Homeschool benefits and savings in Chautauqua County and Jamestown

Jamestown Community College (JCC) REACH lets a homeschooled student earn the 24 college credits New York accepts for a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and the EARN grant pays half of in-state tuition for up to two courses each semester. At JCC's $249 in-state rate, EARN pays $373.50 of a 3-credit course's $747 tuition.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Who qualifies

1. Files an IHIP

   EARN is open to homeschooled students filing an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) with a school district, and to high school students.

2. Is 15 or older

   EARN students must be 15 or older by the start of the class, and REACH students must meet New York's maximum compulsory attendance age.

3. Has parent sign-off

   A parent or guardian signs the EARN application, which is filed each semester.

4. Files a Certificate of Residence

   New York residents need a valid Certificate of Residence for the in-state rate, if your county requires one.

What it is worth

JCC charges part-time New York residents with a Certificate of Residence $249 per credit and out-of-state students $498, plus $67 per credit in mandatory fees.

3-credit in-state tuition

$747

EARN pays (half)

$373.50

Your tuition share

$373.50

Mandatory fees on 3 credits

$201

Two 3-credit courses, EARN pays

$747

One 3-credit out-of-state course, EARN pays

$747

You pay all fees, the remaining tuition, and books, and fees are not refundable after classes start, so confirm a course before the first day.

From applying to keeping it

1. To start

   Apply to REACH

   Complete the online REACH application, take the placement exam, and meet a success navigator or advisor to build your REACH plan.

2. Each semester

   Apply for EARN

   Submit the EARN application through JCC's application portal before that term's deadline. For fall 2026, the deadline was August 14.

3. After approval

   Register and pay

   Register for the courses in your plan and pay the fees and your half of tuition.

4. After 24 credits

   Send the HSE packet

   Order an official transcript by mail, keep the Parchment envelope sealed, and mail it with Section A of the 24 College Credit HSE Pathway application to JCC Records and Registration, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.

5. 6-8 weeks later

   Receive the diploma decision

   Records and Registration sends Section B to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which says processing takes six to eight weeks.

What it pays for

Covered

• Half of out-of-state tuition for one course a semester
• Courses in Jamestown, at the Cattaraugus County campus, or online

Not covered

• Mandatory fees
• The other half of tuition
• Textbooks and supplies
• More than 11 credit hours a semester

EARN pays half the tuition and your family pays the other half, plus every fee and the books.

Good to know

• REACH and EARN are open to homeschoolers 15 and older

  REACH is JCC's homeschool program, and EARN covers homeschooled students who file an IHIP with a school district, as long as they are 15 or older by the first class.

Who to contact

Jade Barber, Director of High School Partnerships, and the partnerships staff answer questions about REACH plans and EARN applications.

716-338-1167 REACH homeschool program

Homeschool rules and statewide help in New York

Send a letter of intent by July 1 each year, or within 14 days of a midyear start. You must submit the IHIP within four weeks after receiving district forms or by August 15, whichever is later.

New York sets these rules:

• Subjects: Teach the subjects required for each grade band by Part 100.10, including patriotism and citizenship. Provide the equivalent of 180 days: 900 hours annually in grades 1–6 and 990 hours in grades 7–12.
• Testing: Annual assessment: grades 1–3, test or written narrative; grades 4–8, standardized test at least every other year, with a written narrative permitted in alternate years; grades 9–12, standardized test annually. A score above the 33rd percentile or one year of growth meets the progress standard.
• Records: Keep attendance records and make them available to the district on request. Submit an annual IHIP, quarterly reports, and the annual assessment.
• Teachers: New York requires the instructor to be competent; it does not require a teaching certificate.

Read the New York homeschooling guide See statewide programs in New York

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