Obtaining a TK-12 education from home as opposed to a traditional brick and mortar environment is a more common circumstance these days than it was 5 to 10 years ago. When people think of education outside of the walls of a traditional School, they typically think of the words “homeschooling.”  There are many ways to homeschool, and for parents looking for more support, online schooling may be the best homeschooling option.  While online schooling and homeschooling share many similarities – they also have some key differences. Let’s highlight a few:

The Role of the Parent

Homeschool:

In a homeschool setting it is the responsibility of the parent to act as the teacher.  They are responsible for choosing and teaching Curriculum, assessing and grading their child’s work and academic progress, and creating socialization opportunities – all without the day-to-day administrative support of a school.  Families typically find other homeschool parents to create support and community for their learners. For parents looking for a hands-on approach to their child’s education, homeschooling is an opportunity to build a customized learning experience for their children, tailored to fit their child’s needs.  

Online School:

At CalPac, parents and guardians act as a learning coach rather than the primary teacher. In each program and at different ages, the parent role varies slightly.  Our faculty is  available to CalPac students during regular school hours and each course has a weekly live session, which is held in real time, in our online virtual classroom.  While CalPac faculty acts as an education partner, it is the parent’s responsibility as an at-home learning coach to guide their student through their independent lessons, keep them on track throughout the day, and to help them with assignments. Every student in our CalPac program has a dedicated homeroom teacher to support them and their family. Teachers will check in on a weekly basis to make sure the student is on track and will offer assistance and encouragement as needed.

Curriculum

Homeschool:

Parents are responsible for choosing curriculum. The cost and type of curriculum permitted depends on whether or not a family is homeschooling through a homeschool charter or on their own with PSA. Families that choose to homeschool through a homeschool charter usually receive a set amount of instructional funds from the school per child per year that is to be used on state approved curriculum determined by the school. Families that choose to file a PSA and homeschool privately are responsible for paying all curriculum costs out of pocket, however, the family has complete freedom to choose a curriculum that may or may not meet state standards. 

Online School:

CalPac provides a set curriculum specifically designed for independent online learning that meets California educational standards. This curriculum can be personalized to each student’s unique learning needs, offering families support in not having to wade through tons of curriculum options while still providing enough flexibility for a custom learning experience. The personalized approach of CalPac curriculum means students can learn at a pace and in a place that’s right for them. Since CalPac sets the curriculum, instructional funds are not provided. 

The Cost

Homeschool:

When filing a PSA, parents bear the full cost of curriculum and materials.  Some parents participate in home study programs offered by public schools in which they are given instructional funds to go towards the cost of approved educational materials and services.

Online School:

California Pacific Charter Schools is a public charter school – meaning it is completely free to student’s residing in the counties we serve which include 7 counties in Sonoma, 4 counties in Los Angeles, and four counties in San Diego.  To see a list of the specific counties we serve in Northern and Southern California, see “Locations Served” found at the top of the page linked here.  All curriculum, technology, materials, workbooks, and supplies are provided to students and there is no cost to families. Since all of this is provided by CalPac there is not a need to offer instructional funds like a homeschool program would. 

Social Opportunities

Homeschool:

In a homeschool environment – parents are responsible for creating socialization opportunities for their students, whether that looks like creating learning pods with fellow homeschoolers, traveling, planning family field trips, or participating in service projects in their local communities.

Online School:

At CalPac, students have the opportunity to connect with their teachers and fellow students during live sessions as well as the opportunity to participate in school sponsored field trips (both online and occasionally in person), clubs, and events.