Classes for Homeschoolers
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One-day school options for homeschoolers?
Sept 2014
Looking for a one day per week program for my homeschooled kids (elementary age) which will allow them to socialize and have some group-learning experience. So far I know about Hickman and Quantum Campus. Anything else out there? Any private schools or afterschool programs offering hybrid homeschool programs? HomeschoolMom
Lawrence Hall of Science used to have classes for homeschoolers I think held during the school day. Maybe they still do. anon
Sienna Ranch in Lafayette offers a variety of nature based,outdoor programs for kids 3-14. They have several classes that are specifically for homeschoolers that run from 9:00-1:00ish. You can choose 1 day or more. The teachers are great and the location is serene (and surprisingly just off the freeway in Lafayette). My son has attended their summer camps for several years and Sienna Ranch is his favorite camp by far.It's a magical place. Check them out at www.siennaranch.net Emily
Hi there,
I started homeschooling my 7 year old son in November and also couldn’t find any day classes. It wasn’t until he was enrolled at Connecting Waters East Bay that I found in person day classes. I signed him up for 4 classes but one got dropped due to lack of enrollment. Today’s our first day since we had to quarantine the first weeks of January. If you’re interested I can let you know how it goes.
Best,
Jaymee
Hi! My 5yo son attends Outside School in Alvarado Park/Wildcat Canyon and absolutely loves it. Heather Taylor, the school founder/teacher is amazing! We feel fortunate that our child is learning outdoors and experiencing things that would have never happened in a traditional classroom. School runs Tues through Thurs from 9am to 3pm. I highly encourage you to check out the links above to learn more, and feel free to reach out directly with any questions.
Jilliann
Hi, I presume you mean in person classes? During Covid, not many, and for those that are meeting in person, you’ll likely have to drive a bit (worth it!). A Team Homeschool in the South Bay is doing classes outdoors and has a decent selection. Check BEan in Nature and Reikes center as well. Some folks are arranging their own classes by finding a willing teacher or parent and hosting in back yards or at the park. It’s good to be industrious these days to make it happen.
Hi! My homeschooling kiddos are at Outside School, an excellent Tues/Wed/Thurs program held in Alvarado Park, mixed ages, small cohort, one educator (who is super experienced, talented, kind, and thoughtful). They hike, explore, play in the woods, learn about nature, have deep discussions, navigate their social and emotional lives and interactions, observe wildlife, occasionally dissect small animals, read books at lunchtime... it's been so rich for my kids this year, and really steady during all the covid ups and downs. One of mine is also 8/3rd grade and it would be awesome for another to join! Feel free to be in touch with me directly for any questions about our experience, and I know Heather (who runs Outside School) is super available to talk. https://www.teachoutside.org/outside-school
Update August 2022:
Towards the end of last year, our experience at Outside School shifted and was no longer positive for my kids or for us as parents. If you'd like to know more, feel free to reach out.
Lawrence Hall of Science used to offer classes specifically for homeschoolers during the morning/early afternoon. There was another program on Shattuck at the time, that did the same -- it was a science program, chemistry etc. We did this, but around 10 years ago.