Homeschooling Resources

Q: When do we file the Private School Affidavit (PSA)? 

A: The PSA may be filed online at the California Department of Education website on or about October 1st of every year. Schools that are created after the filing period should file at the time the school is established. It is recommended that you file electronically using the California Department of Education (CDE)’s online form.

https://californiahomeschool.net/how-to-homeschool/establishing-your-psa/#:~:text=Where%20and%20When%20to%20File,using%20the%20CDE's%20online%20form

Q: Can homeschooling options be hybrid?

A: Yes, you can; that's what we do. We use an online charter school but we do all our therapies in person, not zoom. We also do some classes with the homeschool enrichment center.

Q: Can we get services in-person with Pacific Coast Academy (PCA)?

A: All services can be in-person with Pacific Coast Academy (PCA), you will just need to demonstrate that virtual is not supportive for your child. So, there might be a period of trying virtual to show that it isn’t supportive for your child, then in-person services would be provided.

Q: The hybrid model you were talking about, is there a specialized adaptive instructor  (SAI) on campus?
A: If you go to a charter school and are homeschooling with their curriculum, you would get SAI included as well as other services. You as the primary educator would have an open relationship with the SAI to discuss teaching strategies and progress.

Q: Is it still working towards certificates or diplomas if you are doing homeschool? Do these programs work toward a high school diploma?
A: Yes, every student who gets to high school level will be diploma-bound or certificate bound. There is also an alternative diploma pathway for those eligible. 

Q: How easy is it to switch back to the way your IEP was before going to charter for school? For example: I may wish to decline services for OT SPEECH Etc, while at a charter-but if I switch back to regular public school is it easy to add back in OT and speech?

A: It should be easier if you decline a service written into the IEP, but it remains in there. 

It’s harder if you advocate for something removed from the IEP completely and then try to add it in again later. 

Q: If my child has a 1:1 in public school now how could you have a 1:1 for homeschool?

A: Yes, if a 1:1 aide is included in your child’s IEP, you can ask for a 1:1 aide through homeschooling. Pacific Coast Academy (PCA), for example, provides 1:1 aides.

Q: I am trying to educate myself on all options for my autistic child. How did parents here decide that homeschool was a better option than public school?  What behaviors or issues did you feel like public school could not appropriately address?

A: I think this is a great question.  My daughter has Down Syndrome and I think you definitely have to consider having your child home with behaviors. I'll be honest some days it's a lot. Having all services in person and enrichment activities can definitely help you to get a break during the day. 

Q: How would a charter school work for an autistic high school-aged child that is at the elementary level for academic curriculum?  

A: In charter schools, students can receive personalized support tailored to their academic level, even if they are in high school but working at an elementary level. Through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the student’s academic goals can be adapted to fit their specific learning needs. This can include the use of modified curriculums, specialized instruction, and related services such as speech therapy or occupational therapy. 

Many San Diego charter schools offer flexible curriculum models, which can be beneficial for students who need alternative pacing or content. Additionally, the use of assistive technology and specialized staff (such as an SAI or resource teachers) can further support their academic journey. Programs like Pacific Coast Academy and others mentioned in the resources list offer this kind of flexible, personalized education model.

Q: I’m switching my child from public school to homeschooling. Should I reach out to my homeschool to do a new IEP and do I bring up the home school at the IEP meeting with the public school? 

A: Yes, you should discuss your plans to homeschool during the IEP meeting. While public schools generally manage IEPs, homeschoolers working with charter schools or homeschool programs (such as Pacific Coast Academy) can request that services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or ABA continue under the homeschool model. Some services may be provided directly through the charter or homeschool program, while others may require an outside provider. 

Be sure to request that all essential services remain in the IEP so they can be reinstated if you transition back to public school later.