Our Values at SJHA
Our mission is to provide support to families choosing to home educate their child. We strive to make resources and enrichment accessible to all. Families of all configurations and belief systems are welcome.
ABOUT US
South Jersey Homeschool Association, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, exists to fill a vital need in the Homeschool Community. We were started as an inclusive “one stop shop” for homeschooling, providing support to families of all belief systems and configurations. We offer multiple avenues of enrichment to the community, such as: co-ops, clubs, dances, books fairs, field trips, and more. Our organization will not be a good fit for anyone who does not align with our core values. We believe that by working together in all these endeavors we can, and we have built a really beautiful community.
INCLUSION + ACCESSIBILITY
We’ve found that the homeschool community has sharp divisions in equitable access to these endeavors based on the socioeconomic status, religious division, and lack of diversity + inclusion. Our founders come from diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. We believe that all students and parent teachers deserve access to opportunities without being bound to the aforementioned challenges. We don’t require any statements of faith to participate in our programs. In the past year, we have provided over $17,000 in scholarships to make sure that everyone in the community has access to these opportunities. In addition to this, our community center is conveniently located on a New Jersey Transit bus stop to provide access to families without transportation.
SAFETY
SJHA has worked hard to maintain a safe space for all participants. We define a safe space as being both physically and emotionally safe. Some examples of physical safety we implement are (but are not limited to): background checks for all adults, a close circuit camera system in all student occupied areas, security procedures, food/allergy accommodations, and having parents closely involved with their children. Emotional safety includes (but is not limited to): a strict no-bullying policy, zero tolerance for racism or bigotry, and respect + kindness for all people.
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS
We strive to make sure students have access to technology. We have high speed internet, over 50 laptops for student use, 3-D printers, robots, coding programs, science equipment, tablets, and wi-fi only cell phones. We aim to have technology available to students if they do not have access to it at home.
COMMUNITY
SJHA aims to help families make connections in order to maintain a sense of community. Food security is a priority and we operate a small food sharing pantry to help out food insecure families. Our goal is to facilitate life-long family friendships, so that everyone’s support network can grow.