We're Taking Nonverbal Autism Homeschool to Charter Schools

Something exciting has been happening behind the scenes at The Autism Oasis. We have been attending charter school events to introduce Nonverbal Autism Homeschool directly to the administrators and families who need to know about it.

Most recently we attended the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) Conference, and CCSA regional events in Southern California. We have also attended parent information fairs for individual charter schools. These events bring together charter school leaders, educators, and families from across the state. They are exactly the right room for a conversation about the quality of curriculum autistic students deserve - especially for those who struggle to communicate.

Why Charter Schools Matter for Our Community

For many families, a charter school is where they begin their homeschool journey. Charter independent study programs can provide funding for approved curriculum, access to a credentialed teacher, and the structure of a public school education — all while allowing families the flexibility to teach at home in a way that actually works for their student.

That makes charter schools a powerful potential partner for our community. When a charter approves and funds a curriculum like Nonverbal Autism Homeschool, it removes one of the biggest barriers families face: cost.

Things Change When You Advocate

We know firsthand this is possible because we have seen it happen. Years ago, one of our own used a local charter to homeschool her minimally speaking daughter. At the time, the charter approved the curriculum but would not fund it. That was frustrating, but it was not the end of the story. Recently, we learned that same charter is now funding the curriculum for other students.

That shift did not happen by accident. It happened because families asked, administrators listened, and over time, the conversation changed. That is what advocacy looks like in practice, and it works.

If You Are Homeschooling Through a Charter

If you are currently enrolled in a charter independent study program, you have more influence than you might realize. Charter schools are built on the idea that families and educators work together, and most charters have a process for requesting and approving curriculum.

Here is what we encourage you to do:

• Ask your charter teacher or administrator whether Autism Oasis is an approved vendor or whether it can be submitted for approval.
• Share information about the curriculum with your educational specialist. The more they know, the more they can advocate internally on your behalf.
• Connect with other families in your charter who have nonspeaking or autistic students. A request from multiple families carries more weight than one.
• Be patient but persistent. Approvals take time, and sometimes the answer is no before it becomes yes.

You are not just advocating for your own student. Every family that pushes for better curriculum options makes the path easier for the next family that comes along.

Our Goal

We will keep showing up at these events because nonspeaking and autistic students deserve to be in the room where decisions about curriculum are made. If you have questions about whether Nonverbal Autism Homeschool might work through your charter, we would love to hear from you.