Homeschooling in California?
Think of us as the admissions office for your home school.
While you’re getting started we’re taking care of your student’s transfer and setting up your student’s records.
We’ll answer your questions, help you find the resources you need, and assist in a smooth transition for your learner.
We do not offer classes or curriculum.
We do support all learners!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PSP
Branson Academy is an Administrative PSP or Private School Satellite Program. What does this mean?
It means your home school is a satellite of our private school. We provide administrative support and a legal covering for your family.
What Is Administrative Support?
Think of us as the Admissions Office for your home school with a school counselor, assistant principal, and home school coach!
We maintain all the student records including processing transfers and cumulative records, attendance, grades and transcripts, and health records.
We file the annual PSA and immunization reports, and provide relevant curriculum advice and resource suggestions.
Is a PSP the Same as an Umbrella Program?
Yes. A PSP is also known as an umbrella program because students are “under the umbrella” or covering of that private school.
No. Charter schools are “home school” programs offered through the public school system with mandated state requirements such as immunizations and Common Core Curriculum. Charter schools (including online charter schools) receive state and federal funding for the number of students enrolled.
A PSP is a home school support program offered through a private school.
What’s right for you? Let’s compare!
|
BRANSON ACADEMY
Private School Satellite Program |
CALIFORNIA CHARTER SCHOOL
Public School |
|
Private
|
Public
|
|
Tuition Based
|
Uses Federal, State, and County Funding
|
|
Common Core not required
Parents choose curriculum to best meet student needs |
Uses Common Core Standards
Discourages Faith Based Curriculum |
|
Year Round Calendar
Begin and end studies according to your schedule |
Traditional Nine-Month Calendar
|
|
Parent Facilitates Instruction
May use tutors, group classes, online courses, and other educational aids to meet student needs |
Charter school teacher/ISP staff oversight of parent instruction
|
|
Annual study plan
Quarter reports Uploaded online |
Monthly or weekly parent/teacher meetings and assignments
|
|
Manages state mandated student records and cumulative files
|
Retains student cumulative files and records for state
|
|
Student Record Access
Online through your Family Portal |
None, or limited
|
|
Immunization not required – Statement of non-immunization is required for CPHD statistical reporting. SB 277 Exceptions from CDPH: |
Immunization required.
Personal Belief exemption not accepted. Masks and vaccinations for Covid may be required for in person classes. |
|
Student progresses at own pace
Monitored by parent |
Student progresses as determined by charter school instructor or ISP staff recommendations
|
|
Encourages and supports learning for all students.
Encourages adaptation for special needs.
|
Requires IEP for Special Needs, encourages students to meet state mandated objectives and learning outcomes
|
|
Dual enrollment forms processed for high school students
|
Determined by staff
|
Branson Academy is an Administrative PSP or Private School Satellite Program. What does this mean?
It means your home school is a satellite of our private school. We provide administrative support and a legal covering for your family.
What Is Administrative Support?
Think of us as the Admissions Office for your home school with a school counselor, assistant principal, and home school coach!
We maintain all the student records including processing transfers and cumulative records, attendance, grades and transcripts, and health records.
We file the annual PSA and immunization reports, and provide relevant curriculum advice and resource suggestions.
Is a PSP the Same as an Umbrella Program?
Yes. A PSP is also known as an umbrella program because students are “under the umbrella” or covering of that private school.
Is a Private School Satellite Program the Same as a Charter School?
No. Charter schools are “home school” programs offered through the public school system with mandated state requirements such as immunizations and Common Core Curriculum. Charter schools (including online charter schools) receive state and federal funding for the number of students enrolled.
A PSP is a home school support program offered through a private school.
What’s right for you? Let’s compare!
|
BRANSON ACADEMY
Private School Satellite Program |
CALIFORNIA CHARTER SCHOOL
Public School |
|
Private
|
Public
|
|
Tuition Based
|
Uses Federal, State, and County Funding
|
|
Common Core not required
Parents choose curriculum to best meet student needs |
Uses Common Core Standards
Discourages Faith Based Curriculum |
|
Year Round Calendar
Begin and end studies according to your schedule |
Traditional Nine-Month Calendar
|
|
Parent Facilitates Instruction
May use tutors, group classes, online courses, and other educational aids to meet student needs |
Charter school teacher/ISP staff oversight of parent instruction
|
|
Annual study plan
Quarter reports Uploaded online |
Monthly or weekly parent/teacher meetings and assignments
|
|
Manages state mandated student records and cumulative files
|
Retains student cumulative files and records for state
|
|
Student Record Access
Online through your Family Portal |
None, or limited
|
|
Immunization not required – Statement of non-immunization is required for CPHD statistical reporting. SB 277 Exceptions from CDPH: |
Immunization required.
Personal Belief exemption not accepted. Masks and vaccinations for Covid may be required for in person classes. |
|
Student progresses at own pace
Monitored by parent |
Student progresses as determined by charter school instructor or ISP staff recommendations
|
|
Encourages and supports learning for all students.
Encourages adaptation for special needs.
|
Requires IEP for Special Needs, encourages students to meet state mandated objectives and learning outcomes
|
|
Dual enrollment forms processed for high school students
|
Determined by staff
|
Let’s be honest. Homeschooling is a lifestyle we love, we know the benefits for our kiddos — and it’s exhausting and challenging and hard work. It’s okay to acknowledge that!
You’re teaching your kiddo (maybe two or three) math and science and history and reading and how to be nice and share and be healthy while simultaneously doing the laundry, the dishes, prepping meals, running errands (well hopefully not actually running! If you are kudos!!) and a plethora of other activities. Whoosh! I’m tired already! Can we take a break? This grandma needs a cup of herb tea and a sit down while we chat. Sweet mama I totally get it! You need some help.
I’m sorry I can’t reach through the screen and fold that pile of clothes or sort the sock basket with you, but I truly can alleviate the worry and confusion of whether you’re staying on track, crossing all the t’s and xx’s and whatnots, and doing it right.
Let’s set one thing straight first. Top of the list. Right now. Helpful tip #1. There Is NOT One Right Way To Homeschool. No matter what anyone says. Sweep that right out the back door and into the creek (if you have one or out to the curb if you don’t) with all the other myths about being a perfect parent and homeschool mama! That’s a freebie!
Helpful Tip #2. Also a freebie! I love freebies, don’t you?! (We have lots in our resource section, btw.) While there are some important x’s and whatnots to take care of, there is also so much more latitude and flexibility in homeschooling than you might realize. Starting with schedules (yes you can create a schedule that fits your family!) all the way to the supposed “what your child needs to know by Grade 3″ hogwash. That may be a useful reference guide, but unless you have a child who is developmentally delayed it’s likely your child will be way beyond those parameters and you will be stifling creativity, quashing curiosity and limiting your child’s learning with that singular focus. Quite the opposite of how you want to homeschool!
Let’s take a minute for some serious business. Those x’s and y’s, t’s and i’s. Whether we like it or not, the educational system is set up to run on reports. That means keeping accurate records — especially for your high school student. This is where Branson record keeping shines. Whether you’re an eclectic homeschooler, unschooler, or classical, I help you track courses and credits so your student’s transcript is college admissions ready!
For the little ones (K-6) you’ll have a beautiful annual report card, along with the peace of mind that you’re legally covered for homeschooling in California and don’t have to file the annual PSA, or deal with pesky record keeping for state officials or the local school district. Plus, you have a coach and guidance counselor in your back pocket (where you keep your mobile device) for all the questions. What else? Oh yes, photo ID cards, entertainment work permits, dual enrollment, school code for SAT testing, free downloadable homeschool planners, and lots of pats on the back, coaching and encouragement.
Did I hear you breathe a huge sigh of relief? Yes!
Come homeschool with me at Branson Academy and get ready to enjoy real homeschool freedom!