Questions parents ask

What are charter funds?

Homeschool charters in California are free public schools. Many give each enrolled child a yearly amount (often around $2,700–$4,000) to spend on curriculum and on classes from approved vendors. You don’t get cash. Your teacher approves a request and the school pays the vendor.

How do I use them for a class?

Usually: (1) check the vendor is on your charter’s approved list, (2) ask your teacher (HST, ES or EF) to approve it, (3) the school sends the vendor a certificate or purchase order, (4) then your child starts. Don’t pay or start before the certificate arrives, or you may not be reimbursed.

What does the green ✓ mean?

We found the vendor on that charter’s public vendor list, or the vendor’s own website says it’s approved for that charter. Every ✓ has a link and the date we checked it.

What does “unknown” mean?

We couldn’t confirm it either way. Some charters (like PCA) keep their full list behind a login. The vendor may still be approved, and your teacher can often request a new vendor.

Why isn’t my favorite class listed?

We started with public lists for San Diego County. If you know a class that takes charter funds, tell us and we’ll check it.

Can charter funds pay for a private school or microschool?

No. Public charter funds can’t pay private school tuition or religious instruction. Some pods and microschools run as enrichment vendors instead, and that can be funded.

Which charter gives the most?

See the comparison. Published amounts range from roughly $2,700 to $4,000+ per child, but a bigger number isn’t everything. The vendors near you, approval speed and teacher support matter just as much.

What’s the difference between a PO and reimbursement?

With a PO (purchase order) or certificate, the school pays the vendor directly after your teacher approves the class. With reimbursement, you pay first and the school pays you back. Most San Diego charters we checked use POs for classes. See how charter funds work.

Why does a ✓ say “may be outdated”?

The only source we have is older than 12 months, such as an old blog post. The vendor may still be approved, but double-check.

Is this run by a charter school?

No. It’s an independent guide made by a San Diego parent. Charters and vendors don’t pay to be marked ✓.

I run a class. How do I get listed or fix my info?

Use claim or update your listing. Listing is free.