West Central School Board Reviews Athletic Participation Policy for Homeschool Students

For a couple of months now, the West Central School Board members have been discussing a question of allowing homeschool students to participate in sports at the Middle School level.

Previously, Superintendent Dan Zylstra noted that a policy exists at the high school per IHSAA rules.  A homeschool student in high school must be enrolled in at least one class at the high school and the student must pass five solid courses. 

The school board members considered a policy Thursday night that would allow Middle School participation under a few guidelines. 

The student must have been continuously enrolled in either a virtual public school, charter school, or non-accredited school for the previous two consecutive years. The student’s family must submit grade information and affirm that the student maintains good academics, conduct and character standing, as outlined in the West Central Student/Parent Handbook and the West Central Athletic Handbook.  The student must abide by all rules and regulations set forth by the corporation. 

Without much further discussion, the school board members passed the policy with a unanimous vote.