Sky Mountain Charter School
Personalized Public Homeschooling for California Families
Sky Mountain Charter School is a tuition-free California public charter school serving transitional kindergarten through 12th grade students through an independent study program. Designed for families who want the flexibility of educating their children at home while remaining part of the California public school system, Sky Mountain combines personalized learning with support from credentialed teachers, educational resources, and enrichment opportunities.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to transfer from another charter school, this guide explains how Sky Mountain works, what families can expect, and the questions you should ask before enrolling.
Sky Mountain Quick Facts
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public Charter School |
| Learning Model | Independent Study |
| Grades Served | Transitional Kindergarten (TK) – Grade 12 |
| Charter Number | 0905 |
| Chartering District | Lucerne Valley Unified School District |
| Funding Type | Direct-Funded Charter |
| Counties Served | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, and Inyo |
| Teacher Support | Credentialed Education Specialist |
| Tuition | Free Public Education |
At a Glance
🏫
Public Charter
📚
TK–12
📍
6 Counties
👩🏫
Education Specialist
💰
Instructional Funds
🏠
Independent Study
Is Sky Mountain Right For You?
✅ GREAT FIT
✔ You like flexibility
✔ You homeschool
✔ You want funding
✔ You like enrichment
⚠️ MAY NOT FIT
✖ Want complete independence
✖ Don’t want teacher meetings
✖ Don’t want public school oversight
Timeline
Counties Served
Curriculum
Can choose curriculum?
✅ Yes
Curriculum Library?
✅ Yes
Online classes?
✅ Yes – Optional Not Mandatory
TK through 8th Grade: Online live classes (such as the LIVE instruction program) are voluntary. However, teachers do offer daily or weekly opportunities for live, two-way interaction to meet state independent study guidelines.
High School (9th-12th Grade): Most classes are voluntary; however, if you choose to enroll in the optional High School Academies (which provide a structured, college-prep scope), regular weekly participation is required. Additionally, students taking AP courses must do so through online vendors, which will have their own mandatory assignment schedules.
Funding
TK & Kindergarten: $2,800 per year
1st through 8th Grade: $3,800 per year
9th through 12th Grade: $4,300 per year
Vendors
❌ Public Vendor List
✅ Vendor Policies
What Vendors & Parents Say
- Fast processing for sole proprietors: Individuals (like tutors or music instructors) often report being approved in just a few days once their background checks and documents are cleared. []
- Strict insurance requirements: Forum users often note that Sky Mountain (part of the IEM network) has higher insurance minimums and tighter restrictions on “at-risk” activities compared to other local charter schools. [1]
- Educational necessity: The school strictly requires that the provided products or services fit within approved educational guidelines. Businesses attempting to vend recreational goods that aren’t strictly academic will be denied. [1]
- Massive existing network: Because the school has a diverse catalog of over 2,500 vendors, experienced businesses find getting onto the list a highly worthwhile step to access homeschool students in Southern California. [1, 2]
✅ Can request vendors
Sky Mountain Charter School allows parents to use instructional funds to hire vendors for classes, therapies, or supplies. You must first contact your assigned Education Specialist (ES) to request the vendor. Once approved, the ES submits a Purchase Order (PO), and you will be notified when it is safe to begin services or receive goods.
Explore Similar California Homeschool Charters
Sage Oak
Blue Ridge
Gorman
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child have a teacher?
Yes. Every student is assigned a credentialed Education Specialist who works with the family throughout the school year. Parents provide the daily instruction while the Education Specialist offers guidance, monitors progress, and helps ensure students meet California independent study requirements.
Do parents teach their children?
Yes. Parents or guardians are the primary learning coaches in the independent study program. The Education Specialist partners with the family by providing educational guidance, resources, and ongoing support.
Can I choose my child’s curriculum?
Sky Mountain offers flexibility in curriculum selection within school policies. Families work with their Education Specialist to choose educational materials that support the student’s learning goals.
What can instructional funds be used for?
Instructional funds may be used for approved educational materials, curriculum, enrichment opportunities, tutoring, educational technology, and other qualifying educational expenses as permitted by school policy. Families should always review the school’s current purchasing guidelines before making purchases.
Are learning centers available?
Sky Mountain offers learning opportunities that may include learning centers, enrichment classes, workshops, and student activities. Programs vary by location, so available opportunities may differ depending on where a family lives.
Does Sky Mountain offer field trips?
Yes. Educational field trips and school-sponsored activities may be available throughout the school year. Participation opportunities vary by region and grade level.
Does Sky Mountain provide special education services?
Yes. As a California public charter school, Sky Mountain provides special education services for eligible students in accordance with federal and state laws.
Can high school students prepare for college?
Yes. High school students receive academic planning and support to help them work toward graduation requirements and prepare for future educational goals. Families should discuss individual graduation plans with their Education Specialist.
Do Sky Mountain students take state tests?
Yes. As a California public charter school, students participate in required statewide assessments according to California testing requirements.
Can my child participate in extracurricular activities?
Depending on location and availability, students may have opportunities to participate in clubs, enrichment programs, educational events, and other school-sponsored activities.
Still Comparing Homeschool Charters?
Not sure if Sky Mountain Charter School is the right fit for your family?
Compare it with other California homeschool charter schools before making your decision.
🟦 Compare California Homeschool Charters
🟦 Compare Sky Mountain vs Sage Oak
🟦 Compare Sky Mountain vs Gorman Learning Center
🟦 Compare Sky Mountain vs Blue Ridge Academy
Ready to Enroll?
Sky Mountain Charter School runs rolling open enrollment throughout the year if capacity permits, with general registration for the fall opening mid-April. Registration forms and documents for new students are submitted on the Sky Mountain Charter School Enrollment Portal.
Related Guides
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