Colorado's Amendment 80- A Threat to Homeschool Independence

As Amendment 80 makes its way onto the Colorado ballot in November 2024, it is essential that we, the homeschool community and as advocates for homeschool independence, understand its full implications. While it may be presented as a measure that expands school choice, it is, in fact, a Trojan horse for increased government oversight into education, with far-reaching consequences for homeschoolers. At Statheros Academy, we oppose this measure, as it jeopardizes the freedoms that homeschool families cherish. Here's why homeschoolers should be deeply concerned about Amendment 80.

Increased Government Oversight and Control

One of the most alarming aspects of Amendment 80 is its potential to open the door for government regulation over private schools and homeschools. While the language in the measure may seem benign at first glance, key phrases like "right now" or "this year" hint at an incremental approach to expanding government oversight. This is not an isolated occurrence. It mirrors similar strategies seen in other states, where initial school choice programs led to long-term restrictions on parental control over education.

Vote No on Amendment 80 in Colorado November 2024

Once government funding enters the equation, the rules inevitably change. This is a critical red flag. Whether through tax credits, scholarships, or direct funding, government money always comes with strings attached. That funding invites scrutiny, oversight, and regulation—particularly over how funds are used and how students are assessed. Homeschoolers who value their autonomy will see this as a direct threat to the freedom to educate their children according to their values and needs.

A Strategy to Erode Homeschool Freedoms

Having been involved in the homeschool world for many years, we at Statheros Academy have seen firsthand the slow erosion of homeschool independence. This measure is yet another step in a long pattern of government encroachment. While there are compelling arguments for school choice, particularly for families in failing public school systems, homeschoolers must remain vigilant. Allowing government oversight into private education through funding programs weakens the strong foundation that homeschoolers have fought for over the decades.

Consider experiences in other states: in California, public charter schools for homeschoolers have created complicated systems where families navigate layers of regulation. While some teachers working in these schools support homeschool independence, many families are left vulnerable to unnecessary government intrusion. Without strong advocacy or guidance, families can find themselves subject to greater oversight than they bargained for, just for the sake of accessing funding.

The Allure—and Danger—of Government Funding

Government funding often looks appealing, particularly when it offers significant financial benefits. In Florida, the "Step Up for Students" program provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to families for schooling expenses. However, the tradeoff is that families must stop their official homeschool programs and enroll in what is essentially a public school system. The moment families opt into these programs, they relinquish some of their educational freedom and pure autonomy.

Once a family joins the program, students are required to take standardized tests each year, without the flexibility that homeschool families have traditionally enjoyed through evaluation alternatives. This type of program sets a dangerous precedent: what begins as "assistance" quickly turns into control. We cannot afford to ignore the potential for Amendment 80 to lead Colorado down a similar path.

Stand Against Amendment 80

At Statheros Academy, we believe that parental control and freedom are the cornerstones of successful homeschooling. Amendment 80 threatens to erode those values by inviting government oversight into private and homeschool education. The allure of funding may be strong, but the risks are far greater. We urge all homeschool families and those who value educational freedom to vote "no" on Amendment 80.

Amendment 80 Colorado 2024 Demands a NO Vote

Homeschoolers have worked too hard to secure their independence. Let’s not allow a well-disguised measure to undermine the progress we’ve made. Now is the time to stand together and protect the rights and freedoms of homeschool families across Colorado.