This guide is intended for informational purposes only and reflects our independent perspective as former teachers. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by SCALE Leadership Academy or any CA charter school or entity.
A Personal Note
If you're reading this, I'm truly sorry you're facing this transition. 🩵
This page was established to guide families through their homeschooling options during this time of transition. We wanted to gather the resources and questions we believe will be most helpful as you begin exploring your options.
We have listed some resources below you may find useful. Our hope is that this guide makes the process feel a little less overwhelming.
Before we dive into all things California charter, it is important to know that charter isn’t your only option. Just in case it interests you, here are some additional homeschooling paths you may be interested in.
🌎 Explore California Charter Schools 🌎
HomeschoolLeap Charter Finder
Interactive comparison tool
Compare California homeschool charter schools by county, grade levels, and program features.
California Homeschool Network
Charter School Directory
Browse homeschool charter schools organized by county.
California Department of Education
Official Charter School Directory
Search California's official charter school database.
❓Questions I Recommend Asking Every Charter
Every charter school is different. Before making your decision, consider asking these questions.
Funding
How much annual instructional funding is available?
Are there spending deadlines?
How are reimbursements handled?
Are there restrictions on how funds may be used?
Curriculum
Can I choose my own curriculum?
Are online programs allowed?
Can I mix different curriculum providers?
Is there a recommended curriculum?
Vendors & Enrichment
Which vendors are currently approved?
Can families request new vendors?
Are learning centers available?
What enrichment opportunities are offered?
Teacher Meetings
How often are teacher meetings?
Are meetings virtual, in-person, or both?
Are meeting times flexible?
Work Samples
How often are work samples collected?
What qualifies as a work sample?
How are work samples submitted?
Testing
Which benchmark assessments are required?
Is CAASPP participation in person or virtual?
What testing support is provided?
Community
Are field trips offered?
Are there clubs or enrichment activities?
Is there a parent community?
Are there any subscriptions offered to students?
📌 Frequently Asked Questions 📌
Can I transfer to another charter school?
Yes. California families regularly transition between charter schools. Each school has its own enrollment process and availability. Usually charter schools accept new students up until January or February of each school year.
Do all charter schools offer the same funding?
No. Funding amounts and spending policies vary by school.
Can I keep using my current curriculum?
Often yes, but every charter has its own curriculum approval process.
Will my current vendors be available?
Each charter maintains its own approved vendor list, so it's important to ask before enrolling.
Should I simply choose the charter with the highest funding?
Not necessarily. Funding is only one factor. Consider whether a charter partners with the learning center of your choice when that applies. Also consider curriculum flexibility, community, learning centers, vendor options, teacher support, meeting requirements, and overall fit for your family.
🧩 Our Biggest Piece of Advice 🧩
Don't choose a charter based on one feature alone.
The "best" charter isn't necessarily the one with the highest funding or the largest vendor list.
The best charter is the one that aligns with your family's educational goals, teaching style, support needs, and long-term plans.
Take your time.
Ask questions.
Trust your instincts.
🔗 Additional Resources Summary 🔗
California Homeschool Network
https://californiahomeschool.net/HomeschoolLeap
https://homeschoolleap.comCalifornia Department of Education Charter Directory
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs/
