Thank you for considering SOCHH as an educational experience for your child! This sheet is designed to be a quick overview of our program and to answer some common questions.
ABOUT US
What is SOCHH? South OC Hybrid Homeschool is a learning center in Mission Viejo. We provide an academically focused program for students who are homeschooling but desire the structure and guidance of a classroom environment.
Is SOCHH a private school or charter school?
No. The CA Dept of Ed is very clear in what they define as a school. We intentionally do not offer more than 15 hours of instruction per week in our core program and do not cover all four core subjects, so we do not meet the classification for a school.
ACADEMICS/ADMISSION
Do you teach CRT? Do you teach LGBTQIA curriculum? SEL Curriculum?
Over the last 12 months this has been the NUMBER 1 question families have asked us so we want to put it out there for you to decide if SOCHH will be a fit for you before you get too far in the process. We closely align with the Common Core Standards and it is our goal to create critical thinkers who are prepared for life outside the walls of SOCHH. Our curriculum and lesson plans do not explicitly teach on topics such as gender identity, critical race theory, tenants of social psychology, or political agendas—as that is not a teaching point within the standards. That being said, SOCHH does not shy away from questions that may arise as a result of information that is presented within the learning process. To read more on SOCHH’s Diversity/Inclusion stance, CLICK HERE.
Do we get to pick my students’ classes?
We have several program options to choose from which include 1-5 days of classes. Please review the program options to see which classes are offered and what schedule they follow. We have 1, 2 and 3 day classes available. You may combine them all for a 5 day experience.
What subjects are taught in the CORE & Middle School program? We provide Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies instruction, and closely follow the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Is it a drop off program? What are the hours?
All classes are drop off classes. Hours vary based on the program/class. We offer optional extended care from 8-9am and until 4pm each day classes are in session.
Do I need to order my own books? All required curriculum is included in class fees and will be ordered by teachers. It is strongly suggested that you purchase or borrow from the library the class novels if your student would like their own copy to follow along. Each teacher will forward a suggested supply list for students & a wishlist for classroom donations. Families who enroll with us after September 1st are required to purchase their own curriculum. We will give you EXACT links of which books to order upon enrollment.
ENROLLMENT
How do you decide class placements?
We take into account the student’s academic history and experience, as well as their social and emotional makeup. Our classrooms develop their own “learning profiles” that will differ from year to year based on the makeup of the students in that class. This learning profile dictates the ICANN standards that the students are working in. For example, we may have a fourth grade class that begins the year working on the end of 3rd grade concepts OR a second grade class that is able to start on 3rd grade concepts mid year.
My student has an IEP or a learning or behavioral challenge. Can you help?
An IEP is a public school document, so while SOCHH does not create or execute an IEP, we are happy to review and consider students who have been diagnosed with specific learning disabilities on a case by case basis. Please note: we do not have a SPED, STS, or SAI department set up to handle services or accommodations. We do not have one on one aides so your child must be able to sit in a classroom in a cooperative manner, and work independently and in groups.
How do I enroll my students for 2023/24? Email enrollment@sochh.org and they will send you an informational packet that includes the entire admissions process.
When do FALL classes start?
Fall CORE classes begin Tuesday, August 15th, 2023.
Arts & Innovation and Foundations classes begin Monday, September 11th.
What if we decide to enroll after the Fall start date?
We have an open enrollment throughout the year for new students depending on the availability in each classroom. If we don’t have space in a specific classroom, we have an open waitlist that we try our best to clear once space becomes available. If your student is accepted after September 1st/End of Unit Zero, families are responsible for purchasing each student’s own curriculum books. Families will receive a specific link to the EXACT books that need to be ordered upon enrollment. Costs for the curriculum roughly estimate $120 per student.
How do you deal with absences?
We do not hold any records of attendance for our students. However, we do require families to sign a homework policy and commit to the completion of assignments if they need to be absent from class.
CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS
Do you take charter funds? Yes, we are currently a vendor for SCALE, Excel, and Epic Academy, Suncoast Prep, and Sky Mountain Academy. If a family requests that we apply to be a vendor with another charter, we are happy to do so.
Will my charter funds cover classes at SOCHH? How much will I need to pay out of pocket? We have no way of knowing what funds are offered as that is something we do not track and varies from charter to charter. We are happy to accept funds for your classes if your charter allows.
What if my charter says that I can’t pay for anything out of pocket? Your charter can not legally tell you what to do with your private money or time.
What do I do if my charter school teacher says my student needs to be working at grade level? This is something we hear often, however SOCHH’s mission, which presumably aligns with the families that are here, is to meet the students where they are at. It may therefore be in conflict with a charter who needs to keep their students at grade level.
OUR CAMPUS
Can I visit the campus? For the privacy and safety of our students, we are a closed campus and do not accept walk-in guests or visitors looking for tours or program information. Tours are by appointment only and our address will be sent beforehand for all tour registrants. If you are interested in touring our campus, email enrollment@sochh.org for more information. Families of SOCHH students are required to check-in in the office when visiting classrooms.
What should I know about the campus in regards to safety? You should know that while the parking lot is a private driveway, the campus is not gated all the way around. It is an open campus with a strict check in system for both our own families and visitors to the church office. You should be aware that there is a 5G tower on the church property and there is a railroad track beyond the hill adjacent to the parking lot. All students 8 years and younger must play in the gated playground area. Older students who are 4th grade and up do have their recess breaks in a designated area in the parking lot under the direct supervision of staff. To read more about campus safety, click here to view a statement put out by SOCHH Director.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
How much teaching can I expect on the “off” days? Our program is far more academically rigorous than A LOT of homeschool programs. UNLIKE most homeschool programs where the parent is the main teacher and the class is more of a support tool, at SOCHH, is it the teachers who do the majority of the heavy lifting in class; we teach all NEW concepts and parents are just asked to reinforce and support learning at home. It is the teachers who dictate pace, monitor progress, & make placement decisions based on how students present IN the classroom.
Is there a volunteer commitment required of parents? No, we do not require parents to volunteer.