Uncommon??? $$$$$$$$$

[redsoxdoula]

Perhaps this is a silly question but here she goes. Okay, so you know how homeschools can be operated as a "private school"...okay, and there could be one "private school" with several families homeschooling....okay....so my question is...not sure how to quite word this...why do these homeschooling umbrellas, if you will, charge enrollment fees and tuition fees???

I can understand something like an administration fee because there's one person handling the legal stuff...but it's not like a school, school. You know? No curriculum...you're just homeschooling in your home (of course, duh!) but you're filed with this particular name...I think it's called a PSP.

For an example, I fell in love with this homeschooling group....we'll call it X-Academy....X-Academy has 13 families enrolled....their tuition for the year is $250 and $30 a month for enrollment. They get together once or twice a week to work on their projected goals (ie: presidential fitness @ the park...). My questions, where the heck is this money going??? Are these fees common?

I apologize if my words seemed scattered-THEY ARE! I know what I want to say, but I'm having a hard time wording it. Am I making sense???

[LilyGrace]

Some are scams. But some aren't. You just have to decide if it's worth the money. Ask them what it's going to.
Quite a few offer "free" (already paid for w/monthly fee) field trips, co-op classes, help with paperwork, a place to meet (like a rented hall)..if X academy is offering nothing, call them on it. Hold them accountable.

[elizawill]

compared to where i live, that is very expensive! my homeschool group is free & my association is about $50 year (which in SC as a 3rd option homeschooler, you only need an association to be legal). we do have a few "classical conversation" groups, & they are more expensive - but they are co-ops that follow a specific classical model and offer classes, field trips, etc.

i would not join what you are talking about... or i would really find out what it is they DO with the money. good luck!!!

[moondiapers]

Some of them keep a cum file and student records as required by the state they are in. There is work involved for the people running it, and they should be compensated.

[sewingmama]

Sure, that seems a little high, but I'd ask where it's going. Perhaps they have to pay rentals on things like gyms, or even parks if they'll have a large group. And if they do diplomas or files, then there should be some administrative costs for the paper, etc. involved. Or maybe they have to pay a fee to register with the state as a private school. Maybe some of the money goes to fund food or to pay for rental space for talent nights or the like. I think they should be able to give you a good list of what they're using the money for, and then you can decide if it's worth it or not. My parents homeschooled with an umbrella group that was registered with a private school; I know they paid some dues every year, and they went to at least some of the above costs.

[fruitfulmomma]

Hmm... Ours is $50 a year plus $10 per student up to three and no additional charge for more kids. So we paid $70 this year for enrolling two kids. Testing and classes are additional fees if we want to use them. This is what is provided...

❑ Record keeping

❑ Help with school district problems

❑ Monthly newsletter

❑15% discount off HSDLA membership

❑ Curriculum advising

❑ Record keeping tools, grade cards

❑ Student I.D. Cards

[Linda on the move]

I'd ask where the money is going, or to see a financial statement for last year.

That's more than we've ever paid for a homeschooling group BUT it could be on the up and up, if they are paying for space every week and/or have prepaid field trips. Little things add up. (I was amazed how much of my own money I used when I was a girl scout leader).

It would also depend on the legal status in your state. In some places, being part of an umbrella school makes staying within the law a heck of a lot easier and may be worth spending money just so that you stay legal. In most states, however, you don't need it.

[BurgundyElephant]

Our homeschool association fee goes towards insurance, renting the hall for the monthly meetings / parties (Halloween, Holiday, Valentine's), helping pay for the yearbook. I feel it's worth it because of the social aspects of the group. Our group, however, doesn't have an administration fee as all the officers and the board are volunteer. It's also only $30 a year, IIRC.

[luv-my-boys]

thats the highest one I've seen. I would definately be asking where the money goes. I've seen some with higher fees but they also have "paid' staff for paperwork or a teacher to lead/direct outings and such. There are a lot of associated costs sometimes like space rental,paper,newsletters, web space heck even the coffee and snacks they may provide. Your best bet is to ask.

[redsoxdoula]

Totally! Thanks, will do!!!