Can I really do this?
Thousands of other parents of all educational backgrounds
are successfully homeschooling. You have the necessary
ability.
Are you still wondering, "What if I make the wrong
decision about..?" Fortunately, whatever decision you
make is yours to change. You can modify your program
to meet your family's current needs at any time.
Homeschooler BJ Darr once wrote, "It takes time to
'get acquainted' with all the curricula, resources,
and options available. Eventually, though, it will start
to look familiar. While you are trying to make sense
of it all it helps to realize that there is a lot of
support out there and many homeschooling families who
are willing to spend time helping you. Find these people.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel."
What are the legal concerns I should be aware of and what protections are
available for my family?
Every year a few homeschooling families are contacted
by officials who tell them it's illegal to homeschool.
The best defense is knowing the law and your homeschooling
rights. As a parent, you have the right to choose the
best education for your child. Don't be nervous just
because someone who isn't aware of this tries to tell
you otherwise. Parents have schooled their children
at home for many decades, with the knowledge of both
legislators, and the California Department of Education.
On August 8, 2008, the Court of Appeal of the State
of California Second Appellate District Division Three,
case B192878 wrote: "California statutes permit home
schooling as a species of private school education."
Daytime Curfew
There is no statewide curfew law in California. Sometimes
you’ll hear people say that California Ed. Code 48200
is where the statewide curfew exists. This section of
the code talks about truancy from public school, and private
schools are exempt:
48220. The classes of children described in this
article, shall be exempted by the proper school authorities
from the requirements of attendance upon a public full-time
day school.
Many cities in California do have daytime curfew laws.
Most include a statement saying that the curfew applies
on days and/or times when the student’s school is in
session. If the student’s school is not in session during
that day or time, the curfew doesn’t apply to them.
Sometimes teens who may be out in the community without
their parent may be stopped in daytime curfew communities.
Whether you live in a curfew community or not, it’s
a good idea for the older kids who are out during public
school hours to carry a school ID card with them, and
to know how to reach you by phone. They should be instructed
to politely explain that their private school is not
in session and that they have permission from their
parent to be out. If there is a problem, contact CHN
at 800-327-5339.
If you are unsure about curfew laws in your community,
you can check to see if your city has their municipal
code online here
or you can call the police department or your city councilman
and ask for a copy of the code. Ask for it in print
so you can read it yourself.
Help is Available
The California Homeschool Network was founded to aid
you in having a successful homeschool experience. CHN's
Local Contacts
are willing to provide information and discuss your
concerns. If you are in an area without a Local Contact,
call our toll-free Homeschool Hotline, 1 (800) 327-5339.
If CHN is helping someone else, please leave your name,
phone number, and question, and we will return your
call as soon as possible.
Through our people and our publications, the California Homeschool Network
is ready to help you get off to a great start in homeschooling. Best wishes!
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