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24 Mar 20257 min readNo commentsNews
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California Homeschool Funds & Charter School Support

Hey there, friends! Corey and Lissa here, the faces behind Learn Grid. We’re excited to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to our hearts: navigating educational funding for homeschooling families in California. If you’re like us, you know that the journey of education is as unique as each child’s path. In a state as diverse and dynamic as California, there are incredible ways to personalize that journey.

We’ve seen firsthand how the educational landscape is changing. With decades of experience in public schools, homeschooling, and community programs, we understand the incredible value of tailored learning. And in today’s interconnected world, fostering intercultural understanding is more important than ever.

Corey’s background spans K-12 and college teaching, educational technology, and training educators in skilled trades. Lissa brings over 20 years of teaching experience, with a special passion for working with homeschool students. Running E&e Performing Arts Center also taught us how crucial it is to connect students and schools with exceptional educational service providers. That’s why we created Learn Grid—to help families like yours find everything from arts and academics to STEM and beyond.

Homeschooling in California: A Growing Trend

Homeschooling is booming in California. In the years following the pre-pandemic period, the state experienced a remarkable surge in homeschool enrollment. Urban areas like Los Angeles saw significant increases in families choosing to educate their children at home. Nationwide, the number of homeschooled students reached approximately 3.1 million in the 2021-2022 academic year. Estimates based on U.S. Census data suggest that around 8.7% of families opted for homeschooling in the fall of 2020, with more recent figures showing about 4.42% of K-12 students in California were homeschooled during the 2023-24 school year. This growth reflects a fundamental shift in how families approach education, whether for greater flexibility, personalized learning, or specific educational philosophies.

Navigating Financial Support for Homeschooling

One of the most significant funding avenues comes from enrolling in charter schools that offer dedicated resources for homeschooling families. These “homeschooling grants” or “allotments” can be a game-changer, providing funds to procure essential curriculum, books, and other academic materials.

We’ll also explore the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), a state-level initiative aimed at supporting afterschool and summer enrichment programs. Although primarily designed for students in traditional public schools, understanding ELO-P is vital for navigating the broader educational funding landscape.

Our goal is to provide clear, up-to-date information and practical examples so you can make informed decisions about securing the resources needed to give your children an exceptional educational experience.

Understanding Homeschooling Options in California

California offers several distinct pathways for homeschooling, each with its own guidelines and benefits:

  • Private School Affidavit (PSA): Establish a home-based private school, giving you control over curriculum and teaching methods.
  • Independent Study Programs (ISPs): Connect with the public school system, allowing students to learn at home under the guidance of a public school teacher.
  • Charter School Homeschooling Programs: Collaborate with public charter schools that support at-home education. These programs often provide financial stipends and access to resources.
  • Private School Satellite Programs (PSPs): Operate under the guidance of a larger private school, offering administrative support and community connection for families who file a PSA.

Charter school homeschooling is especially exciting because these programs function as public charter schools specifically designed to support at-home education. They create a partnership with parents, providing financial allotments or stipends that can be used to purchase a wide range of instructional resources and services. While charter schools operate under agreements that define their educational objectives and are subject to local district oversight, they often also offer access to curriculum specialists, online learning platforms, and organized field trips.

A Closer Look at Charter School Allotments

Charter school allotments, sometimes called instructional or learning funds, are specific sums allocated by charter schools to families enrolled in their homeschooling programs. These funds don’t come directly from the state but are part of the state’s general fund allocation for public education distributed to charter schools based on enrollment. The schools then manage and allocate a portion of these funds as allotments.

The flexibility of these funds is a major advantage. They can typically be used for a variety of educational expenses, including:

  • Curriculum Materials: Textbooks, workbooks, online learning platforms, and educational apps.
  • Classes and Workshops: In-person and online educational classes covering various subjects.
  • Tutors and Specialists: Support in specific subjects or learning areas.
  • Technology and Resources: Computers, tablets, and educational software.
  • Field Trips and Enrichment Activities: Real-world learning experiences.
  • Basic School Supplies and Equipment
  • Standardized Testing Fees (in some cases)
  • Educational Subscription Boxes and Museum Memberships

All purchases, however, are subject to the charter school’s approval, and each school may have its own guidelines and restrictions. Many schools maintain lists of approved vendors, which can include platforms like Outschool and curriculum providers like Bridgeway Academy.

The application and reimbursement processes vary between charter schools. Typically, you must enroll your child in an approved California homeschool charter school, maintain good standing by submitting attendance records and progress reports, attend meetings with an Educational Facilitator (EF), and participate in required assessments. Documentation and meticulous record-keeping are essential, as funds may be disbursed directly to approved vendors or reimbursed after purchases.

To maximize these funds, we recommend:

  • Creating a comprehensive educational plan and budget.
  • Familiarizing yourself with the charter school’s approved vendors and processes.
  • Exploring group classes and homeschooling co-ops for cost-effective enrichment.
  • Thinking creatively about educational resources beyond traditional curriculum.
  • Keeping meticulous records of all expenses.
  • Maintaining open communication with your EF.

Many families creatively use these funds for activities such as enrolling in math classes on platforms like Outschool, music lessons, dance classes, art classes, building home libraries, purchasing educational games, and investing in technology. However, some charter schools may restrict certain purchases, such as religious curriculum, and non-consumable items might need to be returned upon withdrawal.

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), established through Assembly Bill 130, provides substantial funding for afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. ELO-P is designed to extend learning beyond the traditional school day and year, focusing on underserved student populations, including those from low-income families, foster youth, and English learners. You can learn more about ELO-P on the California Department of Education website.

It’s important to note that ELO-P is not intended to provide direct funding or resources to independent homeschoolers or families homeschooling through charter school programs. Instead, the funding flows to school districts and charter schools to operate these expanded learning programs, promoting academic enrichment, social-emotional development, and physical activity through engaging experiences.

Comparing Charter Allotments and ELO-P

While both programs support educational enrichment, they serve different purposes:

  • Charter School Allotments:
    • Funded through the state’s general education fund.
    • Available to homeschooling families enrolled in charter school programs.
    • Provide funds for curriculum materials, tutoring, technology, and more.
  • ELO-P:
    • Directly funded by the state through legislative appropriations.
    • Primarily benefits students in traditional public schools in grades TK-6.
    • Focuses on afterschool and summer enrichment programs for underserved populations.

Homeschoolers may benefit indirectly from ELO-P if school districts partner with community organizations that offer programs accessible on a fee-for-service basis.

Practical Tips and Resources

When researching and selecting a charter school with a strong allotment program, consider the following:

  • Identify charter schools in your region that offer homeschooling programs.
  • Compare annual stipend amounts, eligible expenses, and vendor lists.
  • Clarify the application and reimbursement processes, and assess the level of support offered by EFs.
  • Understand the school’s homeschooling philosophy and review accountability requirements.
  • Check if the school is accredited.

For budgeting and managing educational funds, create a comprehensive budget, prioritize essential resources, track expenditures diligently, and plan for unexpected costs. Regular communication with your EF is key.

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Charter school allotments offer a significant financial resource for California homeschooling families enrolled in participating charter schools, providing funds for a wide range of educational needs. In contrast, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) serves students in traditional public schools with afterschool and summer enrichment programs. Understanding the eligibility, funding mechanisms, and guidelines for both options is crucial for making informed decisions.

We encourage you to explore the provided resources and visit the California Department of Education and California Charter Schools Association websites for further details. And, of course, check out Learn Grid for more help connecting with exceptional educational service providers.

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your experiences and questions in the comments below to help other families on their homeschooling journey. Let’s build a supportive community together!

Warmly,

Corey and Lissa Engstrom
Learn Grid

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