INFO & FAQs

 

What kind of organization is PEO?

  • Parnassus Enrichment Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit learning environment. We operate as a coordination site for independent educational providers and support homeschool families by offering enrichment classes, community events, and extracurricular activities.

What ages does Parnassus Enrichment Organization (PEO) serve?

  • Parnassus Enrichment Organization is a homeschool learning environment that provides part-time academic and elective classes to school-age children. We serve students who meet the following criteria:

  • Children age 6 and older (by September 1 of the current school year), who are enrolled in a legal homeschooling path in the state of California  (Charter, PSA, or PSP)

  • Children under the age of 6 may participate only if they are enrolled in a legal homeschool path and attending with parental supervision. Our program does not provide childcare services or custodial supervision at any time.

Is PEO a school or a childcare center?

  • No. PEO is not a school or licensed childcare provider. We do not provide custodial care, full-day programs, or academic transcripts. All students are enrolled in a legal homeschooling path (charter, PSA, or PSP), and parents remain their primary educators. Our space is used for organized instructional activities, parent meetings, and community enrichment events. 

Do students attend full-time?

  • No. Students attend part-time, typically one or two days per week for enrichment classes. Parents choose their child’s classes and schedule. PEO’s role is to offer optional instructional support and community-based learning—not full-time academic instruction.

Is Parnassus Enrichment Organization a drop-off campus?

  • Parnassus Enrichment Organization (PEO) is not a childcare provider. Students must be dropped off and picked up by a parent for each class they attend. Parents are responsible for their children at all times unless a child is in class with an educational provider.

  • During lunch breaks (40-45 minutes), parents must either remain on campus or arrange supervision through other parent volunteers. PEO does not offer free play, recess supervision, or custodial care. If a parent is unable to stay on campus during lunch, they must arrange appropriate supervision through the PEO volunteer coordination system.

  • Middle and high school students may remain on campus during the lunch period without a parent present; however, they must be self-supervised and demonstrate appropriate behavior. These students must be actively attending a class, participating in study hall, or picked up promptly once their scheduled classes have ended.

  • Please note: Our campus is a closed campus during lunch and instructional hours. Students may not leave the premises unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. At no time is PEO responsible for providing childcare services, free play or unsupervised recreational time. All classes are academic in nature and parents remain the primary educators and record-keepers for their children.

Is there a set daily schedule?

  • No. Families choose which classes their student attends. There is no universal start or end time. Many families come for one or two classes, and students are picked up promptly when their final class ends.

Can I pay the student fees with charter funds?

  • The PEO student materials fee and annual family fundraising commitment may not be paid with charter funds. The annual fundraising commitment may be waived entirely with a commitment to meet the minimum number of volunteer hours. Many of our educational providers are approved charter school vendors whose class participation fees may be paid with charter school funds. Please check with your charter school to learn their policy 

I am not with a charter school. Can my student still enroll in classes?

  • Yes—absolutely! Your student does not need to be enrolled in a charter school to participate in PEO classes.

    Our learning center supports an independent study model and welcomes students from all legal homeschooling paths in California.

  • Families may homeschool through:

    • A Public Charter School (non-classroom-based)

    • A Private School Affidavit (PSA) – where you establish your own private school at home

    • A Private School Satellite Program (PSP) – a private school that supports home-based education

    California law requires children between the ages of 6 and 18 to be enrolled in public school or a legal alternative. Kindergarten is not mandatory, but once a child turns 6 by September 1, they must be enrolled for that school year (California Education Code §§ 48222, 48224).

  • If you’re not using charter funds, no problem—most educational providers offer flexible payment options, and you can make payment arrangements directly with them.

What safety measures are in place?

  • All staff, instructors, and volunteers working directly with children undergo background checks and agree to child protection policies. Our community expectations prioritize safety, responsibility, and respect for campus rules.
  • In order to be an approved educational provider, all teachers, staff and substitutes must clear a Department of Justice background check.
  • All volunteers working directly with children must attend a volunteer orientation, complete a DOJ background check, commit to a volunteer code of conduct and agreement, and follow child protection policies.