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An umbrella school (also known as a church-related school or cover school) is an entity, usually considered a private school, that oversees homeschooling families and helps them satisfy their state’s homeschooling laws. Many times, an umbrella school is essentially a group or organization, though in some cases, an umbrella school is actually a physical private school that partners with homeschoolers.
What is the Purpose of an Umbrella School?
According to the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, “umbrella schools exist primarily as a way to satisfy a state’s compulsory attendance law.” In some ways, an umbrella school is very similar to a homeschooling group, especially considering that many umbrella schools are put together by homeschooling families and have no actual campus. In some cases, however, an established private school may offer a program that enrolls homeschooled students.
What are the Main Benefits of Using an Umbrella School?
An umbrella school offers many services that benefit homeschooling families. They include:
- Record-keeping services, such as transcripts and attendance
- Compliance with homeschooling laws
- Diplomas and report cards
- Help with curriculum and courses
- Testing
- Extracurricular activities
What DON’T Umbrella Schools Offer?
- Instruction or curriculum
- Accreditation
What umbrella schools don’t offer is a short list–but those two items are EXTREMELY important when it comes to homeschooling. What it boils down to is, that some families prefer to use an umbrella school because they can serve as the “middleman” between families and school districts, they offer easy access to homeschool groups/co-ops and activities, and they help maintain school records.
How Bridgeway Academy Differs from an Umbrella School
First and foremost, Bridgeway, as an accredited homeschool academy, offers a huge variety of homeschool programs and we provide accreditation. Plus, just like an umbrella school, Bridgeway offers record-keeping services, compliance with homeschooling laws, diplomas and report cards, a dedicated academic advisor to help you and your family every step of the way, testing, and access to the global Bridgeway community! So, yeah, we have everything an umbrella school has–and so much more!
If you’re looking for the perfect homeschool partner, look no further! Bridgeway Academy offers all of the services an umbrella school does but with so many amazing homeschool programs and homeschool curriculum options from which to choose. Call us today at (800) 863-1474 to speak to a Homeschool Specialist about our Total Care programs, Live Online Classes, Grade Level Kits, Records & Support, and so much more!
