Online Class FAQs

Do you accept Venmo?

This year, we have simplified our registration system to take payment concurrent with a submitted registration form; payment is not a (confusing) separate step any longer. Unfortunately, our new registration system does not allow us to use both Square and Venmo payment processing; we are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

What is needed to hold my student’s spot in a class?

Enrollment consists of two parts: Filling out the registration form and either paying in full or placing a deposit for the class (charter families). Once both of these parts are completed, you will receive a confirmation email.

I see you have a variety of history and writing classes, some with overlapping age groups. What is the suggested order?

In homeschooling, we know it’s not uncommon for families to touch on subjects in grades different from public school. However, families often ask what order we recommend taking certain courses. For history, the order we suggest is:

  • California Out of the Box (4th-5th grade state study)
  • Early American History (5th-6th grade)
  • World History Out of Your Window (6th-7th grade).

For writing, we suggest starting with:

  • Isn’t it fascinating? Beginning Writing (4th-6th grade, using IEW Level A)
  • Star Spangled Writers (6th-8th grade, using IEW Level B)

If your student has already taken one of the beginning classes, but they are in a different age bracket than the particular course recommends, please reach out to the instructor and ask what they suggest.

Once enrolled, do you allow students to switch sections?

If there is a schedule change on your end which impacts a course you have signed up for, please let us know as soon as possible. If we have space to accommodate your student in another section or class, we will move your student’s enrollment. If the class you wish to move your student into is full, the tuition you have paid will be refunded subject to our refund schedule.

I have looked at many pages on your site and still have questions. Is there a way I can speak to someone?

Yes! Please email this address with your phone number and we will call you back. We know sometimes there are questions that are unique to each family and we want to make sure you get answers to your questions.

Do you background check your instructors?

Yes, absolutely! We run a background check with the Department of Justice.

Do you record your classes?

In the interest of having a truly socially cohesive environment where all students are in attendance, we do not record classes. However, we are happy to update students who miss class due to traveling, etc., about what was covered. Additionally, coursework will always be posted in Google Classroom.

Is it possible to sit in on a class on a trial basis?

Please email this address if you are interested and we can reach out to the instructor to explore your request.

We will be away for some time during the semester. Is it possible to prorate the class or join late?

Unfortunately we are not able to prorate the class if a student joins late or give a refund for time when the student is not in the class. We take longer absences on a case by case basis working with both the instructor and family to evaluate each student’s situation. Please email Christine with specific questions on this issue.

I do not see my charter on your Charters page. Are you open to adding new charters?

Yes, we are! Please fill out this form to initiate the onboarding process. During late summer, we begin renewing with our organizations. We keep the previous year’s list on our page, so families have a record of who we have been on with in the prior year. Continue checking this list, as it will be updated frequently in July through September.

If I have 2 students in this age range, do I need to pay and enroll both?

Yes, our classes are active and engaging environments. Every student who attends class will need to be enrolled. Additionally, instructors review and look over work for each student.

We have joined one of your classes and after the first week we realized that we will need to drop it. What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy can be found on this page.

We are with a charter school and we paid the deposit over the summer. In September we realized that the time of the class will not work for our family, after all. Can we get a refund on the deposit?

See this page for more information on this situation.

Do you have a policy on harassment?

Yes, we do! Explore it on this page.