Homeschooling where to start?

[Ladybug]

I've looked into more structured homeschooling, online options. We decided to put them in Catholic school, but I really liked the idea of schooling online around our families schedule and more trips.

Some states offer free online schooling. However, of course, you will read about a lack of public resources for parent support. You get assigned to a personal teacher and the curriculum is standardized, but you can do it at your own pace and the credits transfer if/when your kids return to a public/private school.

NYS does not offer online so I looked into private online schools and narrowed it down to these two.

http://www.internationalconnectionsa...hool/home.aspx

This is the same national company that provides the state funded online curriculums. Same structures, same issues, but available to students nationwide. Not free, but highly affordable compared to private schools.

I also really liked the laurel springs program. I most likely would have gone with this program and if had decided to move forward.

http://www.laurelsprings.com

It meets California educational standards, it's accredited and will transfer. It been around for a long time and popular with kids pursuing other intense activities that don't fold into a traditional school day.

If you're looking for more control over your curriculum and a less ridgid assignment schedule then check out oak meadow out of VT.

http://www.oakmeadow.com

I haven't read much positive feedback regarding K12 International. They have a snazzy brochure, but there seem to be some serious software and interaction issues.

All of these programs require a serious commitment on the parents part, especially with younger students. The students become more independent in middle school, and even more so in HS.

John Hopkins and three other prestigious universities offer online courses for talented youth. They need to qualify with a test score, but it's an exciting program! Most schools will allow you to sub their classes for curriculum if you qualify, including traditional schools.

http://cty.jhu.edu

Good luck! I think it's amazing what's available to students and families online today. It's really changing the methods of education

[peggyfromwastate]

I think that the two youngest ones might need more traditional school--- it would be draining to work with my ds but I've noticed a lot of improvement with the new ADHD med. He hates school though. Hates it. He likes learning about things they don't have time for in school-- like science. They get 1 science day a month and it's always his favorite.

My kids have almost no time for religious education-- I can pull them from sports or say that they can't compete on Sundays, but we are too busy after school to even have normal "how was your day" conversations. At dinner time everyone is frazzled and worried about homework, practicing, etc.

Anyway thanks for all the info-- I'm definitely not homeschooling next year but looking into it if we are sent to Hawaii.

[bobk]

We homeschool here. DD1 is doing 2nd grade using Kolbe Academy and DD2 will start K next year. I highly recommend John Holt's books as an introduction to homeschooling. He has a way of getting you to think differently about how genuine learning takes place and how traditional schooling often interferes with that process.

As for outside activities and sports, we don't do that much, but it certainly not for a lack of opportunities in our area. It's more of a time constraint. I work part-time from home mostly at night after everyone is asleep. That leaves the days open for things, however I just don't have the energy. I really envy other homeschooling parents I meet who are doing all sort of things with their kids. We're getting by and DD1 is doing well, although I always feel I should be doing more.

[v-girl]

How do you like Kolbe's lower grades? I'm supplementing a lot of CHC's kinder curriculum because it doesn't hold enough of Kenny's attention.

[bobk]

How do you like Kolbe's lower grades? I'm supplementing a lot of CHC's kinder curriculum because it doesn't hold enough of Kenny's attention.

It's hard to answer that because I don't have anything to compare it to. I decided early on to try Kolbe and haven't looked at other options since. Overall, I would say it's working out pretty well for us. It's also tough to differentiate between the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum vs. those of your child.

[peggyfromwastate]

Bob I didn't know you homeschooled!!!

I'm going to check into Holt. I read stuff about homeschooling---- but it's been a while. I read about the different philosophies etc etc.

One thing that I've noticed going through public school is that public school is way different from when I was a kid. The emphasis on standardized testing is pervasive. There is no time for "extras" like science. Beyond metamorphosis. Good grief they do metamorphosis and the layers of the earth every single year!!!!!

[BonBon]

I just heard about John Holt on FB (Libertarian Homeschooler). What book would you guys recommend to read first? I just checked amazon and there are quite a few!

[v-girl]

We're going to revisit Kolbe's lower grades at the next Catholic homeschool convention.

[bobk]

I just heard about John Holt on FB (Libertarian Homeschooler). What book would you guys recommend to read first? I just checked amazon and there are quite a few!

I would start with "How Children Learn" or "Teach Your Own"

[Rapunzel]

Homeschooler here. I am so sorry I didn't see this much earlier. We've been homeschooling for going on eleven years now. I've got three taking high school level courses and three doing elementary school work (with one moving up to middle school level next fall). Feel free to PM me any questions you might have and I promise I will answer them!

[peggyfromwastate]

Revisiting this thread.

We had a week of half days last week for the elem school. This was so much better for my ADHD son--- school from 8:30 to 12:30 meant he was able to focus for me for the 1.5-2 hours if homework (including reading time) and still have time to relax and play with the dog. It was so much better.

I know he has issues that will make homeschooling more trying (like I have to sit with him while he works a lot--- sometimes doing my own "work" though). But I do think the homeschooling schedule might be the answer for a kid with some learning issues.

At the conferences I found out that he had failed a couple of exams---- he wasn't ready to be tested on the material quite. Unfortunately the techniques "clicked" for him about a week after the test---- for instance he had a test on estimating. He didn't get it. Failed the test, but within a week he "got" it. So added flexibility of a testing schedule would benefit him.

Anyway just a different perspective from what I thought would be the case--- that homeschooling my ADHD son would be a huge power struggle and a total nightmare. It might yet be--- but I was interested to see how much easier it was for him to focus after a shorter school day. I was bummed for them to go back to long days. More stress for me!!

[houseelf]

Are you interested in doing a co-op? There is a very formal k-12 co-op attached to my youngest preschool. It is like college. Parents choose which courses the school teaches, but the parents are ultimately responsible. Some kids go four days a week and some go for Math and Science only on Tuesday/Thursday. If we have it here in one of the fly-over states, I am pretty sure progressive CA has to have it.

I say this because I know you have expressed some hesitancy over homeschooling. To me, this sort of set up would be the best way to "ease" into it. You still have ultimate control, but you find support in the areas which you feel would benefit from outside, professional instruction. I love my kids current school bu I am super impressed with this concept and have given it thought. Anyway, I just want this to be as easy on you as possible. You have a full plate and what is right for your son needs to be right for the whole family.

[peggyfromwastate]

I am learning all about some good programs in CA... But we have to move in the summer and won't even know where until March. Unofficially we might know in December, but the military always advises to not make any firm plans until you have your orders in hand....

I think I just need to look at it in a one-year at a time approach vs worrying about AP classes for homeschoolers.

And the there is the issue of my ds12 who is probably going to need to add morning swim practices once he's 14. That's the typical progression. And he plays two instruments, which he needs to practice each day. So literally there won't be time for him to do a traditional school day unless he gives up music or swimming.

I wish we knew where we will be next year---- at least this should be the last move that is thrust upon us... Can't be entirely sure though. It is medicine and it is the army as well....

[diggitydot]

Do whatever works best for your family and don't look back.

[Deebs]

We have friends who do a University Model school and LOVE it! Kind of like a coop, but professional teachers, administrators, etc. I think its a great option if it's available.


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