Home Schooling Networks? (credit, homes, public schools)

[Kolya]

My husband & I will be moving our three children (ages 10,8, & 5) to Oahu or the Big Island in the next 9 to 12 mos. We live in a suburb outside Boston where the schools are considered some of the best however, we have had to provide a great deal of supplemental work for our older two children because MA does not fund gifted and talented education programs in its public schools. We were quite pleased to learn that HI DOE does fund such a program as long as all of their testing and paperwork is in order. But, everything I read here seems to suggest that our children would not be well educationally served in HI.
We would definitely consider home schooling if need be but, feel that for purposes of acclimation and social interaction, as well as support we were hoping to find a well established network. We had been given some information about the Myron B. Thompson Academy which looked quite promising, but have heard very mixed reviews.
Forgive the long winded "saga".
Would anyone have information about well established home school networks/support groups?
Any information on Myron B. would also be greatly appreciated.
Also, it has been suggested to us that since both of our older children have tested well into the gifted range, that we should be prepared to have our daughter tested when she reaches the proper age. (7-8 yrs.) Does anyone know of a practitioner who preforms the WISC IV test in HI?

Thanks so much

[dad2764]

I can't make any Hawaii specific recommendations, but we homeschool our kids. It is very tough, but very rewarding for the whole family if you can put in the time, can meet the kids' scholastic needs, and can find a good support group (aka socialization group). If you go that route, keep them active in the local homeschool community. It is not for everyone, but if it is for you, go for it! We are considering a move to Kauai in a few years, and will have many of the same questions. Good luck!

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by Kolya

Would anyone have information about well established home school networks/support groups?

I would start here:

Hawai'i Homeschool Association

[Kolya]

Thanks. Will definitely check into the link.

Am quite use to providing supplemental work and support but, having to create an entire cirriculum, taking care that content, development, thematics, and regulations are all being considered (what about the required stadardized testing) while providing appropriate and stimulating social and community building experiences is beginning to seem much more challenging than I had originally anticipated.

Does anyone have first hand experience with these cirriculum companies that help with ongoing lesson planning ideas, content assurance and online support from accredited educators?

Thanks