California Public School Alternatives
As the school year is quickly approaching in California, it is a good time to consider other educational options outside of public school. California only allows a medical exemption to waive vaccine requirement, and it is difficult to find a doctor that will write one no matter how severe the child’s condition is. You can attempt to secure the medical exemption, and include a lawyer if necessary to help you, so your child can attend public school.
If you do not have the resources to pay for a lawyer, or simply do not have time for a lawsuit to allow your child to participate in public school, there are many great alternatives to public school. These alternatives typically do not mandate your child to be vaccinated, nor enforce masking, among other things. It is important to know your options, and share with your friends. Alternative options to public schools are homeschooling, co-ops, unschooling, public charter schools, and more.
**This information will be updated on a continual basis.
HOMESCHOOL
If you are looking for traditional homeschool options, it is helpful to understand homeschooling in California; read up at at Rescue Your Child, a project by Save California, where you can find a homeschool resource page. Also, Homeschooling in California and Homeschool Association of California can help answer questions you might have about homeschooling. California Homeschool Network is another great resource.
A wide array of homeschool curriculum is available, and you will need to determine what works best for your situation, child, and expectations. Here are some user friendly, simple examples that are not religion based: Time4Learning, Blackbird, Edmentum, Khan Academy, and much, much more.
ACTON ACADEMY: Offers in person learning with several different campuses worldwide. Find out more information here.
The Homeschool Bunch
The Homeschool Bunch offers a unique Mobile Enrichment experience where they host enrichment services for 6-8 weeks at various locations throughout the SoCal area. Their services cater to a minimum of 20 families to a maximum of 45 families, contingent upon the space available. Services cover areas such as West LA, Long Beach, El Segundo, Playa Vista, Newport Beach, Irvine, Arcadia, Santa Monica, and Pasadena.
Seashore Academy
Seashore Academy offers the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling with the quality of private education. There are locations in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, West Side, South Bay (Manhattan Beach). Learn more or schedule a visit.
Homeschool Conferences Summer 2023
Families find ways to make homeschooling happen and predominantly do not regret the choice. Children flourish and often learn more effectively because the learning is curated to the child. Some families homeschool on their own, others join co-ops like Natomas Homeschool Alliance, and others enroll their children in alternative homeschools. There are options out there, you just need to take that first step and try. If you are still unsure, check out some upcoming homeschool conferences in Northern CA to learn more, including the Northern California Homeschool Convention in Rocklin (event passed) and the HSC Conference in San Jose:
UNSCHOOLING
If you want the opposite of public school, you can try unschooling. Below is a description of unschooling, and learn more at Time4Learning to learn if it is a good fit for your child and family.
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
Public Charter Schools are a good transition option for families that aren’t ready to fully break away from the public school system. Vaccine and dental records are requested, yet exemptions are allowed and honored. In addition, families receive funding for their child to pay for the curriculum and activities the child will participate in. Typically students are assigned a homeschool teacher and will check in monthly to maintain interaction and stay on track.
Check out some public charter school options in California:
Innovative Education Management
There are 3 associated schools for NorCal and SoCal regions. Check out their websites for virtual information sessions happening now.
Pacific Charter Institute
PCI serves the Greater Sacramento Region and has various schools including Heritage Peak, Rio Valley, Sutter Peak, Valley View, and New Pacific School. Visit their website to learn more and apply.
Blue Ridge Academy
Blue Ridge Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving transitional kindergarten through 12th grade students in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern Counties. Learn more here.
