We know you’ve got questions about the upcoming school year! We’ve been compiling the most common questions and answers here for you. We hope they help give you some guidance on how to take control of your family’s educational goals and how Golden Coast Academy can be the right school for you to make those goals happen!
Q: What is a Satellite Program?
A: A program that works where you are!
Under California Education Code, a private school may have anyone capable of teaching be a teacher for the school. This means that you, the person that knows your child the best, can take on teaching your child. Should you need extra help, we trust that you can find the professionals that you need that are the right fit for your family.
The satellite part refers to educational activities not taking place in a fixed facility. You don’t need to come to San Buenaventura to do school work (but you can say hi!). Instead your family can work where your children work best. The den. An art studio in the yard. The coffee shops. A tutoring center. These locations become satellite locations because you as the teacher can choose!
Q: Is this Homeschooling?
A: Yes & No
Yes… you can have your school at home, or wherever you want! You’re also free to choose the books and curriculum that you want to use as well. While Golden Coast Academy is not aligned to any Faith nor Denomination, you are welcome and encouraged to bring them into your day!
But… this is a private school! We strive to be different from other institutions that take money from you and and avoid the hard work of educating. We are here to provide support to your family so that everyone can grow. This is going to take a lot of work! We want to build the scaffolding and supports for you to understand how children learn and move on to more difficult concepts. We want to help you set goals and follow up with you to celebrate accomplishments and offer supports when things do not go the way we expected. We have some documentation requirements, but you’re probably doing all these things already.
No… you are not alone! We are hear to be a support when things aren’t clear yet and be there to celebrate successes! Our goal is to help bring education into the 21st century. We will be with you as much or as little as you need!
Q: What are your documentation requirements?
A: Monthly Attendance & Quarterly Samples
In order to stay compliant with compulsory attendance laws, we ask that you submit your attendance record via a web form monthly for each child enrolled at Golden Coast Academy. It’ll take you no more than five minutes each calendar month!
We’ll also help you develop your child’s work portfolio to document their growth and development. Through eighth grade, you can submit any work samples you’d like via picture, email, file sharing service, or what works for you! In high school, you’ll need to submit the core assignments that will help create the documentation of your child’s hard work!
Q: Do you offer Special Education Services & Placements
A: No. However, we will help you create a program that matches your child’s needs!
Our founder is a former special education teacher and is happy to consult with you to understand the teaching strategies that will help your child reconnect with their love of learning! We’ll be able to design a program to meet your child where they are at and find what works. Your child will retain their eligibility to return to a public school for special education services.
Q: How and when can I enroll?
A: You may enroll at anytime!
Our enrollment is open year round! After you pay the annual tuition fee, your child is considered enrolled and Golden Coast Academy will become the school of record. You’ll be able to meet California’s compulsory education requirements and know that you’ll have support transitioning into a program that works!
Q: How much will it cost me to recreate the day school experience?
A: Not as much as you think, but you’re not trying to be a school replacement!
You can go as low-tech or high tech as you want! Most of the basic office supplies you already have at home. You can get books to teach reading from your public library just as you would get literature books. There are many low cost and free textbook programs, too. And there are the used book stores and online retailers that can let you by curricula at a fraction of the costs that are billed to schools. As we help you plan out your year, you can decide on what you need to spend money on, like sports or tutoring services. Many families will consider annual park passes or museum memberships to put educational experiences first. Did your child have a meaningful field trip the past few years?
Q: My question is not on this page
A: Please send your question, others may have it to!
There is no way one page can possibly answer all the questions you may have about Golden Coast Academy. Changing schools and trying something different takes deliberate thought.
goldencoastacademy.org 