Court Ruling in California May Affect Homeschool Freedom

On February 28, 2008, the California Court of Appeals issued a ruling in a juvenile court proceeding that declared that almost all forms of homeschooling in California are in violation of state law. (Private tutoring by certified teachers remains an option.)

In addition, the court ruled that parents possess no constitutional right to homeschool their children.

The ruling has angered and confused tens of thousands of homeschooling parents throughout California and across the country who see this as a potential first step to the loss of the freedom to education your own child.

However, there is hope! Homeschoolers across the country are working together to help California homeschoolers as they seek the best way to respond to the ruling.

Although the teacher’s unions are happy. . .

“We’re happy,” said Lloyd Porter, who is on the California Teachers Association board of directors. “We always think students should be taught by credentialed teachers, no matter what the setting.”

. . . others within the California system are in support of parent’s right to homeschool.

We are encouraged to learn that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell, issued a statement saying he supports “parental choice when it comes to homeschooling.”

And we applaud Governor Schwarzenegger’s position, which supports the freedoms of homeschoolers:

“Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what’s best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children’s education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don’t protect parents’ rights then, as elected officials, we will.”

If the decision is upheld, California would become the only state in the nation to require parents who educate their children at home to have a teaching credential.

We are unsure of how this will affect Bridgeway Academy families, who have the benefit of national accreditation. We will be sure to keep our California families posted as things continue to develop.

What should you do Be patient. Stay calm. If you are not a member of a homeschool organization like Bridgeway Academy - join one now. They help to protect your right to homeschool. Visit http://www.hslda.org/ to sign their petition, which will be presented to the California Supreme Court. Then, relax, knowing help is on the way, and as one homeschool mom put it, “Go to park day and play.”

Jessica L. Parnell is a homeschool consultant and evaluator as well as the principal of Bridgeway Homeschool Academy, a nationally accredited and Pennsylvania State recognized homeschool academy that has been serving homeschoolers since 1989.

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