Homeschoolers

Whether you are looking for a few enrichment hours per week, or seeking a community experience for your family, we are committed to providing a number of flexible options to meet your needs.  Homeschooling families with children of all ages are welcome to participate at Patchwork via our half-day or full-day programs, our afternoon program, in the Parent Support Group or through various parenting and education workshops offered throughout the year.

We believe that combining homeschooling with a part-time school experience is the optimal way to achieve a truly individualized, and yet community-based experience for your child and your family.  Therefore, we aim to support homeschooling families in finding ways to engage in our community that really work for you. Some of the possibilities are listed below, but we are always open to hearing other suggestions.

Afternoon Program

The afternoon program is designed with the homeschooler in mind.  It is our most flexible and unstructured option to allow you to create the kind of experience you are looking for, including a built-in Parent Support Group.  The afternoon/afterschool program is for 5-12 year-olds, and is housed in the downstairs of the newer building at 1436 Main Street, with full access to the expanded backyard, animals and gymnasium.  See below for more details or attend one of our Information Sessions to tour the school and ask questions.

Registration Fee

For 2011-2012 there is a $190 registration fee for new families or a $165 registration fee per child per year for returning families.  The registration fee is waived if your child is also enrolled as a student in our Preschool or Elementary program.  Fees are also pro-rated for students entering mid-year.

Regular Tuition
Tuition is calculated for the entire year and is divided into three equal trimester payments.  In order to serve the needs of many, we are offering the following packages.  If you choose the hourly options, you can select anything between 11am and 4:00pm. 

Make-up Days
This is the only Patchwork program that does allow make-ups for missed days as long as they are within one week of the absence (prior to or after).  This is to accomodate for homeschooler field-trips, school district inservice days, etc.

Sibling Discounts
Any siblings (after the first child is enrolled) will receive a 5% discount on Tuition and Add-On Hours.

Drop-In
The rate for drop-ins (days or times other than your regular schedule) hourly, at $8.75/hour, and payment will be required ahead of time or on the day of. Families that are not already registered will need to allow for extra time on the first visit to fill out the required paperwork (health status forms must be filled out prior to first visit).

Reservations
You may reserve a space for your child by filling out our Afternoon Payment Contract for 2011-2012 and providing us with the registration fee and the first trimester's payment.

Registration Paperwork
In addition to the payment contract (above), you will need to fill out the following paperwork prior to their start date in order to complete your child's registration:

• Student Information Form: 2011-2012

• Health Status Form: 2011-2012

• Immunization Form

• Image Release

• Contact Sheet

Family Handbook & School Calendar
Our school calendar shows the holidays and teacher workdays for the year.

2011-2012 School Calendar

Our family handbook contains detailed information on the school's policies and practices. We hope this will help answer any questions regarding billing, medications, emergencies, etc.

2011-2012 Family Handbook

Preschool and Elementary Programs

Homeschoolers are also more than welcome to enroll in our Preschool or Elementary programs, as part-time schedules are offered in those programs, as well.  These programs offer both half-day and full-day schedules and can also be combined with the afternoon program.

Registering as a Homeschooler

We want to help you understand your requirements under Colorado law, so we are providing information here from the Colorado Department of Education’s website.  However, you should be sure to check the information for yourself in case of any recent changes:

If your child is under the age of seven, they are not required by the state to be enrolled in school full time, so you may choose to enroll them for any number of half or full days (or full-time), without being required to fulfill any additional homeschooling requirements.

If your child is seven or older, they are required by the state to be enrolled in school full time, so you may choose to enroll them at The Patchwork School full-time, or choose to register as a homeschooler, which can include any number of half or full days at our school.  If you choose this latter option, you will also be responsible for all of the other requirements under Colorado homeschooling law, which we will support and assist you in completing.