Homeschooling

Kathryn - posted on 08/31/2010

We looked into k12 about a year before our daughter started kindergarten and made the decision to just let her try a year of public school. During that year we further looked into k12 among other curriculum as well . Our daughter is now in the equivalent of 2nd grade and doing very well on an eclectic program. I pick according to her learning needs. We traditionally read classic books for her age level or books with a moral or biblical standpoint. Our math is Singapore, our Literature is LLTL, etc. I found that her learning method was not what worked with k12 or many other straight curriculi. She is a very kinetic and visual learner. Why do you ask?

Kimiko - posted on 08/28/2009

It is ok, Jesse. I fully understand.

Thanks Cynthia for the info.

The Sycamore Tree Academy ships their curriculum worldwide, but their office is actually in Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley area, here in OC. You do not need to file an affadavidt. You just register with them and send them quarterly reports. That part is very convenient. Their curriculum is a lot of work. I think my kids have more school work then most homeschoolers, but I love the science they are using. We learned the Biblical view about dinosaurs (I'm a new Christian and didn't know it myself) and yet they talk about the secular view too, just so the kids know what is out there. I really like the books the school has picked to use in their curriculum. School really doesn't take too long for my daughter, but my ADD son can work (off and on with breaks and distractions) until 4:00. They have Reading, Grammar, Phonics, Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health (only 1 semester), Handwriting, Art (only once everyother week), and Bible Study. But remember, he's in 5th grade.

Jesse - posted on 08/28/2009

Sorry I never got around to answering your question. It's been really hectic around here.

Cynthia - posted on 08/28/2009

Kimiko, from what I understand K-12 is a secular program. The website is here: http://www.k12.com/ It is pretty pricey, but there are actually two ways of enrolling. One is to buy the curriculum and do it yourself. The other way is through a public school oversight program, in which you are provided with the curriculum and a teacher or tutoring session for free. Many Christians are against the public school oversight program. CHEA of California (Christian Home Educators of California, website here: http://www.cheaofca.org) actually has an article on it that I am trying to find. They call it a "Trojan Horse." On the main CHEA page, there is a revolving link, one of them is to a 4 minute preview you can watch. The article is here: http://www.cheaofca.org/index.cfm?fuseac...

I am not sure how I feel about this type of program, but I am definitely open to hearing different opinions right now. I am a Christian also, so when it is time to start using a curriculum, if I do wind up using a secular curriculum it will mean a bit more prep work and editing, especially in the earlier years.

I have heard of Sycamore Tree Acadamy. Is it local, or national? Do you still have to file an affadavidt? That's the route I will be going this year, since I don't use curriculum and I don't want to be tied down to something until I know the best way to teach my son. Are you in a co-op or social group as well?

Kimiko - posted on 08/28/2009

Thanks for sharing about K12. I looked it up on line. I assume it is a secular curriculum. Is that true? I would love to have a teacher help me, but I do love the Christian curriculum that I am using. I am going through a private school called Sycamore Tree Academy. They are fully acredited, which gives me lots of comfort in knowing that I am providing my kids with everything they need. I also like how I have a choice of secular and Christian curriculum and of traditional or year-round school year. They give me a schedule, so it is easy to follow and yet they are flexible, if I need to adjust something. But I do love the idea of your having a teacher help you and give you advice and input.

Jesse - posted on 07/22/2009

That's great! I wish I had started my boys at an earlier age. I didn't start till last year. They are 9 and 12. I like K12 because they provide you with everything you need. And They have a teacher on call for you.

Cynthia - posted on 07/22/2009

I am just starting out, so we don't use a particular curriculum and method. I guess my style is closest to an unschooler, except I try to encourage my son to do some work in all the subjects. I find most of my stuff online, or from the library. My son will be starting first grade this year. When he's older, I do plan to use a curriculum, but for now I want to spend as much time as I can encouraging his curiosity and desire to learn.