Juniper Tree
Enrichment
K-8th Grade
"Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in their world." - Vince Gowman
Support our students through the Juniper Tree Foundation, our 501(c)(3) non profit. Our Federal tax ID number is: 41-3748167.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Now enrolling for Fall 2026
Explore our New 8th Grade Program!
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(Children must be 5 yrs of age to start)
We are an Ocean Grove approved vendor
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For motivated, independent students who are ready for a more flexible and accelerated high school experience.
Early Graduation & College Pathway
Students may complete their homeschool graduation requirements on an accelerated timeline, receive a parent-issued high school diploma, and begin college coursework through West Valley College without needing to complete the full UC A–G sequence required for direct freshman admission to a State or UC College. This gives students the option to move into college-level study earlier while still benefiting from Juniper Tree’s live instruction, guidance, electives, and community.
How It Works
California allows parents to establish a home-based private school for their child. Families following this route file a Private School Affidavit, establish their own graduation requirements, maintain the required school records, and can create their student’s official transcript and diploma once those requirements are met. California does not set statewide graduation or diploma requirements for private schools.
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Homeschool diplomas and transcripts can be used for college admission, employment, and other postsecondary opportunities. The California Department of Education specifically recommends checking with the institutions a student plans to attend.​
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Learn More About California Homeschool Law
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Start College Early
After completing their homeschool graduation requirements, students can begin taking college courses at West Valley College or another community college, even while still in their mid-teen years. Students can begin earning transferable college credits, completing general education requirements, and working toward an associate degree or university transfer much earlier than the traditional timeline.
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For many local families, West Valley College is an especially attractive option because eligible residents of the West Valley–Mission Community College District can attend tuition-free. For many families, this pathway can also create substantial savings on college costs, especially when students complete their first two years at a local community college before transferring to a four-year university.
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West Valley College Free Tuition Eligibility
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A Faster Path To A Four-Year University
Students can begin community college early, complete transferable general education and major-preparation courses, and work toward the 60 transferable semester units typically needed for junior-level UC transfer. Once transfer requirements are met, students apply as college transfer students rather than through the traditional high-school A–G pathway.
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Keeping The High School Experience
Students who begin college early can still stay connected to Juniper Tree for the parts of high school they don’t want to miss — friends, electives, events, field trips, travel, projects, and community.
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Families can choose how much of Juniper Tree they want to keep as college coursework gradually becomes a larger part of the student’s academic schedule.