At the Nevada Homeschool Network (NHN), our mission is to empower families with the tools and knowledge to maintain true, parent-controlled homeschooling—free from unnecessary government involvement. We regularly monitor programs that market themselves to homeschoolers, and today we’re highlighting one that’s trying to gain traction in Nevada: OpenEd, recently rebranded from My Tech High [https://opened.co/my-tech-high].
What is OpenEd/My Tech High?
OpenEd is a Utah-based program [https://opened.co/] that positions itself as a “free homeschool enrichment” option, offering personalized learning, flexible schedules, and reimbursements for educational resources like curricula, subscriptions, or even internet bills. It partners with public school districts and charter schools [https://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq] to access state funding, where enrolled students are counted as part-time public school participants. Families submit minimal requirements, such as weekly learning logs and occasional work samples, in exchange for these benefits.
While it started in states like Colorado and Utah, OpenEd is now seeking traction in Nevada by collaborating with local districts. Kids enroll through these partnerships, with funding shared between the district and the program—essentially using public dollars to subsidize what appears to be homeschooling.
Why NHN Recommends Caution
Programs like OpenEd may seem appealing for their financial support and flexibility, but they often come with “strings attached” that can compromise your family’s independence. Here’s why we advise passing on it:
- Not True Homeschooling: Under Nevada law (NRS 388D.020 and NRS 392.070), genuine homeschooling requires only a one-time Notice of Intent and a parent-directed plan—no state funding or oversight. OpenEd blurs this line by enrolling students in public systems, potentially subjecting families to district rules, audits, or shifting requirements. In Colorado, for example, similar setups led to frozen reimbursements, demands for additional work samples, and legal debates over compliance—issues that eroded the promised autonomy [https://myhomeschoolwithaview.com/my-tech-high-2024/].
- Government Funding and Oversight Risks: By partnering with districts, OpenEd taps into public funds, which can invite bureaucratic involvement. We’ve seen this in “Public School at Home” (PSAH) programs, where what starts as “flexible” education often leads to poor performance, closures, and increased regulation. NHN has long warned against PSAH options like Nevada Virtual Academy, which faced state-mandated shutdowns for failing standards. OpenEd follows a similar model: marketing to homeschoolers while tying you to government strings.
- Potential Drawbacks for Nevada Families: While OpenEd promises reimbursements (up to $2,500 in some states) and teacher support, families in other states have reported transparency issues, repayment demands upon withdrawal, and unexpected changes in program rules. In Nevada, where homeschool freedom is strong, enrolling could risk conflating your child’s status—potentially affecting future options or exposing you to oversight that true homeschoolers avoid.
For a deeper dive into why NHN opposes programs that mix public funding with homeschooling, read our article on Public School at Home. It explains the legal distinctions and why these hybrids can harm the broader homeschool community.
Empower Your Family with True Independence
Instead of programs like OpenEd, we encourage exploring parent-led resources that keep control firmly in your hands. NHN offers free consulting, legislative updates, and community support to help you thrive. If you’re considering alternatives:
- File your Notice of Intent via our resources page.
- Join local co-ops or use affordable, independent curricula—many families succeed without public funds.
- Stay informed: Sign up for our action alerts to protect Nevada’s homeschool laws.
If you have questions about OpenEd or need guidance on starting/continuing true homeschooling, reply to this email or visit nevadahomeschoolnetwork.com. Together, we’re stronger in defending parental rights.
Empowering Nevada Families, The Nevada Homeschool Network Join NHN Today | Donate to Support Advocacy