On June 30, 2015, Governor Brown signed SB-277 which removes the Personal Beliefs Exemption and requires that virtually all children in California public AND private schools be vaccinated. The bill, which goes into effect January 2016, reads that it exempts, “pupils in a home-based private school and students enrolled in an independent study program and who do not receive classroom-based instruction.”
Many questions remain regarding implementation of this controversial law. Currently recall efforts are underway against the lawmakers who authored the law, and grassroots campaigns have begun to nullify the law.
While Talega Prep does not take a position regarding an individual family’s choice to vaccinate, we do support parents’ rights to choose what they feel is best for their children and are committed to supporting families in educating their children in the manner that best suits each child.
As the 2015-2016 school year begins, we will continue to follow the current law and encourage families that do not vaccinate to be sure they have a completed Personal Beliefs Exemption in place. SB277 will grandfather in families who have the exemptions on file before the law goes into effect, at least until the next round of vaccinations become due, usually 7th grade.
In January 2016, the new law will be implemented, and it is our view that homeschoolers in our satellite independent study program will be exempt from the vaccine requirements. Our students will be free to homeschool in coops or groups as always, so rest assured that your homeschooling will not be impacted. Please see the discussion of this matter at CHN and HSCfor further details of the law’s anticipated implementation.
The Talega Preparatory Academy independent study satellite umbrella program is designed for families wishing to homeschool with the utmost of personal freedom. Paperwork is minimal, meetings are not required. Sample curricular packages are being developed to assist families new to homeschooling with planning and implementation.
Our enrollment is open for the 2015-2016 school year, and we are always happy to have new families join ours. All forms for registration are available on our “Forms” page. If you would like to submit forms and payment online, please contact us so we may prepare an invoice for you.
Enjoy the summer!