homeschool students. Many of our students have completed their college degrees. After all, most home educators teach their children to work and think independently and critical thinking is often stressed. These are some of the prized qualities of a good college student.

What about socialization?

• First, what actually IS socialization? “Teaching children the rules of society” and “Learning how to mix appropriately with others” are two succinct definitions. That is what parents do naturally!
• Now more than ever groups of home educators exist in every major city and in most smaller ones throughout California. Many homeschoolers are actively involved in a local group, enjoying field trips, science fairs, and other activities with their friends. Generally there will be students of varying ages participating together in these events. Co-op classes are available in many areas, and often these classes will be set up with a smaller grade range, more like a traditional classroom.
• Beyond homeschool groups, most Christian home educators are actively involved in their church, specialized classes, clubs, local sports, or other activities where children interact with other children and adults. Whether it is Little League or scouts, piano lessons or volunteering at a library, robotics club or science camp, homeschoolers typically are exceptionally good at finding outside activities that provide plenty of socialization opportunities!

“The idea that children need to be around many other youngsters in order to be ‘socialized’ is perhaps the most dangerous and extravagant myth in education and childrearing today. There is ample research that indicates that because home schooled students are exposed to a wider variety of people and situations, they learn to get along with a variety of people, making them socially mature and better able to adjust to new situations.” (Dr. Raymond Moore, in The Hurried Child)

Studies have shown that “home schooled children had consistently fewer behavioral problems…because they tend to imitate their parents while conventionally-schooled children model themselves after their peers.” (Dr. Larry Shyers, “Comparison of Social Adjustment Between Home and Traditionally Schooled Students” quoted in Home Schooling …the Right Choice by Chris Klika)

Where can I register?

Can I schedule an appointment with an educational consultant if I am not a Member of CHS?

• Yes, if you are not a member of CHS you are still able to have a meeting with our educational consultant. The cost is $75 for an hour. You can contact our office to schedule an appointment here.

Is my child required to be vaccinated to attend CHS?