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Homeschooling 101

     Fun Facts    

-You DO NOT have to start from scratch
-You DO NOT have do this alone.
-You DO NOT need a teaching degree.

Do I need a teaching degree?
No. California law states that “The instructors must be capable of teaching.”
Does my preschooler need to be homeschooled?
NO. Your child is not required to enrolled in school until the age of 6 (by September 1st.)
Doesn't my child(ren) need to attend a public/private school?
  • Yes/No.  California gives families four options for their child(ren)’s education:
    • Public School, Charter School, Independent Study Program & Private School
      • The term “Homeschool” does not exist in CA law – it is termed Private School
Why should I homeschool my child(ren)?
  • Individualized course of study for each child
  • Desire to preserve their cultural heritage & pass on moral/religious values to their children.
  • Development of child’s confidence/independent thinking, away from negative peer pressure.
  • Advantage of 1-on-1 teaching time, with special attention to each child’s unique needs/ interests.
  • Family unity, closeness, and enjoyment of each other.
  • Flexible schedule which allows more time for children to explore and learn at their own rate.
  • Provision for a safe educational environment for their children.
  • Bullying, physical abuse, school shootings, exposure to drug and alcohol abuse, objectionable state sponsored sex education content are a great concern to many.
Is it expensive?
It doesn't have to be!
What about vaccination requirements?
Your family has the choice to follow the requirements, as stated by CA law, or to file an exemption
How many families are currently homeschooling in CA?
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated over 600,000 students in K-12
What about testing standards and college?
  • According to recent studies, home educated students typically score 15-30 percent higher than public school students on achievement tests (regardless of the education of the parent(s)).
  • Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.
What if my spouse and I both work? Can I drop my child(ren) off at ITLCA?
  • Homeschooling gives your family the flexibility of creating a schedule that works for you and your child(ren).  Some grade levels require less instruction time than you might think.
    • Family members/friends can help/assist with your child(ren)’s education.
  • Although ITLCA is a Private School Program, we are not campus based.  Our vision is to provide families with the support, resources and tools needed to successfully meet each of their child's educational needs, from the safe and positive environment of their own home.
What about socialization?
  • ITLCA is also a Co-op, meaning that we will provide at least one ‘on-campus’ day per week (to be decided/finalized) for families to meet and support each other in educational, extra-curricular and other supportive ways.
  • ITLCA also plans to, with the input of families, organize and host activities and excursions to enhance and supplement the education of its students.
How do I get started?
If your child(ren) is currently enrolled in public school, we can help.  If they have not started school, we can help!

     Fun Facts    

-You DO NOT have to start from scratch
-You DO NOT have do this alone.
-You DO NOT need a teaching degree.

Do I need a teaching degree?
No. California law states that “The instructors must be capable of teaching.”
Does my preschooler need to be homeschooled?
No. Your child is not required to be enrolled in school until the age of 6 (by September 1st)
Doesn’t my child need to attend a public/private school?
Yes/No.  California gives families four options for their child(ren)’s education:
  • Public School, Charter School, Independent Study Program & Private School
    • The term “Homeschool” does not exist in CA law – it is termed Private School
Why should I homeschool my child(ren)?
  • Individualized course of study for each child
  • Desire to preserve their cultural heritage & pass on moral/religious values to their children.
  • Development of child’s confidence/independent thinking, away from negative peer pressure.
  • Advantage of 1-on-1 teaching time, with special attention to each child’s unique needs/ interests.
  • Family unity, closeness, and enjoyment of each other.
  • Flexible schedule which allows more time for children to explore and learn at their own rate.
  • Provision for a safe educational environment for their children.
  • Bullying, physical abuse, school shootings, exposure to drug and alcohol abuse, objectionable state sponsored sex education content are a great concern to many.
Is it expensive?
It doesn't have to be!
What about vaccination requirements?
Your family has the choice to follow the requirements, as stated by CA law, or to file an exemption.
How many families are currently homeschooling in CA?
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated over 600,000 students in K-12
What about testing standards and college?
  • According to recent studies, home educated students typically score 15-30 percent higher than public school students on achievement tests (regardless of the education of the parent(s)).
  • Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.
What if my spouse and I both work? Can I drop my child(ren) off at ITLCA?
  • Homeschooling gives your family the flexibility of creating a schedule that works for your child(ren).  Some grade levels require less instruction time than you might think.
  • Although ITLCA is a Private School Program, we are not campus based.  Our vision is to provide families with the support, resources and tools needed to successfully meet each of their child's educational needs, from the safe and positive environment of their own home.
What about socialization?
  • ITLCA is also a Co-op, meaning that we will provide at least one ‘on-campus’ day per week (to be decided/finalized) for families to meet and support each other in educational, extra-curricular and other supportive ways.
  • ITLCA also, with the input of families, organizes and hosts activities and excursions to enhance and supplement the education of its students.
How do I get started?
If your child(ren) is currently enrolled in public school, we can help.  If they have not started school, we can help!

   PSP - Private School Program   


  • ITL Christian Academy is a PSP
    • Offers parent-led eduation, activities, field trips, and more as part of a built-in community.
  • Before enrolling in ITL Christian Academy, you will need to withdraw your student(s) from their current school. Click here for a sample withdrawal letter you can personalize and use.
    • This is true even for kindergartners who haven’t attended a day of school yet
    • If you completed the paperwork to enroll them, you need to unenroll them or you will begin receiving calls from the school wondering where your child is.
      • We suggest sending it through certified mail as this provides paper trial proof of receipt.
      • "homeschooling" is not a legal educational term in California - we strongly suggest not using the term in your letter.

    RECORDS    

  • ITL Christian Academy will request your child(ren)'s records request from your previous school.
    • You will need to be sure to maintain new records as required by law
  • You do need to keep
    • a record of attendance
    • a course of study
    • a list of faculty and their qualifications (your education is enough qualification.)
  • Health Examination for School Entry
    • Can be found here - (within 90 days of entering first grade).
    • should be completed by your family doctor or pediatrician for each child upon their entrance into first grade
  • Signed waiver -  (within 90 days of entering first grade).
    • you should fill out and sign the waiver and keep it on file in place of the examination form.
  • Organizing Records
    • Can be physical or digital
    • Three-ring binder w/sheet protectors
    • File box with file for each year with student samples, etc.

  PLAN & PREPARE  

  • Choosing curriculum can be overwhelming - click here for curriculum options
    • Consider
      • how your children learn
      • your approach to learning
      • your budget
      • your schedule, etc
      • What is best for one family is not necessarily best for another
  •  Scheduling is flexible
    • "normal school hours"
    •  Working parents - evening school/partly on the weekend, summer options


  PSP - Private School Program    

  • ITL Christian Academy is a PSP
    • Offers parent-led eduation, activities, field trips, and more as part of a built-in community.
  • Before enrolling in ITL Christian Academy, you will need to withdraw your student(s) from their current school. Click here for a sample withdrawal letter you can personalize and use.
    • This is true even for kindergartners who haven’t attended a day of school yet
    • If you completed the paperwork to enroll them, you need to unenroll them or you will begin receiving calls from the school wondering where your child is.
      • We suggest sending it through certified mail as this provides paper trial proof of receipt.
      • "homeschooling" is not a legal educational term in California - we strongly suggest not using the term in your letter.


  RECORDS    

  • ITL Christian Academy will request your child(ren)'s records request from your previous school.
    • You will need to be sure to maintain new records as required by law
  •  You do need to keep
    • a record of attendance
    • a course of study
    • a list of faculty and their qualifications (your education is enough qualification.)
  • Health Examination for School Entry
    • Can be found here - (within 90 days of entering first grade).
    • should be completed by your family doctor or pediatrician for each child upon their entrance into first grade
  • Signed waiver -  (within 90 days of entering first grade).
    • you should fill out and sign the waiver and keep it on file in place of the examination form.
  • Organizing Records
    • Can be physical or digital
    • Three-ring binder w/sheet protectors
    • File box with file for each year with student samples, etc.


  PLAN & PREPARE    

  • Choosing curriculum can be overwhelming - click here for curriculum options
    • Consider
      • how your children learn
      • your approach to learning
      • your budget
      • your schedule, etc
      • What is best for one family is not necessarily best for another
  •  Scheduling is flexible
    • "normal school hours"
    •  Working parents - evening school/partly on the weekend, summer options
  • High School Requirements
    • Differ from Elementary/Middle School
    • Click here to learn more


Learn More

Our Leaders

Angel Ramirez

Site Administrator/Director

Angel has spent the past 20+ years serving in different areas of education, including tutoring, running summer day camps and after school programs, as well as teaching for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.  He has also served in various ministries at ITL and currently serves as the Youth Leader, Office Manager and Website/App Manager.

Michelle Gomez

New Family Advisor

Michelle has years of firsthand knowledge and insight into homeschooling.  She currently homeschools three of her boys – her oldest is in the 6th grade.  She has experience with different curriculums, teaching strategies and has a network of homeschool families that have supported her homeschool endeavors.