Three Families, Three Paths: Homeschooling in the North State

Forget the image of homeschooled kids sitting in their house all day staring wistfully out the window, wishing they could join the other children. Homeschooling in the North State is dynamic, full of friendships and overflowing with opportunities. Chico Homeschoolers defines homeschooling as “education that is family-led and community supported.” That means families learn together in ways that best fit their unique situation. They select the curriculum, design their methodology and thoughtfully curate opportunities in the community. Each family does it a little differently – making it the ultimate in personalized education.

There are essentially two ways to homeschool in California; public or private. Homeschooling publicly means joining a charter school that specializes in working with homeschoolers. They offer a credentialed teacher, curriculum and resources including funding for activities in the area. Homeschooling privately usually means setting up your own private school using a Private School Affidavit (PSA). These options tend to fall on a continuum with support on one end and autonomy on the other. Using a charter school will maximize your support, while homeschooling privately will maximize your autonomy.

Let’s meet some families and get a clearer picture of what this looks like in action.

The Supported Path – The Charter School

Beata and Jackson Wong: Anika (Fourth grade) and Tobias (TK)

When Beata and Jackson moved to Chico, they knew they needed an educational program that would offer both flexibility and support while their family adjusted to their new home. What they didn’t know was how central CORE Butte Charter would become to building their new community. There was so much to choose from and it all felt so overwhelming that Beata found herself asking, “Please, give me a path!”

The staff at CORE stepped up to the challenge and helped Beata design an educational program that met the needs of their gifted daughter and now their son who’s starting TK. They attended the TEA Chats that CORE offered to troubleshoot with other families, share ideas and offer support. They used their funds to take aerial classes for P.E. They enrolled in classes on campus with credentialed teachers to supplement their academics. The Wong family was surrounded by support as they found community and opportunity in their new homeschool world thanks to their homeschool charter.

Advice for homeschoolers:

Charter schools can offer a built-in support system.

The Independent Path – The Private School Affidavit (PSA)

Olivia Schmidt and Eli Bird: Aura (Eighth grade)

Aura, now 13, confidently smiles and enthusiastically announces “I love homeschooling!” Her parents, Olivia and Eli, wanted to offer their daughter a well-rounded education that provided a sense of self-determination and autonomy while aligning with their family’s values. This was what was so attractive about homeschooling privately through a PSA.  “Home, family and chosen community is at the center of the homeschool child’s life,” Olivia says as she reflects on her favorite parts of homeschooling. The vibrancy of the local homeschool community was attractive for us.”

Olivia acknowledges that homeschooling privately requires parents to be resourceful because there isn’t state funding for community activities using a PSA. To solve this problem as money ebbed and flowed in their single-income household, Olivia leaned into her background as a community organizer. She collaborated with other homeschool families to create free programs like Wednesdays of Wonder and a mother-daughter homeschool group.

When Aura heard about school dances, she organized a popular “Spring Fling” dance that just completed its third year at the Women’s Club. Olivia noted that many programs, museums and activities offer scholarships and large discounts for families on Medi-Cal. “If what we want doesn’t exist, we build it.” she says joyfully with an empowered nod.

Olivia’s daughter, Aura, has this advice for new homeschoolers:
“Don’t be stressed that you must do it one certain way. You don’t need to feel so much pressure.”

The Adaptable Path: Homeschooling Through Life’s Seasons

Julia Plotkina: Zander (Sixth grade)

Julia never expected to homeschool her son. After dabbling in a few all-day schools in L.A. and powering through Zoom schooling during COVID, it became clear to her that she wanted to live “a richer, more fulfilling life.” Julia started out homeschooling privately through a PSA. When they moved to Butte County, she met with Lakeview Charter’s parent liaison. This prompted them to transition to the charter school after learning about the funding they provided for educational activities and resources.

Julia understood that a good education goes beyond academics to include the arts, social justice, community, nature and the whole person. She enrolled her son in classes to learn Russian. They both built friendships through community programs like park days, co-ops and special events. Zander has become a talented pianist inspiring his friends to become musicians too. Julia says she holds her son to a high academic standard while allowing space for him to co-create his educational experience. “It’s important that homeschooling is working for both of us.”

Every year, they have an honest conversation with each other about what’s working and how to make his education the best it can be as their needs evolve. As Zander enters middle school, Julia has allowed her family to transition again. Zander will attend CORE this fall and looks forward to running cross-country with his friends, taking science classes on campus and getting to participate in school activities.

Advice for new homeschoolers

Homeschooling is like a river – it will ebb and flow and rarely be exactly what you had planned. Give yourself a lot of grace.

In Butte County we have an abundance of educational opportunities, talented teachers and caring administrators. Homeschooling is not right for everyone. You know your family best. If you’re willing to adapt, stay curious and build a strong community, then homeschooling might be a good fit for your family. If you’d like to learn more, Chico Homeschoolers (chicohomeschoolers.org) can help with resources, workshops and direct support for more focused help.