We have homeschooled our daughter since third grade. We used a variety of curriculum early on, trying to find the best fit. I think our favorite was Time4Learning, which we used for a few years through eighth grade.
For ninth grade we used Indiana University's online program. It was very college preparatory focused. Not a bad thing, but a bit too rigid for us - for example, old-school classics like photography, or business were not a course options.
For tenth grade, through today (eleventh grade), we have been using Nebraska University's online program. They have a large number of course options, their counselors will cater to your child's learning/career goals, and they even work with other programs when you want something they do not offer (our daughter is taking sign language for her language credits through BYU). They even have an on-campus formal graduation if you do not want to miss out on that experience.
We focus on (augment?) socialization through involvement in standard extra-curricular types of activities. For example, our daughter is a fourth degree black belt in taekwondo where she has made many friends. Now in their teens, they get together for various activities just like any other people of the same age.
And she's encountered many of the same trials of human interaction as any other person - disagreements, falling apart as friends (for whatever reason), boys, etc.
Homeschool means you can learn anywhere, so we have also traveled extensively as a family. What better way to learn about other cultures, historical events, etc. than to actually spend time there?
The biggest tip I would have for a parent on the homeschool path is to be intentional. That is to say that you cannot just drop them off in front of the curriculum and be done with it. You have to be involved in the learning process at some depth. If they are learning basic maths for example, find ways to call out where/how it is useful to you as you go about your family business.
Early on we helped organize her days. We keep her assignments and let her put gold stars on them so she can see her progress. These days she mostly does not need our guidance, which is my favorite outcome of homeschooling. She has learned to learn, not just memorize and regurgitate facts. We will regularly find her on YouTube learning about things around her desired career path (doctor) for ... fun. For fun! What high school junior intentionally seeks out more learning?
It is not for every child/parent, but we have no regrets about taking charge of her education.
Thanks for your comment. We picked time4learning for now, and see how things go. I agree homeschooling gives you so much flexibility. Kids are excited, public school put so much stress that we are glad to get away from it.
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We have homeschooled our daughter since third grade. We used a variety of curriculum early on, trying to find the best fit. I think our favorite was Time4Learning, which we used for a few years through eighth grade.
For ninth grade we used Indiana University's online program. It was very college preparatory focused. Not a bad thing, but a bit too rigid for us - for example, old-school classics like photography, or business were not a course options.
For tenth grade, through today (eleventh grade), we have been using Nebraska University's online program. They have a large number of course options, their counselors will cater to your child's learning/career goals, and they even work with other programs when you want something they do not offer (our daughter is taking sign language for her language credits through BYU). They even have an on-campus formal graduation if you do not want to miss out on that experience.
We focus on (augment?) socialization through involvement in standard extra-curricular types of activities. For example, our daughter is a fourth degree black belt in taekwondo where she has made many friends. Now in their teens, they get together for various activities just like any other people of the same age.
And she's encountered many of the same trials of human interaction as any other person - disagreements, falling apart as friends (for whatever reason), boys, etc.
Homeschool means you can learn anywhere, so we have also traveled extensively as a family. What better way to learn about other cultures, historical events, etc. than to actually spend time there?
The biggest tip I would have for a parent on the homeschool path is to be intentional. That is to say that you cannot just drop them off in front of the curriculum and be done with it. You have to be involved in the learning process at some depth. If they are learning basic maths for example, find ways to call out where/how it is useful to you as you go about your family business.
Early on we helped organize her days. We keep her assignments and let her put gold stars on them so she can see her progress. These days she mostly does not need our guidance, which is my favorite outcome of homeschooling. She has learned to learn, not just memorize and regurgitate facts. We will regularly find her on YouTube learning about things around her desired career path (doctor) for ... fun. For fun! What high school junior intentionally seeks out more learning?
It is not for every child/parent, but we have no regrets about taking charge of her education.
Thanks for your comment. We picked time4learning for now, and see how things go. I agree homeschooling gives you so much flexibility. Kids are excited, public school put so much stress that we are glad to get away from it.