California homeschool > San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga > Private Schools and cost

When families suffer financial strain as they are in today’s economic crisis, they look for places they can cut back in order to make ends meet. Paying the mortgage on time, getting food on the table, and keeping gas in the cars are all basic obligations that take priority. Some families are just walking away from their homes because they can’t afford to make the payments. So many homes are going into foreclosure, there are vacant homes in many of our neighborhoods and a lot of talk of bailouts. Unemployment rates are rising. The stock market is in a precarious state. Americans are feeling the uncertainty in our economy. And we’re just weeks away from a Presidential election that looks too close to call.

Education is an important issue with families. As parents, we want our kids to get the best education possible and to go to the best school we can provide. In these difficult times, many folks who put their kids through costly private school education are unable to continue paying and are looking for alternatives. For many of these parents, private school offered more to their children. The student to teacher ratio is better, class sizes are smaller, there is a belief that learning standards are higher, and the parents can choose an environment that reflects their home values. Whatever your reasons are for sending your child to private school, no longer being able to afford private school doesn’t mean you have to give up on your educational plans for your children.

Homeschooling is a perfect alternative to private school education. As your child’s first teacher, you were made for the job. You know your child better than anyone else, you can provide her/him with one-on-one attention, and you have the flexibility to teach your child in the style you feel best fits your collective needs. Sometimes taking the leap into home education is a little nerve wracking and you may question your ability to properly educate your child. The best ways to quell those fears are to read (so much is available online, here’s a start and join a homeschooling group. Our family is part of a homelearners group in the Inland Empire and the kids get to socialize with other home schooling children (and the parents get to socialize with other homeschooling families!).

The other night I was searching for top reasons parents choose homeschooling.  Choosing their own curriculum, teaching to their children’s specific needs and interests, and providing a solid foundation for them all rank high on the list. Strengthening the family unit is another key reason people choose homeschool. Along those lines, you also gain more control over your household, the influences that affect your children and ultimately the future of your child. 

We started homeschooling a few years ago when our oldest daughter was going into kindergarten. She has excelled beyond our expectations and has had the opportunity to explore her musical and educational passions. We were thrilled to discover that the Etiwanda School District has a homeschool program. The transition was smooth, we received educational materials at no cost, and met with a California credentialed teacher.

With homeschool you don’t need to live in the area to be part.  In most cases you only visit once a week or even once every two weeks.  With that in mind a 45 minute drive is really not a big deal.

Recommended Homeschool Program:

Etiwanda Homeschool Program and Curriculum
Contact: Michele Jacks
Email: michele_jacks@etiwanda.org