Homeschool benefits: Helendale School District
Independence Charter Academy (ICA), Helendale School District's online independent study charter, is a tuition-free public school for kindergarten through grade 12 that gives every student a Chromebook and case, internet access when the family needs it, and a credentialed teacher of record. Families in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Kern, and Inyo counties can enroll online for 2026-27.
Who qualifies
Lives in an approved county
ICA is open to students in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Kern, and Inyo counties. You upload proof of address in one of them.
Enrolls as an ICA student
Your child becomes a public charter school student with a teacher of record, so attendance is taken daily and unexcused absences count as truancies, as at any California public school.
Signs the Master Agreement
The annual agreement sets meeting schedules, attendance, learning objectives, and device use. You can sign it digitally or in person.
Keeps work current
Each assignment is due within one week, and students who fall four or more assignments behind get outreach and, when far behind, required tutoring.
What the school gives you
The terms come from Helendale School District's Independence Charter Academy page for the 2026-27 school year.
- Tuition
- Free
- Chromebook and case
- Every enrolled student
- Internet access
- When the family needs it
- Live teacher meetings, K-8
- Every school day
- Live teacher meetings, high school
- Every week
- Reading and math growth checks
- 3 times a year
Students assessed two or more grade levels below in reading or math also attend a weekly intervention class, so plan for that time.
How to enroll
- To start
Apply online
Begin at independencecharteracademy.com/enroll. The ICA office contacts you from there and guides each step.
- After you apply
Share your documents
Send proof of address in an approved county, proof of birth, recent grades or high school transcripts, and any Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan.
- Before enrollment
Meet the teacher
The office schedules a meeting with your child, you, and the assigned teacher. A special education teacher reviews an IEP first.
- At enrollment
Sign the Master Agreement
Agree to the meeting schedule, attendance rules, learning objectives, and device terms for the year.
- First days
Get connected
ICA finishes enrollment and issues a Chromebook and charger for pickup or by mail.
What it includes
Included
- Chromebook, case, and charger
- Internet access when needed
- Edmentum online courses
- Intervention classes and tutoring
- Local field trips and events
Good to know
This is a public charter school, not a homeschool
ICA is a public online charter school, so your child is enrolled as a public school student and a credentialed ICA teacher of record oversees the work.
Who to contact about enrolling
The ICA office at 15350 Riverview Road in Helendale handles applications, enrollment documents, and transcript requests.
t.munoz@helendalesd.com 760-952-1760 Request information
Homeschool rules and statewide help in California
For the home-based private-school pathway, file the Private School Affidavit during the October 1–15 annual filing period. New schools may use the online filing system during its separate August 1–June 30 opening window. Other legal pathways have their own rules.
California sets these rules:
- Subjects: The private-school pathway must provide instruction in English in the branches of study required for public schools; the parent chooses the materials and course sequence.
- Testing: California does not impose a statewide standardized-testing requirement on private-school students.
- Records: Private schools must keep the records required by California law, including attendance and faculty information.
- Teachers: Private-school instructors must be capable of teaching; California does not issue a separate homeschool-parent credential.
Read the California homeschooling guide See statewide programs in California
Questions parents ask
- How flexible is the ICA schedule?
- The online platform is open throughout the school day, so your student can work when it suits your family. Daily classwork logins and live teacher time count as attendance, and unexcused absences are reported as truancies.
- Can my child go back to a regular school later?
- Yes. ICA is voluntary, and every student keeps the right to return to a traditional classroom.
- Does ICA serve students with an IEP or 504 plan?
- Yes. ICA is open to all students, including those with IEPs, 504 plans, English learner status, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
College classes can cover part of high school. We teach the subjects your child needs alongside them, starting at the right level in each subject.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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