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Why Ask Questions

Why Ask Questions?

Alaska offers many options for families considering homeschooling.  Families may choose to homeschool independently or may prefer the support and affiliation provided by one of Alaska’s numerous public-homeschool options.

In light of FOCUS Homeschool’s history of pioneering state-wide homeschooling in Alaska with our competency-based educational model, we believe FOCUS provides families with the most student-centered and personalized homeschool option. We continuously work to provide the highest levels of support and service with the least burdensome requirements. However, we believe it is extremely important for all homeschooling families to research their options to find the program that best fits your family.  To assist you in making informed and confident decisions regarding your children’s education, we have provided a list of questions for you to consider when contacting the various homeschool programs.

Top 10 Questions to Consider

What makes your homeschool program unique from the other programs?
This question will help families capture the heart of “who” each program is and what sets them apart from the other options.
What requirements are there for families?
The state requires monthly check-ins and quarterly work-samples in math and language arts. Some programs will require in-person meetings, additional work-samples for each subject, as well as quarterly grades, while other programs require only what the state mandates.
Are families able to use any curriculum they choose?
Some programs allow families to choose any curriculum, while others require families choose from an approved list or preferred recommendations. Some programs will limit the use of faith-based curriculum or require additional coursework, if faith-based curriculum is used.
What is your ILP process and what is the flexibility in modifying the plan?
An ILP is an Individual Learning Plan. Each student will create an ILP, but the ILP itself and the process may vary widely by program. State funding is tied to the ILP. Understanding the process necessary to be able to change curriculum, add activities or amend the ILP can help you choose the right program and relieve frustration. Some programs allow much more freedom and flexibility than others. For example, is a simple email or phone call sufficient, or are extended meetings and paperwork involved?
Does your program require families to return or pay for any items upon withdrawal?
Some programs allow families to keep items purchased with allotment funds, while others require payment for items not returned. What strings are attached?
Do you provide any free resources outside of allotment?
Some programs offer valuable free resources outside of allotment. This is very important. Many times, free courses, activities, internet or scholarships can mean that a program can provide far more value to your family, than the allotment amount.
Does your program offer activities, workshops, clubs and field trips?

Some programs offer a wide variety of opportunities for students to participate in activities outside the home. You will want to know what is available. Some programs will offer staff-organized activities and field trips based on student’s interests, while others require parents to organize, plan and host all classes and activities.

What is your staff’s homeschooling experience?

You will want to know if the staff has personal experience homeschooling and how long they have been working for the program. For example, do the teachers have detailed knowledge of a wide variety of homeschool-specific curriculum?

How many students does your average teacher have?
This will impact response time, individual attention and the ability to meet your family’s needs. Make sure you are getting the teacher-student ratio rather than the staff-student ratio, as a teacher will have a much greater impact on a program’s services than custodial staff in an administrative building.
Do you offer educational training for parents?
Some programs offer continuing education opportunities for parents. Examples include book studies, parent workshops, nationally-recognized presenters, modeling lesson plans and providing parent resource libraries.

Other Questions To Consider

What are your allotment amounts, and are they individual or family allotments?
What is your processing time for reimbursements and direct purchasing?
How do funds roll over from year to year?
What is your technology policy?
What is your internet policy?
Can I be reimbursed for secular items from a non-secular company like Abeka?
Are there additional requirements if I choose to use a faith-based curriculum?
Is there an enrollment deadline?
Will my children be required to participate in state testing?
What support or networking opportunities do you offer to homeschooling parents?
How can we transition from or back to my neighborhood school?
What are your policies for traveling or moving during the school year?
Is there flexibility in scheduling and grade advancement?
What process is there for students to graduate early?
Are there dual-enrollment opportunities?
Do you provide career-development and leadership opportunities for older students?
What scholarships do you offer?
What support is available for students with IEP’s or 504’s?
Do you provide a preschool program, and what are the prerequisites for enrollment?
How can you support us in this special circumstance ___________…?

Over 50% of our families said they chose FOCUS Homeschool after talking to a staff person.

Give us a call. We are here for you.

Fairbanks

907-457-2545

Anchorage

907-522-7400

Valdez

907-835-5528