Homeschool Glossary – General Terms (A–Z)

Charter Schools Supporting Homeschoolers:
Public charter schools or district programs that allow families to educate their children at home. Students are legally public school students, may receive curriculum or funding support, and must follow state requirements (attendance, testing, curriculum). Different from independent homeschooling, where parents assume full legal and financial responsibility.

Commonwealth:
A homeschool group structured to provide mentorship, classes, and leadership opportunities for youth. Often associated with leadership education philosophies like TJEd.

Enrichment Program:
A class or activity offered to homeschoolers, such as arts, science labs, PE, or extracurriculars, that supplements core academic instruction.

Homeschool Co-op (Cooperative):
A group of homeschooling families who share teaching responsibilities, resources, and activities. Usually volunteer-led.

Homeschool Group / Support Group:
A community of homeschooling families who gather for support, field trips, activities, and encouragement. May or may not include formal classes.

Homeschooling (Common Definition):
Education of children at home rather than in a public or private school. Parents or guardians plan, deliver, and supervise instruction. Approaches vary widely, including structured curricula, interest-led learning, unschooling, co-ops, online programs, and hybrid models.

Homeschooling (Idaho Legal Definition):
In Idaho, homeschooling means parents or guardians direct their child’s instruction at home. Idaho is lightly regulated:

• No registration or notice of intent required.

• No testing, assessments, or portfolios required.

• No teacher qualifications required.

• No set hours or days required.

Homeschooling in Other States:

Every U.S. state defines homeschooling differently. Some states require families to register, submit curriculum plans, keep attendance or work samples, or participate in standardized testing. Others give parents wide freedom with few or no reporting requirements. Because of this, families moving to Idaho may expect stricter oversight than actually exists. It’s important to know that what’s required in one state may not apply here. 

Legal requirements:

1. Children ages 7–16 must receive an education.

2. Instruction must cover subjects commonly taught in public schools, though parents decide how and when to teach them.
   
   

Liber School:
A leadership-education style learning community based on principles from A Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd). Liber Schools emphasize classics, mentors, and self-directed learning rather than a traditional classroom model. They are usually small, locally organized, and focused on preparing students to become lifelong learners and leaders.

Pod School / Micro School:
A very small, often mixed-age group of students learning together, sometimes with a paid teacher or facilitator.

Charter Schools and Homeschooling in Idaho

In Idaho, some public charter schools and school district programs are designed to support families who educate at home. These are sometimes called “virtual schools,” “blended programs,” or “homeschool support programs.”

Examples include:

• Online public charter schools (e.g., Idaho Virtual Academy, Inspire Connections Academy).

• District-run part-time enrollment programs.

• Hybrid charter schools that provide both in-person and at-home options.
  
  

Important differences from independent homeschooling:

• Charter school students are public school students under Idaho law. Even if parents teach most subjects at home, enrollment in a charter means the student is legally in the public school system.

• Families in charter programs may receive curriculum, technology, or funding for materials, but in exchange they must meet state requirements (attendance, testing, curriculum oversight, etc.).

• Independent homeschoolers (not enrolled in any charter or public program) are not bound by those requirements and are legally responsible for all costs, curriculum, and records.
  
  

Why this matters in homeschool groups:

• Families in both categories (charter-enrolled and independent homeschoolers) often participate in the same co-ops, activities, and groups.

• Groups may want to ask families which option they use (charter/public vs. independent homeschool) since funding, accountability, and flexibility can be very different.

• Scholarship applications, group rules, or co-op fees might be handled differently depending on whether a student’s education is state-funded through a charter or entirely parent-funded.

🏛️ Legal Definition of Homeschooling in Stricter States

In these states, homeschooling is legally recognized as a form of private education. However, parents must adhere to specific legal frameworks that may include:

• Notice of Intent: Parents are typically required to formally notify local school authorities of their intent to homeschool.

• Curriculum Approval: Some states mandate that parents submit their proposed curriculum for approval to ensure it meets state educational standards.

• Subject Requirements: Homeschool programs must cover certain subjects that align with public school curricula, such as English, math, science, and social studies.

• Standardized Testing: Students may be required to participate in state or national standardized tests to assess educational progress.

• Annual Evaluations: Some states necessitate annual evaluations by a certified teacher or submission of student work to demonstrate educational progress.
  
  

🧭 Why This Matters for New Families

For Families Moving From other states:

If you are relocating to Idaho from a state with more regulations, you may be used to requirements like filing paperwork, submitting curriculum plans, tracking hours, or preparing for standardized tests. In Idaho, none of these steps are required. This freedom can feel both exciting and overwhelming at first. New families often need time to adjust to the idea that they are trusted to direct their children’s education without state approval or monitoring. Local homeschool groups can help you navigate this transition, share resources, and build confidence in creating your own path. 

For Families New to Homeschooling

Starting homeschooling can feel exciting, overwhelming, or both. Every family’s journey looks a little different, but here are some key points to help you begin with confidence:

1. Homeschooling Looks Different for Everyone
Some families follow a structured curriculum, others blend resources, and some focus on interest-led or project-based learning. There isn’t one “right way”—you get to design what works best for your child and your family.

2. State Laws Matter
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state defines it differently. Some require paperwork, progress reports, or testing, while others—like Idaho—leave nearly all decisions up to parents. If you’ve recently moved to Idaho, you may be surprised at the freedom and flexibility you have here.

3. Homeschool vs. Charter School at Home
Families can choose to homeschool independently or enroll in a public charter or online school that supports at-home learning. Both options can provide a “homeschool experience,” but the legal status is different:

• Independent homeschooling = parents direct and fund all education.
  
  

• Charter/public school at home = students are public school students with access to resources, but also subject to state requirements.
  
  

4. Community Is Key
Joining a homeschool group, co-op, or enrichment program provides support, accountability, and opportunities for your children to learn and socialize with others. You don’t have to do it all alone.

5. Give Yourself Time
Homeschooling is a lifestyle shift, not just an academic choice. It may take months to find a rhythm that fits your family. It’s normal to experiment, adjust, and grow into your homeschool.