Does an umbrella (satellite ) school makes homeschooling easier ?

Question

I am still undecided if I should use Christian Liberty Academy . They keep records, transcripts , diploma, counseling in curriculum , diploma and you don't have to submit to your school district (from what I heard ) .

Do you use an umbrella school or you prefer to be independent?

Answer 1

I've lived in two states with no reporting or regulations for HS'ing.  When we move again, we'll find an easy state to HS also.

I would *never* go through an umbrella school unless I was forced to to legally HS in the state.  *Especially* if it was for grades Kdg-8th.  There is just *no need* for outside record keeping, transcripts, etc.  PLUS, umbrella schools either make you use *their* curriculum (CLA most likely "counsels" you for the CL curriculum), or have a very small list of what you can choose from.  I like my total freedom too much - it's the #2 reason we HS (first being moving through curriculum at varying speeds and with a variety of grade levels).

Even for high school an umbrella organization is *not* important (barring state laws that require it).  My son has two high school, and one online college course right now, and I still don't answer to anyone.  For the past 5.5 yrs, I've kept my own records/transcripts/portfolios, etc. and it's no big deal.  No one has made me do it, I just do b/c I'm a datahead and I wanted records.  For the high school classes, I did want a bit more "formal" records, so I'm using Homeschool Tracker Plus to keep them now.

I will never use a virtual school for full time status, either.  I may for a class here or there, but it will always be a *private*, not *public* school.

Answer 2

I prefer to do so without the umbrella school, but in our state, that is the preferred option.  I must say I enjoy having them there when questions arise but if the state board of ed here were not so antagonistic toward homeschoolers I wouldn't necessarily choose the option.  You still have to satisfy all state requirements but at least in mine, you can choose your own curriculum.

I definately enjoy the convenience of the online grading and knowing that all the records are an email or phone call away.   But even that could be accessed independently.  Ours uses Homeschool Reporting Online and you can purchase the service yourself.

Note: by Umbrella school I do NOT mean on line or distance schooling.  Our school is simply admin in nature.

Answer 3

I prefer to be independent. I like making the decisions myself instead of following somebody else's plan for my kids.

Answer 4

I think the decision to go under an umbrella program depends on a family’s individual needs.

I have used an umbrella school for 3 of my 4 kids and only during high school.  We did not use it for our oldest, and that worked out just fine.  He went to college and graduated magna c u m laude, so he didn't suffer any ill effects.  

For the other 3 we have chosen to use the umbrella program, because of the colleges and careers they want to go into.  The Southern Board Of Regents accepts this accreditation program, (some programs, although accredited, are not accepted.) , so that easily opens doors (yes, I’m aware that portfolios also open doors~ I’ve been that route).  

A former homeschool mom, who used to be a public school teacher and a principal, runs the umbrella program that I use.  She is doing this because she loves it and really has a heart for homeschooling.  Therefore, there is not the fear of some stuffy bureaucrat reading our files and telling us what to do.

I am allowed to pick my own curriculum as long as it is approved.  Since she understands homeschooling, I have never had a problem with the approval part.  Of course we have to follow the basic college prep route, but I would do that anyway.  This is a merely a framework that I can springboard from and not something intrusive.

It is extra paperwork on one hand, but there are many perks.  For instance, anyone coming to the door to inspect our school would be referred to the umbrella program.  The program also allows the kids to be instantly eligible for the state scholarships, which basically pays for books and full tuition.  .  I also have access to the experience and advice of the principal and her staff, which has been very helpful.

I forgot to add:

One of the biggest reasons we did this is to put my mom-in-law's mind to ease.  The release that this brought to our family's relationship with them has been worth every minute.

Answer 5

We do use an umbrella school.

We considered the reporting requirements of NOT using an umbrella school much more burdensome and intrusive than the reporting requirements of the umbrella school.

The umbrella school does not require a particular curriculum at all but does provide guidelines for completion of high school (number of hours in various subjects for general or college prep track).

Without an umbrella, every year (among other minor requirements) we would have to:

- Submit a notice to the local school superintendent including a description of curriculum, proposed hours of instruction, description of each course.

- Submit detailed attendance records each year to the local school superintendent

- Vaccination records every year

With the umbrella school:

- We submit course list and descriptions for the year, report grades at the end of each semester and hours spent per subject.  That is all.  One form, faxed in. No hassle at all.

- We decide on the curriculum which is quite eclectic.