Community Home Education Program (CHEP)
is the Orange County Department of Education's home independent study program, servicing and supporting parents who wish to teach their Kindergarten through 8th grade children at home. We provide this alternative public education to families who live in and adjacent to Orange County. As a public school, services and curriculum are free to participating families.

Our Philosophy

Parents are their children's first teachers. From the moment you become a parent, you are the most important teacher in your child's life. This is the foundation of our program.

Every child is unique. We realize that each child learns differently. CHEP believes in creating the best educational plan for each individual child. There is no "one size fits all" in our program.

Parents who wish to homeschool benefit from support. Each family at CHEP is assigned to a caring, credentialed teacher who will help you select curriculum and set academic goals, as well as help you gauge your child's progress. The CHEP teacher's role is to facilitate, support, and encourage. This teamwork has been the key to our program's success.

Family first. CHEP's independent study model supports the family by encouraging time together and valuing the role of the parent. Students in our program often have more time to spend with their families and pursue other interests, while achieving academic growth and success.

History

The Community Home Education Program (CHEP) opened its doors on January 4, 1988, under the supervision of the Orange County Department of Education. Since that time, we have grown to four K-8 sites and over 1400 students. Our partner school, Pacific Coast High School, is accredited by WASC and services grades 9-12. It is located in Tustin. For more information, visit their website at http://www.pchs.k12.ca.us

What We Provide

	California State Standards-based curriculum options, including students’ and teachers’ textbooks, with the individual needs of the student in mind
	The partnership and support of a credentialed teacher who will help you create an individualized educational program for your student
	Online class options for 7th and 8th grade students
	Workshops, classes, and field trips for students
	Seminars and workshops for parents
	Special events and opportunities for socialization
	Standardized testing
	Computer labs at each site
	Music classes
	Legal accountability for parents choosing to educate their children at home
	And much, much more!