School Options

The first step in your homeschooling journey is to decide what type of school you want to participate in. This sounds counterintuitive (I want to homeschool, duh?), but stick with us. The Chico areas offers a variety of ways to homeschool your child. We've highlighted the different options here and linked them to places to learn more.

3 Ways To Homeschool

1. Public Charter: Enroll in a public charter school specializing in homeschooling

2. Establish A Private School: Set up your own private school registered through the State of California (PSA)

3. Enroll in a PSP: Use a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

Public Homeschool Charters

Public charter schools are the way most people in the North Valley homeschool. That's because they help provide funding for curriculums and activities. They also provide the support of a credentialed teacher to help guide you through the process of teaching your kids. Because they are public schools, they are required to follow California State Standards, do yearly testing, and are only authorized to purchase secular curriculums.

Enrolling in a charter school is very similar to enrolling in a conventional public school. Each school will have their own process, so once you find the school you like, just follow the instructions for enrollment on their website. It is worth noting that many of these charters have waitlists. If you think this might be the right option for you, then applying early is a good idea.

Scroll Down To Learn More About Each Option

Infographic: Understanding the Differences

Private School Options

The other option is to set up your own or go through an established private school. This option includes either filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) or using a Private School Satellite Program (PSP). By filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the state, you are opening your own private school and enrolling your kids in it. This path will provide the maximum amount of freedom, but no funding and no academic support. Alternatively, there is a hybrid option between charter and PSA, called Private School Satellite Program (PSP). In this option, you enroll you children in a private school established by someone else. Scroll down to read more about each option.

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CORE Butte Charter School

CORE is a personalized learning K-12 charter school that offers a campus, optional on-site classes, and a college-model high school. It is a great option for people who want funding, lots of support, and enjoy the benefits of having a local campus. They also offer clubs, sports, social activities, and a variety of support options. CORE is WASC accredited.

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Lake View Charter School

Lakeview Charter School is a charter school overseen by Sequoia Grove. Many of their teachers are local homeschooling parents who are also credentialed teachers. They are a great option for parents looking to maximize flexibility in the context of a public school and have access to funding. Lakeview is WASC accredited.

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South Sutter Charter School

South Sutter is a charter school run by IEM with an active Butte County team of teachers. Many of their teachers are homeschoolers themselves. They offer flexibility while meeting state standards and offer funding. A long standing charter, South Sutter is experienced at adapting to an ever-changing charter school climate. South Sutter is WASC accredited.

More Charter School Options

In addition to the big 3 listed, there are several other charter schools in our area that serve homeschoolers. These schools offer classes, curriculum, and teachers but not all offer funding for activities.

Hearthstone Charter School

(Oroville)

William Finch Charter School (Orland)

Pivot Charter School

(Chico)

Private School (PSA)

It is possible to establish your own private school in California by registering with the state using a Private School Affidavit (PSA). This option will give you the most academic freedom since it is a private not a public school. However, this also means parents will not receive any funding or academic support. Parents are responsible for record keeping and transcripts.

Private School Satellite Program

A Private School Satellite Program (PSP) is a cross between a charter and a PSA. They are for people that like the independence of a PSA but want additional support. They serve like an umbrella offering protection, support, and independence.

Helping Homeschoolers in Butte County Thrive

School Options

1. Public Charter: Enroll in a public charter school specializing in homeschooling

2. Establish A Private School: Set up your own private school registered through the State of California (PSA)

3. Enroll in a PSP: Use a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

Public Homeschool Charters

Scroll Down To Learn More About Each Option

Private School Options

Chico Homeschoolers

Helping Homeschoolers in Butte County Thrive

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School Options

1. Public Charter: Enroll in a public charter school specializing in homeschooling 2. Establish A Private School: Set up your own private school registered through the State of California (PSA) 3. Enroll in a PSP: Use a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

Public Homeschool Charters

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Scroll Down To Learn More About Each Option

Private School Options

1. Public Charter: Enroll in a public charter school specializing in homeschooling

2. Establish A Private School: Set up your own private school registered through the State of California (PSA)

3. Enroll in a PSP: Use a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)