Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who teaches the classes and what are their qualifications?
A: All of our teachers are certified licensed teachers in the state of Colorado and are highly qualified in their subject area under the federal No Child Left Behind guidelines. But best of all – they love teaching and love kids. We specifically look for teachers that are passionate, creative, and enthusiastic about teaching their subject area. Check out our staff bios in the teachers section of this website.
Q: Do I still need to submit a letter of intent to my school district?
A: Yes and no. Technically you do not have to since your student is now a part-time public school student. Some parents still choose to submit the letter anyway in order to avoid the appearance that the number of home schoolers is declining.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Nothing! There is no registration fee and no tuition. The program is publicly funded by your tax dollars. We ask for a $25 per student activity fee each year to fund the fun “extra” activities we do throughout the year.
Q: How much does the curriculum cost?
A: Most curriculum is checked out at no cost for the year. Consumables (the part of the curriculum you write in) must be purchased and cannot be returned once they are ordered. Book are ordered each may for the upcoming year. Students in grades K-1 get two consumables free. Check out the curriculum offered on the Classes page of this website.
Q: Do I have to use your curriculum? I have something else I already use that I really like.
A: Yes and no. If you select a class that has a required text, you must use that text for that class. Otherwise you are free to select any curriculum you would like to use at home. Our curriculum is offered to you as a service to you and you are in no way obligated to use it.
Q: How often will I have to be at OPTIONS?
A: We ask that each family volunteer for 4 half days during the year. If mom is unavailable, aunts, uncles, dads, grandpas or grandmas would also be a terrific help. Why do we need volunteers? In one word…..safety. We want your children to be in the safest possible situations and that can't happen without additional adults on site. Your volunteer hours will mostly be spent monitoring the hall and restrooms, supervising lunch and recess, and helping out in the classrooms when needed.
Q: Do my children have to come all day?
A: Yes. All students must be enrolled for the full day in order to participate in OPTIONS.
Q: My family travels a lot. Can we still do that if we are part of OPTIONS?
A: Yes, you can. We respect your home school freedom to schedule your year as you see fit for your family. Please let us know when you are going to be absent and make sure to make arrangements with teachers for any classes you are going to miss homework in so your student doesn't get behind.