Who can participate? Anyone in the Estacada School District, homeschoolers from surrounding districts. The program is designed for homeschooling families, with a strong emphasis on parental involvement and family responsibility. Current classes for First through Third Grade students
How much does it cost? Each family donates $15.00 per child per month to Estacada Home Educators, which supports building use fees and a small slush fund for supplies, so we don't have to requisition supplies from the district on short notice. Some elective classes and field trips may involve additional expenses. Preschool and part-time students may pay less.
What grades can attend? Students in grades 1-12 are welcome. Preschool classes are held one or two days per week to accommodate parent volunteer times.
Can students attend part time? Students are welcome to attend whatever classes will benefit them. Check with teachers for accommodations of ghost students (attending less than daily) in daily classes.
How do I know what grade my child is in? Placement tests in math and reading will be given at the beginning of the year, and conference times with teachers are available to discuss the child's maturity level, interests, and other factors that might influence grade level. All math classes are held at the same time, so students can move to a different group for math, as determined by this combination. Family Ed classes often include several grade levels, so there is flexibility within a class, and acceptance of differences is encouraged.
What if my child has specific learning challenges? Family Ed provides small classes and one-on-one tutoring, as well as a reading therapist onsite. Each student is expected to work at his/her own level, and may be given tutoring or recommended learning activities to do at home, if requested. We offer a supportive community, a wide range of abilities and experiences, and assistance in locating appropriate treatment, whether through publicly funded programs, co-op arrangements, or private organizations.
What if I need a Speech Therapist? Therapists are available through the Estacada School District, and Family Ed is happy to help you find the testing and/or therapy you need, as well as providing a "buffer" of support for those who don’t want to get too entangled in the District’s special education programs.
Can my high school student get a diploma? Although Family Ed programs don’t automatically lead to a diploma, arrangements can be made with Family Ed and Estacada High School to take courses for credit. Some credits can be obtained through Family Ed, others can be obtained through testing, and some classes offered at the high school can be taken by a group of Family Ed students, if parents wish. In addition, some Family Ed and EHS classes can be taken for Clackamas Community College credit, for less money than the homeschool options program at CCC. Rather than develop one program for all students, we tailor programs to families, keeping all the options in mind.
What if my child has behavioral problems? While Family Ed understands the needs of children (especially young ones and boys) to be active, and goes to great lengths to accommodate their needs, we simply don't have the resources or the desire to provide discipline for ongoing, deliberately disrespectful behavior. Following a system of warnings, students will be suspended from school if their behavior continues to reflect this attitude.
Who controls the curriculum? The only restriction placed on our curriculum is that it cannot promote any particular religion. Otherwise, Family Ed curriculum decisions are made by parents and teachers, based on the needs of students.
What about testing? Placement tests are solely for the purpose of placement in classes, and providing appropriate education for each student. Parents may sign a waiver (as for any public school students in Oregon) releasing their students from state benchmark testing. Part time students are still homeschoolers, and are responsible for their own standardized tests, although Family Ed or Estacada Home Educators can organize a group testing day in the spring, if it would help families.
What is your Privacy Policy? Students are registered with the Estacada School District, with address and phone information. Emergency Medical Information for students is kept on file at Family Ed, and sent with volunteer drivers when students travel. Student work and test scores are property of the parents, and will not be released without parental permission. Students are not allowed to leave campus for any reason without expressed parental permission.
Is there a dress code? Family Ed generally follows the Estacada School District dress code, which attempts to eliminate immodest and/or offensive clothes from the learning environment.
What if I can't volunteer? You are responsible for providing the school with a volunteer for a minimum of 8 hours per week per family. This should be a responsible adult who knows your child. It might be a family member, neighbor, friend, or another Family Ed parent who is willing to work a little extra so your child can attend. We are not a babysitting service for families who want to get out of the public schools, but are unable or unwilling to provide educational opportunities for their children. If you are scheduled to volunteer, and discover a conflict, it is your responsibility to find a substitute.
What if Family Ed doesn't work for us? Registering with Family Ed does not obligate you to continue. Your child's best interests must be your first priority, and we understand that. Please share suggestions and concerns with us, so we can continue to improve this option for other families.
Current classes for Fourth through Sixth Grade students
Current classes for Junior High and High School students
Current classes for Preschool students
Volunteer Information
School Calendar
School Schedule
Attendance Issues at Family Ed
