Grades K- 12

the Bay Area.

Independent schools

Run as a nonprofit and governed by a board of trustees, independent schools gather funds from tuition payments, endowments, and charitable contributions. It is possible for an independent school to be affiliated with a religious organization, but they cannot receive funds or governance from those organizations.

Independent schools pride themselves on encouraging their teachers to create educational experiences that meet students’ individual needs without bending to state mandates regarding curriculum and testing. They also promise small classes, individual attention, inclusiveness, and an active parent population.

There are only about 2,000 independent schools in the U. S., although three- fourths are members of the National Association of Independent Schools and have been accredited by a recognized state or regional body. The median tuition for day schools is $ 17,880 and at boarding schools is $ 34,900.

Virtual schools

Like traditional schools, virtual schools have an organized curriculum. The difference is, rather than take classes in a school building, students receive their education via the Internet. Depending upon the district in which they live, students can take a full curriculum via virtual education or individual classes. Some districts use this online tool to work with students who do best learning at their own pace.

Home schools

Approximately 3 percent of students nationwide will be home schooled this year. Parents give a variety of reasons as to why they choose to home school, including concerns about the environment of other types of schools and quality of instruction found there.

California is one of twelve states in which a child can be home schooled under a “private school exemption.” Parents establish a private school in their home and file a private school affidavit with the Superintendent of Public Instruction of California in order to comply with state laws. The establishment of a private school excuses a child from public school attendance. As in public and private schools, the state expects there to be certain school records and health department forms on file for each student.

Some parents choose to prepare their own teaching materials, while others use materials designed by an outside company. Home schooled children are sometimes part of a co- op, giving them the opportunity for social and athletic outlets.

The U. S. Department of Education