- Is Cedar Life Academy run by a homeschooler?
Yes, I'm a longtime homeschooler, with experience in homeschooling as well as in helping other homeschoolers. My youngest child was completely homeschooled until he graduated from my school and started college in 2008.
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- Does Cedar Life Academy have a CDS code?
Yes, my school code is #33670907092208.
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- Do you accept out of state students?
No, I only accept California students, to best serve them, since California homeschooling is my area of expertise. New residents may register before they arrive, and in many instances, Cedar Life Academy can also accept students who are spending much of the school year traveling, provided they are California residents who are returning to the state.
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- Do I need legal insurance?
Cedar Life Academy does not require it. I do recommend that you join one of the three state organizations, and help keep homeschooling strong.
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- Do I have to get my child's school records?
No, I'll do that for you!
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- Will you give me books?
No, you'll need to get them. I'll recommend some catalogs and places to look for curriculum, however.
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- Will you issue a diploma?
Yes, if you request it. An extra fee will be charged for this service, after we determine what you would like.
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- What are you going to make me do? Is there a lot of paperwork?
There is some minimal paperwork that the state requires. I'll make it painless for you to complete it, and will guide you through it all, so you only have to answer a few questions. It will be the easiest thing ever, and after I help you complete it, I will store it for you, as required by law.
During the year, I recommend that you keep track of the books you read to your child, and the list of field trips, and anything else that you want to save just because it interests you. These are records you will some day treasure! I'm a paperwork minimalist, and believe that time is best spent with our kids, so there will be no busywork for you to turn in!
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- Must I submit something monthly?
It is recommended that you report your progress monthly, however it is not required. My experience is that the parents who contact me monthly and let me know what they have been doing benefit more from their Cedar Life enrollment. Often I can reassure or offer suggestions when they stay in communication with me. However, I know not everyone needs that, so I'll leave that to you to decide what level of help you need during the year.
There will be no pressure, and there is no right or wrong way to do homeschool, so enjoy the experience! When you enroll in Cedar Life Academy, I do not become your school police; I'm your homeschool friend who is helping make homeschooling easier for you! As an eclectic homeschooler with relaxed unschooling leanings, I believe that learning is year round, life long, and even if you are sick or just had a bad few weeks, I know your children have been learning. I trust the kids to learn, and I trust you!
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- Is this a religious school?
No, however you are welcome to include your faith in your teaching (unlike charter schools or ISPs which are public, a PSP like Cedar Life Academy has no faith restrictions or rules).
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- Do I have to teach a certain way?
Absolutely not! You may unschool or do school at home. I'll only step in if you or the kids are crying, which will mean that what you are doing isn't working. I want homeschooling to be a great experience, so if you are having trouble, we'll find something that works better for you.
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- Should I enroll my kindergartner?
Compulsory education in California starts the year a child is 6 by December 2nd, which is typically first grade. Kindergarten is not required in California, so there is no need to enroll in Cedar Life Academy or any other school until first grade. Our recommendation is to not enroll for kindergarten, but if you have reasons to need to start with kindergarten, we will accommodate your request.
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- Are the fees prorated if I register mid-year?
No. Due to the low tuition and also the fact that starting a child in a school mid-year can be more complicated and time-consuming, the price is the same year round.
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