How does Valley Oaks Independent Study differ from “Home Schooling?
” Parents who want to create their own home school are required to meet a variety of state requirements, including registering their “private school” with the Sonoma County Office of Education. Instruction is supposed to be by credentialed teachers, and the parent/private school is responsible for obtaining materials, creating curriculum, attendance accounting, and assessment. Valley Oaks takes care of all of these requirements while allowing the student and parent to work at home with the support of a trained, credentialed teacher. In addition, we see to it that our students are prepared to enter the other Petaluma City School District schools, including the Junior High Schools when the parents elect to do so. What happens at an appointment? Meetings generally take place in the teacher’s office, but, by mutual agreement, the teacher may make some home visits. About one hour is allotted for each student per week. While siblings are welcome, concentrating on our tasks-at-hand can be mor
