Should your program be a private school or a homeschool supplement?
This post is AI modified from the transcript of my podcast episode 6.
Private School vs. Homeschool Supplement: What’s the Difference?
Today, I want to dive into an important question for anyone starting a hybrid program: Are you setting up a private school, or are you offering a homeschool supplement?
This is one of the first big decisions you’ll need to make, because the legal structure you choose will shape everything else about your program.
Quick disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer. Please research the specific laws in your state, and when in doubt, talk to an attorney.
Step One: Understand Your State’s Laws
Every state has its own definitions and requirements for private schools and homeschooling. A few good places to start:
Your state’s Department of Education website → Look up the sections of law related to private schools.
HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) → Their website breaks down homeschool laws by state in plain language.
It may sound intimidating, but it’s usually just a few sections of law—and it’s worth reading them for yourself.
What Counts as a Private School?
In general, a private school is a legal entity recognized by your state. That means:
You must report to the state about the students enrolled.
You’re accountable for subjects taught, number of school days, and teacher qualifications (requirements vary by state).
The school, not the parent, is ultimately responsible for making sure students meet these requirements—even on hybrid “home” days.
Example: Pennsylvania
In my state, there are three main ways to operate as a private school:
Direct licensing by the Department of Education (with teacher and curriculum regulations).
Accreditation through an approved agency (then reported to the state).
Operating under a church or university—often the easiest route, which is why many church schools exist.
The bottom line: If you’re a private school, the home portion of your hybrid program is still legally part of the school. Parents can’t just pick and choose; you have to account for all days and all subjects.
What About a Homeschool Supplement?
Most hybrid programs I know—including the one I started—are technically supplements for homeschoolers.
In this model:
Parents remain the “supervisors of education” (that’s the legal phrase in my state).
They are accountable to their school district or state for attendance, subjects, and progress.
You provide a service—like a tutoring program or enrichment classes—that families can choose to use.
From a business standpoint, you’re not a school. You’re more like a learning center, offering classes, resources, and support.
This gives you freedom: you don’t have to provide every subject, you don’t have to keep state records, and you don’t need accreditation.
Designing Your Program: How Much Support Do Families Need?
The practical side of this comes down to two things:
Your vision – Why are you creating this program? What do you want to offer?
Your families’ needs – What do parents in your area actually want?
For example:
If families are brand-new to homeschooling and intimidated by it, they’ll appreciate robust support at home. That might include curriculum recommendations, scheduling help, training seminars, or even workshops with evaluators (we did this every year and parents found it hugely reassuring).
If families are veteran homeschoolers, they’ll likely prefer independence. In that case, focus on making your in-person program strong, self-contained, and high quality, while letting them handle the rest on their own.
Finding the Right Balance
Here’s what worked well for us:
At school, we offered self-contained subjects like history, science, Bible, and fine arts. Parents were informed about what we covered and encouraged to extend it at home, but it wasn’t required.
At home, we made robust recommendations but left most of it optional. Families could follow our suggestions or go their own way.
For subjects like math and reading, we found it best to keep things consistent between school and home—otherwise it got confusing fast.
This balance gave structure and support without taking away parental freedom.
Why I Recommend the Homeschool Supplement Route
In my experience, offering a homeschool supplement gives you more flexibility. You can shape your program around your passion and your families’ needs—without being tied to strict regulations.
That said, both models have their place. The important thing is to:
Know your state’s laws
Clarify your vision
Understand your market
When you find that sweet spot—strong support plus family freedom—you’ll appeal to both seasoned homeschoolers and newer families exploring hybrid education.
Final Takeaway
Whether you choose to become a private school or a homeschool supplement, the key is to understand the responsibilities that come with each.
Private school = you’re accountable to the state.
Homeschool supplement = the parent is accountable, and you provide support.
Do your research, talk to your families, and choose the structure that aligns with your mission.
