Homeschool families ask Princeton board to allow part-time enrollment in 1-2 classes

Two homeschool parents told the Princeton City Schools board during public comment that the district should adopt a formal policy allowing resident homeschool students to enroll part time in one or two classes during the school day.

Amy Baldridge, a Glendale resident and mother of three, said the request is narrow: students would take only one or two courses, meet prerequisites and follow the same attendance and behavioral standards as other students. "We're not asking for full-time enrollment or special treatment," Baldridge said, urging the board to research questions and place the matter on a coming agenda so the board can vote in the near term.

Angela Solomon, also a Glendale homeschool parent, answered questions raised at a prior meeting, telling the board EMIS staff indicated there is no additional state compensation for such part-time enrollment. Solomon said homeschool families typically pay participation fees when they join district offerings, that most districts do not provide transportation for part-time homeschool students, and that demand is likely modest and limited to families with strong interest in specific offerings such as advanced science labs, higher-level math, world languages and music.

Neither parent asked for transportation or guaranteed enrollment in oversubscribed electives; both emphasized they would follow prerequisites and district rules. The board did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting; Baldridge asked the board to place the item on the agenda within a month so members could consider a limited pilot or policy.