An 'umbrella school' is an
alternative education school which serves to oversee the
homeschooling of children to fulfil government
educational requirements.
Umbrella schools vary greatly in what they offer and cost. Some offer group classes, a defined
curriculum,
sports,
field trips,
standardized testing, and more. Others exist only to collect the minimal legal requirements, allowing parents to choose their curriculum and methods of teaching, as well as freedom from an annual evaluation or testing requirements. Additionally, some umbrella schools follow a specific faith, while others are
secular.
In the United States, the responsibilities of umbrella schools vary from state to state. Many states require schools to collect
immunization and attendance records, and similar records as required for any publicly-run school. Often umbrella schools operate under the same legal guidelines as
independent schools. Some states have course and daily time requirements. In others, students are bound to the normal standard school year and records must be kept to prove that students fulfil the required amount of time.
Other umbrella terms
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Umbrella term
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Umbrella fund
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Umbrella organization
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Umbrella brand