Frequently Asked Questions

The first day of the 2024-2025 cohort is September 3rd, 2024. The last day of the Academy is May 29th, 2025.

CLA students will apply to college as a homeschool student. Homeschool students apply to college the same way as other students but there are often additional essay questions to answer during the application process. 

Providing additional information or a portfolio is a benefit for homeschool students because they can explain any special interests, or projects that make them a strong applicant. 

The college application process is included in the Academy. 

CLA students apply to UC and CSU schools as homeschool students by exception. Students applying by exception will be asked answer supplemental essay questions describing their educational experience. These questions focus on the types of 21st century skills the students have learned in their homeschool courses. 

More information about applying to UCs as a homeschool student here. More information about applying to a CSU school here on page 12. 

Check out this article about CLA's process for creating narrative grades and transcripts to send to colleges. 

Note: UCs and CSUs require students to have 2-3 years of a World Language to be eligible for admission. CLA does not teach a World Language within our own curriculum. If a student is interested in applying to one of these colleges they are responsible for communicating this to CLA administrators. CLA administrators will work with the family to provide options to take a World Language through Skyline College or online. 

Traditionally, private colleges love homeschool students because the students have special interests or projects that will enhance the private college community. CLA students will apply to private colleges with the same application process as other students but the school may ask for additional information. Families who choose to apply to private colleges are responsible for knowing the private college's requirements and communicating them to CLA administration.

CLA encourages families to check the private school's admissions information for specifics during 9th or 10th grade to make sure the student is on track to be eligible for admission.  

Note: Some private colleges require students to have 2-3 years of a World Language to be eligible for admission. CLA does not teach a World Language within our own curriculum. If a student is interested in applying to one of these colleges they are responsible for communicating this to CLA administrators. CLA administrators will work with the family to provide options to take a World Language through Skyline College or online. 

CLA is not accredited by a governing body because it is a program and curriculum provider for homeschool students. This allows students to co-create the Academy curriculum. A homeschool high school diploma is recognized by all 50 states as a legal diploma.