FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the definition of homeschooling?
While the word “homeschool” does not appear in Indiana law, “Indiana classifies homeschooling as non-accredited, nonpublic schools with less than one employee. Other homeschooling requirements are as follows:
- Children ages 7-18 must be educated for the number of days their local school system is in session. This is typically 180 days. (IC 20-33-2-5; IC 20-33-2-6)
- Parents must begin keeping attendance records the date the child turns 7. The local superintendent and the State Secretary of Education may legally ask to see a parent’s attendance sheet. (IC 20-33-2-8; IC 20-33-2-20) Please note: Indiana law defines a school year as July 1 through June 30 of the following year. (IC 20-18-2-17)
- Parents must provide an equivalent education. Please note: home educators are not required to teach on the same subjects as are listed in the IDOE state standards. (IC 20-33-2-28; IC 20-33-2-12)
- The education must be taught in English. (IC 20-33-2-4)
Please note, Indiana ESA students are NOT considered homeschool students, as participation in ESA requires government oversight, the use of government funds, and completion of state testing requirements. For more information on home education in Indiana, please visit iahe.net ” – Per the Indiana Treasurer of State
Is there a difference between homeschooling and other learning from home options?
“Yes. Homeschooling is the term used when parents or guardians withdraw from public and non-public accredited school options in order to educate their students themselves. Although homeschool parents and guardians may participate in co-ops or other options, the education is based in the home with the parent or guardian making the decisions about curriculum and instructional matters. Homebound instruction and virtual schools, based and accredited in Indiana, including virtual charter schools, are examples of home-based programs that are not homeschools.” – Per The Indiana Department of Education’s Homeschool FAQs. Examples of home-based programs include (but are not limited to) Indiana Connections Academy, Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy, Braintree Academy, K-12, Stride, Colearn Academy.
Are Indiana ESA students who choose to educate at home considered homeschoolers?
“No. While both options provide families with greater control over their student’s education, they are classified differently under Indiana code and subject to different regulations. In Indiana, homeschools are classified as nonpublic, non-accredited, with less than one employee and students are exempt from statewide assessments. Students who are approved for an ESA must take the statewide assessment or an alternative test as outlined in the student’s IEP/ISP and must meet any program regulations approved by the state. For more information on home education, you may visit the Indiana Association of Home Educators at iahe.net.” – Per The Indiana Department of Education’s Homeschool FAQs
I have a special learner. Are there resources to help me homeschool by the legal definition?
Yes! Homeschooling is a wonderful way to customize your student’s education in a way that works best for them. The Indiana Association of Home Educators offers resources and support for special learners that we highly recommend.
What age and type of classes does C.H.O.I.C.E. offer?
C.H.O.I.C.E. offers a wide variety of classes that cover many subject areas for homeschool children ages 3 years through 12th grade. All preschool classes are 45 minutes long. All other classes are 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. For a complete list of classes as well as class descriptions and fees, visit our Class Schedule Tab.
When do classes start and how often will classes be held?
C.H.O.I.C.E. classes take place on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. and run for 12 weeks (per session) at Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) at 4100 Millersburg Rd. Evansville, IN. 47725. For exact dates and schedule, see Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab.
When does the class schedule come out?
The class schedules (including descriptions) are usually posted about 2 weeks prior to registration. You may click on the Class Schedule Tab to find important dates for each session.
When is registration?
Registration is on the Monday and Tuesday 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes. You may click on the Class Schedule Tab to find the specific date of registration for each session. Typically, Fall Registration occurs in late August with classes beginning mid-September followed by Spring Registration in early February with classes beginning mid- to late February.
How does registration work?
In order to encourage a smooth and effective process, our registration is held on 2 separate days with the first day reserved for returning families (those that attended the most recent session). Registration is always in person at Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) on the designated dates only (see Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab). C.H.O.I.C.E. does not offer online, email, or late registration. Please see the How to Enroll tab for details.
What if I am unable to be present the day of registration?
Parents/guardians may send someone in their place; however due to many details and changes that could occur during the registration process, it is always best if the parent/guardian is present to register.
Can I write a check or use a card/Paypal/Venmo to pay for classes?
No, payment for classes should be given to each individual mentor and is cash only/exact change on the first day of classes. Please see the How to Enroll tab for details on fees due at registration.
What door do I come in for registration/classes? Where should I park?
Please park in the East parking lot that faces Millersburg Road, to the right of the visitors parking across from handicap parking and enter the building through the doors marked with a blue letter “H”. There will be a C.H.O.I.C.E. sign with balloons at the entrance. Please follow the signs to direct you where to sign-in and wait/fellowship. Registration will be held in Room 210. For parents with strollers, a volunteer will direct you to an elevator. Click here for CFC map link.
What form of communication is available between C.H.O.I.C.E. families and the C.H.O.I.C.E. Coordinator Team?
EMAIL IS OUR PRIMARY COMMUNICATION METHOD. All families agree to read the weekly C.H.O.I.C.E. Family Email thoroughly, replying in a timely manner when requested, per the required Statement of Responsibility Form found in our Family Handbook as well as the online Family Information Form. Current members should please check spam/junk folders and add choiceteam@choicehomeschoolcoop.com to contacts. Email lists are updated each session.
What is the C.H.O.I.C.E. Facebook group and is it a requirement to be in the group to participate in the co-op?
C.H.O.I.C.E. has a private Facebook group that is updated each session with current members only. It is not required as email is our primary form of communication.
Am I required to mentor a class?
Parents/Guardians are not required to mentor a class, however, some mentors may request parent/guardian assistance in their classes. Please see the class description to verify if assistance is needed.
Am I required to volunteer?
Parents/Guardians are not required to volunteer, however, there are several volunteer duties that are vital to making C.H.O.I.C.E. enjoyable for everyone as this is YOUR co-op. Examples of this are: wiping down lunch tables, collecting trash, sweeping, sitting at our sign in/welcome table, etc. A Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet with descriptions as well as a Substitution Sign-Up Sheet will be available on Registration Day outside of Room 210.
Do I have to stay while my child is in class?
C.H.O.I.C.E. is a “no drop-off” co-op. Parents/Guardians of participants must remain on the property and be available to be contacted while their child(ren) are at C.H.O.I.C.E. In cases where the participant drives him- or herself to C.H.O.I.C.E., a release form must be signed and on file with the Coordinator Team.
Is there a place for me to wait or eat lunch/snack while my child is in class?
C.H.O.I.C.E. has several designated places where parents/guardians (and other children when not in class) may wait. Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children who are not in class during this time.
Room 215 – C.H.O.I.C.E. Fellowship Room (Nut-free environment)
CFC Café – This is a place where you can purchase hot/cold drinks and snacks as well as eat lunch/snacks. (Nut-friendly environment)
CFC Playground – C.H.O.I.C.E. members are permitted to use the playground after 12 p.m.
Room 110 – Toddler and baby play room. Cheerios only allowed in this room.
Gym – Available for free play from 12:00pm – 12:50pm and 1:00pm – 1:50pm only. No food allowed.
Is there a minimum or maximum class requirement that may affect my child’s participation?
C.H.O.I.C.E. class minimums for each class are 4 participants. If the class has less than 4 participants that register, it is possible that the class may be dropped. Should this occur, C.H.O.I.C.E. will contact you the day of registration to have you choose another class option and/or return fees if applicable. Maximum class requirements are designated by individual mentors. See class descriptions for more information.
Can someone stay in my place as a guardian if I am unavailable?
If the parent/guardian is unable to attend C.H.O.I.C.E. with their child(ren), they MUST have someone designated as responsible for their child(ren) AND a signed form on file. Please see C.H.O.I.C.E. Coordinators for further information. Guardians of participants must also remain on the property and be available to be contacted while their child(ren) are at C.H.O.I.C.E.
Is there an End-of-Session Program?
Several classes take part in an End of Session Program (See Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab for exact dates) through performing or displaying items. Classes participating in the program should have this noted in their class descriptions.
What is the procedure for behavioral issues?
Please see C.H.O.I.C.E.’s Disciplinary Policy in the C.H.O.I.C.E. Family Handbook.
Is the building and location of classes wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are ramps into the entrances of CFC and 2 elevators for those in wheelchairs or pushing strollers to access the second and third floors. There is also ample handicapped parking available.