Home Schooling
Home schooling is alive and well in the Santa Clarita Valley just as it is throughout the State of California. Recognizing the importance of such a program, Saugus Union School District offers an Independent Home Study program to accommodate the needs of those who wish to teach their children at home.
The Saugus IHS program begins at kindergarten and extends through the sixth grade. Parents meet weekly at Mountainview School with a credentialed teacher assigned only to the IHS program who provides guidance, works with the children in various subject areas, and gives follow-up material. At this time, the parent turns in weekly assignment and attendance records well as the child's graded work.
The District provides many resources which help the parent with the education of their children. The student's books are provided at no cost, and Teachers' Editions enable the parents' instruction. Videos can be checked out, and there are many supplementary and enrichment materials available at the IHS office to enhance and encourage learning.
District testing is done throughout the year, and the parents have the opportunity for the children to take the Stanford-9 Test, given annually in the spring.
Throughout the year, the Independent Home Study students participate in various group activities. Field trips are scheduled, and there is a yearly Science Fair. Sometimes, parents choose to interact with each other in shared teaching capacities such as social studies or science.
The children are also encouraged to take part in their District "Home School" (the school they would normally attend) activities such as the gifted program, computer classes, assemblies, book festivals, chorus, Scout programs, etc. These activities are available if there is room, and many of the students enjoy the participation with others from their local neighborhood.
The Saugus Union School District offers this program not only to students of its own district but also accepts inter-district transfer requests based on availability.
For information, please contact Charlotte Kacmar at (661) 294-5327.