Homeschool benefits and savings in Genesee County

Genesee Community College's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) program lets homeschooled students under 18 take college courses for $76.30 per credit, with the rest of tuition paid by a scholarship fund, for their first 24 credits. A 3-credit course costs your family $228.90 instead of $654 in regular tuition.

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

Who qualifies

1. Is under 18

   Any homeschooled student under 18 can start college classes through ACE and pays the ACE rate.

2. Passes the placement test

   Your child must pass the Ability to Benefit (ATB) placement test before registering.

3. Files a Certificate of Residence

   Submit one each year to avoid double tuition charges.

4. Picks courses on the list

   The $76.30 rate applies to courses on the college's approved list, offered at all five Genesee locations and online.

What it is worth

ACE homeschool students pay $76.30 per credit, against Genesee's 2026-27 regular part-time tuition of $218 per credit for New York residents.

One credit

$76.30

3-credit course

$228.90

Same course at regular tuition

$654

4-credit course

$305.20

24 credits, the ACE limit

$1,831.20

Regular part-time students also pay $36 per credit in college, technology, and academic support fees, and the homeschool page does not say whether ACE students pay them, so ask before you register.

From applying to keeping it

1. From March 1

   Send the homeschool application

   Use the ACE homeschool application form, not the main Genesee Community College website application.

2. By Aug. 5

   Meet the fall deadline

   Applications for a fall start are due August 5. ACE students cannot be put on waitlists, so apply early.

3. After you apply

   Take the ATB test

   Schedule and pass the Ability to Benefit placement test, and the college sends registration instructions once your application is approved.

4. By Aug. 15

   Register for courses

   Fall registrations are due August 15.

5. Each year

   Renew residency

   Turn in a new Certificate of Residence every year, and track credits, since the ACE rate ends at 24.

What it pays for

Covered

• Courses on the approved list
• Classes at all five Genesee locations and online

Not covered

• Courses your child withdraws from
• Credits after the first 24
• Waitlist spots

You pay $76.30 per credit, and the ACE scholarship fund pays the rest of the tuition balance.

Who to contact

Stephanie Rindell, ACE Programs Specialist, answers questions about the homeschool application, placement testing, and registration at extension 6393.

smrindell@genesee.edu 585-343-0055 ACE homeschooled students page

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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