Educational Philosophy

& Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs )

Philosophy

We believe that all students teach themselves what they want to learn.  They may observe others and learn from the successes and failures of others, but they only learn what they themselves practice and incorporate into their own lives.  With that in mind, we believe that the role of the instructor is to provide and present a lot of opportunities and experiences for the student to use to teach himself or herself, to keep the student interested enough to keep trying to teach himself or herself, and to present material in a lot of different ways to enable the student to find a way that works best for him or her.

In keeping with our educational philosophy, we think that homeschooling provides the broadest possible environment for learning.  Parents know their children better than anyone and have the most interest in seeing their children succeed.  They will work harder and longer to develop the best learning environment for their children.  They also have the best perspective on how their children approach learning and what areas of learning need special enhancement to become interesting to their children.

To that end, we provide parents with the tools they need to allow their children to reach their full educational potential while operating within the guidelines set forth in the California education code.
 

FAQs

 
What is Bear Hollow School? Bear Hollow School is a private secular ISP for homeschooling families in California with students in grades K-12.
How will Bear Hollow School help me? Bear Hollow School will keep all records necessary for compliance with the California education code.  We will help you develop a portfolio of your student's work.  We will custom design complete curricula for an extra fee.  We offer support, encouragement, a listening ear, and cheerleading as required.
What about curriculum? Bear Hollow School does not mandate a set curriculum; we support the parents' right to choose a course of study for their children.  If parents need help, we will custom design a curriculum to fit each student's needs and learning style.  However, Bear Hollow School does require that a Learning Plan be filed for each student and that each student work toward his or her filed Learning Plan.
What about socialization? Bear Hollow School organizes field trips, classes, and activities open to all families and helps families network with each other.
What about materials? Bear Hollow School is affiliated with a Resource Center that loans materials and curricula.  In addition, we facilitate a swap among our families.
What if I need help with a specific subject? Bear Hollow School facilitates short course offerings.  You may participate by joining a class or by offering your own.
What are the requirements for enrollment? Students must reside in California, fill out an Application for Admission, file a Learning Plan, and agree to keep attendance.
What about high school graduation? Bear Hollow School awards a high school diploma on completion of graduation requirements.  All graduates must pass a high school exit exam as required by the state of California.
How flexible is the schedule? Bear Hollow School offers a year-round calendar in addition to its traditional 9-month school year.  Both calendars begin in the fall.
Is it legal to homeschool in California? Yes!
Is it possible to homeschool while working outside the home? Yes!
Is it possible for me to drop my kids off at Bear Hollow School and have you educate them for me? No!
 

 
 

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