Frequently Asked Questions
Whitmore Elementary School: Independent Study & Homeschool Program FAQ
Whitmore Elementary School: Independent Study & Homeschool Program FAQ![]()
Whitmore Elementary School: Independent Study & Homeschool Program FAQ
What is the Independent Study Homeschool Program?
It is a voluntary, public school program offered to K–8 students that allows families to educate their children at home with the guidance, oversight, and resources of credentialed teachers. Instruction is aligned with California State Standards.
It is a voluntary, public school program offered to K–8 students that allows families to educate their children at home with the guidance, oversight, and resources of credentialed teachers. Instruction is aligned with California State Standards.
Who is eligible to enroll?
-
Residency: Students living within the Whitmore Union Elementary School District or those with approved interdistrict transfers around Shasta County.
-
Grade Levels: Available for grades K–8. Note: Kindergarteners must be 5 years old on or before September 1.
-
The Independent Study program does not offer a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) option.
-
What are the roles of parents and teachers?
What are the roles of parents and teachers?
-
Parents/Guardians: Act as the primary daily instructors. Responsibilities include tracking daily attendance, supervising learning, assisting with assignments, ensuring original work, and maintaining regular communication with the teacher.
-
Teachers: Serve as certificated supervisors. Responsibilities include providing standards-aligned curriculum resources, conducting regular check-ins, monitoring progress, facilitating academic interventions, and assigning attendance and grades based on work completion.
What are the attendance and work completion requirements?
-
Attendance is earned based on work completion and academic engagement, not seat time.
-
Students must complete at least 80% of assigned work across all core subjects every learning period (no more than 20 school days) to remain in good standing.
-
Parents record daily activity on attendance logs, PE logs (200 minutes required every 10 school days for grades TK–8), and elective logs.
How often do families meet with their assigned teacher?
Parents and students must meet in person (or via an approved format) with their Whitmore teacher at least once per learning period (every 20 school days or fewer) to review progress, evaluate completed work, collect work samples, and assign expectations for the next period.
What subjects and curricula are required?
Students in grades K–8 must complete coursework in five core areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education (with electives encouraged for 7th–8th graders). Families select approved curricula with teacher assistance, and the school orders approved text, workbooks, manipulative materials, and digital resources.
What live interaction and synchronous instruction opportunities are offered?
In compliance with state guidelines, the program offers:
-
Grades K–3: Daily synchronous instruction opportunities.
-
Grades 4–8: Daily live interaction and weekly synchronous instruction opportunities.
Are students required to participate in standardized assessments?
Yes. Participation in state and local testing is strongly encouraged to track student progress and ensure our program meets learning goals.
-
State Assessments: Includes CAASPP (Grades 3–8), CAST Science (Grades 5 & 8), ELPAC (English Learners), and the Physical Fitness Test (Grades 5 & 7). Under EC § 60615 and 5 CCR § 852, parents may submit an annual written request to excuse their child from CAASPP tests; state law does not permit parental opt-outs for ELPAC or PFT.
-
Local Assessments: Includes universal K–2 reading screenings and Renaissance STAR Assessments (ELA and Math) administered each trimester to guide instruction. Written opt-out requests for local screenings are also honored.
What happens if a student falls behind or fails to submit work?
A Non-Compliance Protocol is triggered if a student misses meetings, produces poor-quality work, or fails to complete 80% of assigned work:
-
First Occurrence: Documented conference with the teacher, parent, and student; work completed on a 5-day improvement plan.
-
Second Occurrence: Formal review meeting involving the school administrator, teacher, parent, and student.
-
Third Occurrence: Administrative conference to evaluate whether the student will be disenrolled and transitioned back to traditional in-person instruction.
Are funding or vendor funds available for enrichment activities?
Yes. Students may take courses from approved Enrichment Partner Vendors up to $120 per month. Required request and acknowledgment forms must be submitted and approved before classes begin. Costs exceeding $120/month are the family’s responsibility.
