As a parent, making an informed and wise decision regarding your child’s education is of utmost importance. Of the many educational options available, opting to homeschool your child is one of the most rewarding and satisfying. With the sudden rise in technological advancements, parents are increasingly pursuing homeschooling as a viable and more flexible option.
Many states have made the process of legally withdrawing a child from public schools to begin homeschooling relatively straightforward. The process to legally withdraw your child from St.
Louis Public Schools (SLPS) to homeschool them is no exception. In this article, we will provide answers to questions commonly asked by parents who are looking to withdraw their child from public schools to pursue homeschooling.
Common Questions about Withdrawing a Child from St. Louis Public Schools for Homeschooling
1. In what ways is the process of withdrawing my child from public school and transferring to homeschooling different from transferring from public school to private school in the SLPS District?
The process of withdrawing and transferring your child from public school to a private school in the SLPS District has some similarities and differences to transferring from public school to homeschooling. Firstly, you must give your intention and desire to transfer to a private school in written form, either in an official letter or filling out the Transfer Card online. After completing the Transfer Card online, additional paperwork is required with the SLPS Admissions office.
This paperwork would include an Application Fee, Copy of your child’s birth certificate, and a most recent grade report. In comparison, withdrawing your child to homeschool requires that you submit the Notice of Intent to Homeschool form to their child’s school.
This form states your intention to withdraw your child from SLPS and the start date of the homeschool program. It is important to note that you can only withdraw from SLPS during the first five days of a semester. Any parent attempting to withdraw their child outside of these time constraints would be expected to pay the full tuition fee for that entire semester.
2. What should I keep in mind when withdrawing my child from public school to homeschool in St. Louis?
Several things should be kept in mind when withdrawing your child from public school in the SLPS District. Firstly, the Notice of Intent to Homeschool form must specify the start date of the homeschooling program, as the SLPS District allows parents to only withdraw a student within the first five days of a semester.
Furthermore, the Notice of Intent must be signed by both parents and include the school principal’s name, as well as the current address of the student. Parents must also provide proof that their child is being withdrawn to participate in a homeschool program. This proof should be in the form of a letter of intent or materials for the homeschool program.
Lastly, the notice should be submitted to the respective school by the tenth day of the school semester, or your child will be held responsible for abiding by the attendance policies at the SLPS District.
3. Is there a tuition fee for withdrawal of a child from SLPS to homeschool in St. Louis?
Generally, no tuition fee is involved in withdrawing a child from the SLPS District to pursue homeschooling. Parents are only required to provide proof of their child’s intent to homeschool by submitting a letter of intent or materials for the homeschool program. However, parents should be aware that if they withdraw their child outside of the given five day window of opportunity in the start of a semester, they will be held responsible to pay tuition fees for the entire semester prior to withdrawal.
Furthermore, if your child has secured a scholarship or special privilege from the SLPS District, these may be revoked upon withdrawal.
4. How long does the withdrawal and transfer process for homeschooling in St. Louis typically take?
The process of legally withdrawing from SLPS to homeschooling typically takes no longer than a month, provided a parent has submitted all necessary documents and provided valid proof of homeschooling. Parents should ensure that all documents are submitted within the given 5-day window of opportunity in a semester. After submitting the Notice of Intent to Homeschool form and additional proof of intent to homeschool, you should receive a confirmation letter re-confirming the date that your child will be officially withdrawn from SLPS.
5. Are there any limitations in terms of curriculum while homeschooling a child in St. Louis?
St. Louis Public Schools has no restrictions in terms of curriculum while homeschooling a child in the district.
Parents are free to introduce any curriculum of their choice. Some of the most popular curriculums adopted by homeschoolers in the area include Classically Educating, Celebrating Education, Monarch, K12, and Time4Learning.
6. What qualifications should a parent have to begin homeschooling a child in St. Louis?
Generally, there are no qualifications needed to begin homeschooling a child in the SLPS District. All that is needed is a letter of intent or materials that confirm the parent’s intent to begin homeschooling.
7. What materials is a parent required to provide while homeschooling their child in St. Louis?
As far as materials are concerned, a parent should provide any materials required for the curriculum of their choice, as well as all necessary textbooks and physical resources needed for learning. Additionally, St.
Louis Public Schools recommends that parents provide academic progress reports or grades for their child on an annual basis, which should be turned into their school district report card if requested.
8. How long is the notice of intent to homeschool valid in the St. Louis Public Schools?
The Notice of Intent to Homeschool is valid throughout the entire period that the student is homeschooled. Parents must also submit updated proof of intent to homeschool every three years.
9. Are there any tests required to be taken while homeschooling in St. Louis?
No tests are required to be taken by a homeschooled student in the St. Louis Public Schools district.
However, it is important to note that tests such as the ACT, SAT, and MCAS are still recommended and encouraged, should the parents decide to pursue them.
10. Are there any age requirements for a student to begin homeschooling in St. Louis?
No, there are no age requirements for a student to begin homeschooling in the SLPS District. However, due to the complex nature of some materials used in homeschooling, it is typically recommended that a student is at least six years old before beginning.
11. Are there any restrictions on the hours or days of the week a parent can homeschool their child in St. Louis?
No, there are no restrictions in terms of hours or days for homeschooling in the SLPS District. Parents are free to create a schedule that suits their child’s educational needs.
12. Are transcript and credit recovery services available while homeschooling in St. Louis?
Yes, transcript and credit recovery services are available while homeschooling in St. Louis. St.
Louis Public Schools offers its Transcript and Credit Recovery Services for homeschoolers, which includes the preparation of a student’s transcript as well as providing support for earning high school credits.
13. Is it possible for a homeschool student to participate in interscholastic activities in St. Louis?
Yes, a homeschool student is eligible to participate in interscholastic activities in St. Louis. St.
Louis Public Schools provides support to homeschoolers that wish to participate in interscholastic activities with other public schools in the district.
14. Are there any support services available to a homeschool student in St. Louis?
Yes, St. Louis Public Schools offers several support services to homeschool students.
These include counseling services, student success programs, and home instruction services. Additionally, St. Louis Public Schools provides a Homeschool Network for homeschoolers in the district, which connects them with other homeschoolers in the area and helps facilitate academic and social activities to promote student engagement.
15. Are there mandatory attendance requirements that must be adhered to while homeschooling a child in St. Louis?
Generally, no, there aren’t any mandatory attendance requirements that must be adhered to while homeschooling a child in the SLPS District. However, it is recommended that parents maintain a record of their child’s attendance so they remain properly informed of their child’s academic progress.
Conclusion
Legally withdrawing a child from the St. Louis Public Schools to begin homeschooling requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following and understanding the relevant procedures and requirements stipulated by the SLPS District, you can easily and successfully transfer your child from public school to homeschooling.
This article has provided answers to questions commonly asked by parents who wish to pursue homeschooling in the district, making the process much more straightforward. Ultimately, homeschooling provides a unique opportunity for parents to provide their children with a customised and wholesome education.
By understanding the process involved in legally withdrawing from public schools in St. Louis, parents can make a wise, informed decision regarding their child’s education.