Is LAU for homeschoolers?

Students from all backgrounds, including homeschool, are welcome. In Utah, when a homeschool student enrolls at a public charter school, she is no longer considered a “homeschool” student in the eyes of the state. She’s considered a public school student, even if she does online school from home, as is the case for LAU students

How do homeschoolers transition to LAU?

Our Academic Coaches will help students to determine the appropriate courses for them to take. If a student has earned high school credit at other schools, we will transfer that credit to LAU. If a student has not earned high school credit previously, this is not a problem or limitation. Students can still enroll at their appropriate academic level. We are developing a method to evaluate and possibly award credit for homeschool/unaccredited classes. Please contact us if you have specific questions about this.

Can our students be awarded credit for the work they have done at home (or from an unaccredited school or curriculum)? If so, how is this determined?

We are still in the process of writing a policy for evaluating work and awarding credits for accomplishments of homeschooled students. If you are a homeschooled student entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this fall, please note that when you complete the online Enrollment Application. This will be an important item to discuss during the Enrollment Interview.

What is the most important thing for us to know as we consider jumping back into the public school system?

Because LAU is a public charter school, your student will be expected to adhere to the requirements made of every other student in the school. This includes attending and participating in all classes, taking all assessments and tests, and completing all required forms in their entirety.

Why would a homeschooler enroll in Leadership Academy of Utah?

As shown in this video, homeschooling has its pros and cons, its advantages and its limitations. We believe that the quality of this education and the way in which it is offered can be found in no other public school in Utah. We also know that because The Williamsburg Curriculum is used at select private schools throughout the nation, it is expensive and therefore not accessible by many homeschooling families. If you want a quality, leadership education for your child that is provided by well-trained mentors, administered by a personable and competent staff, and governed by a capable group of community leaders, this is the school for you.

One of the reasons we homeschool is so that we can direct our family’s schedule. How flexible is LAU, and how will my student be affected if we travel, go on a family field trip, or set an appointment during the school week?

Our attendance policy is outlined in the Enrollment Agreement that parents fill out as part of the application process online. Keep in mind that because we are an online school, as long as your student can access the internet, he or she can participate in class from ANY location. Each student is required to participate in all assessments, so you will need to plan around that and make sure your student is available for annual state testing at one of the locations we will arrange throughout the state. Finally, the workload and deadlines required will challenge and stretch your student. It will require a lot of hard work which means students need sufficient time and an environment in which they can focus and study. You may find that in order for your student to succeed, you need to modify your travel schedule in order to support his studies. And actually, that is what homeschooling parents do best—create learning environments and offer educational opportunities that will be best for their children. If you decide that LAU is right for your student, then we know you will make the necessary adjustments to support that education.

Will we still be homeschoolers if we enroll in Leadership Academy of Utah?

No. When you enroll in any Utah public or private school, you are superseding your last Notice of Intent to Homeschool, and your child is then a student of that school. Should you ever decide to withdraw your student and go back to homeschooling, you will need to file another Notice of Intent to Homeschool.