Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) and Suttons Bay Public Schools are launching a pilot program to provide local homeschool families access to elective, non-core classes.

The program, called Traverse Bay Area Homeschool Partnership, will offer courses including art, music, physical education, Spanish, life skills, and more to students in grades K-12. The partnership is available to all homeschool students residing within the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District service area. Classes are scheduled to begin February 1, 2017.

“We are excited to be working collaboratively with homeschool families to provide access to elective courses and educational enrichment opportunities for students,” says TCAPS Superintendent Paul Soma. “Homeschool parents have identified needs that we believe our schools can help meet, and it offers the participating school districts with an opportunity to explore non-traditional revenue sources, benefiting everyone involved.”

Open houses on the new program will be held today (Tuesday) from 5pm to 6pm and Wednesday from 10am to 11am at the former Interlochen Community School building (3113 M-137). Familes interested in learning more can email Rose Zivkovich or contact Chris Davis by email or at 231-933-1988.