Copyright © 2012 Above And Beyond Academy - Bay Point, Ca 94565

A Christian Home School Community Above And Beyond Academy
Welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)?

A PSP is a type of private school in which parents are the primary teachers of their own children. A PSP files one affidavit covering all enrolled families. It meets the requirements of California Education Code §48222, including the following: it is a private full-time day school, it offers instruction in all the branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state, and the school keeps the required records, which are turned in to the school by the parent/teachers.


What is Independent Study?

Private schools operate under the provision of the California Education Code Section 48222 and in accordance, Above and Beyond Academy files a Private School Affidavit with the state each year. The California Department of education has made provision for independent study programs through CEC Sections 51745, 51746 based on SB 1591 (1976), SB 1501 (1976), AB 3202 (1979), and AB 3269 (1980). A case ruling has said, that which the state provides for public schools is allowable for private schools as well. Therefore, Above and Beyond Academy, established specifically to meet the needs of home education families, follows to the best of its ability the guidelines outlined by the state in its A Manual of Operational Procedures and Curriculum Guide for Contract Independent Study (1981). While we are not legally required to follow these guidelines, the requirements are for the most part educationally sound and should not violate anyone’s convictions concerning the right to teach their own children. We believe if we follow these guidelines, our position will be that much stronger. As a private school with independent study support, Above and Beyond Academy guides and monitors each family’s education program under an PSP Contract signed by the parents and the school’s administrator. However, each family is in control of the education of its children by choosing its own methods and materials.


Is homeschooling legal in California?

Yes, homeschooling is legal! Homeschooling in California falls under the laws concerning private schools. Every fall, we file an affidavit with the state of California under our school name, Above and Beyond Academy. Every enrolled family is covered under this affidavit. Our school makes certain to follow all of the laws and guidelines required by California law.


Do I have to enroll in a PSP to be legal?

No, you do not. Every homeschooling family has the option of filing their own affidavit under their own chosen school name for free. Go to CHEA of California for filing instructions.


Why can’t charter school students enroll in Above and Beyond Academy PSP?

As a private school, the state of California does not allow families to join a private PSP if they have signed a contract with the state school system, nor may they belong to Home School Legal Defense Association, which is a requirement for enrollment in AABA. Once you sign the state’s contract your children belong to the state’s system of education, and must thereby adhere to the state’s mandates.


Charter schools are part of the public school system, and like all public schools, have no religious affiliation, although they may promote a variety of specialized academic disciplines. California Department of Education Code states: Charter schools and non-charter schools may teach about religion, but may not teach a sectarian curriculum. EC Section 47605(d) requires that a charter school be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations.


Will our students receive a REAL diploma?

Simple answer...yes! All graduates having worked toward completion of high school standards and meeting graduation requirements receive a diploma from Above and Beyond Academy.


Can homeschoolers get into college?

More and more public colleges, universities, and many private colleges are actively recruiting homeschoolers. Our students do very well in college. Granted, most home educators teach their children a good work ethic, to think independently, instill the importance of critical thinking skills, and to work well with others. These are a few of the more esteemed qualities of a good college student.


Do home schooled graduates go to college?

YES! Most colleges look forward to enrolling home schooled students. Above and Beyond Academy’s percentage of  graduates attending college is high. Please keep in mind that the Lord may not have college in mind for every student. Some students go straight to the mission field upon graduation. Be open to His leading and plan for each of your students as individuals. The main objective at Above and Beyond Academy is instructing children to know the Lord during their adolescent years. Their educational goals are our second important priority.


Are homeschoolers (gasp...) un-socialized?

This is an age old myth, and actually quite the opposite is true. Homeschooled students do not travel through their school years limited to one grade of students year after year, but instead spend their days with tutors, educators, adults, older and younger students. They learn to converse and communicate with all ages of children and adults. We believe there is a greater danger in current homeschooling, with too much socialization; full days spent in many outside activities tend to detract from the family unit and often lead to behavioral problems.


What about socialization?

"The idea that children need to be around many other youngsters in order to be 'socialized' is perhaps the most dangerous and extravagant myth in education and childrearing today. There is ample research that indicates that because home schooled students are exposed to a wider variety of people and situations, they learn to get along with a variety of people, making them socially mature and better able to adjust to new situations."  (Dr. Raymond Moore, in The Hurried Child)


Studies have shown that "home schooled children had consistently fewer behavioral problems...because they tend to imitate their parents while conventionally-schooled children model themselves after their peers."  (Dr.  Larry Shyers, "Comparison of Social Adjustment Between Home and Traditionally Schooled Students" quoted in Home Schooling ...the Right Choice by Chris Klika)


Christian home educators are most often actively involved in their church, a local homeschool support group, field trips, local sports, outside classes, or other activities where students interact with others.


More often than not, homeschooled students are taking numerous enrichment classes along with their usual studies and for this reason parents need be highly concerned with un-socialized children and be more mindfully prepared to guard their socialization circles, so that their children are not overly socialized with bad behaviors, poor attitudes, thankless hearts, and poor judgment leading to bad decision making.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10