Paging Homeschooling experts in MA (Ocean Grove: middle school, live in, move to)

[shiraziman]

Our kids (6 and 7 years old) attended a private school and were #1 in their class in almost all categories. But the school terminated our contract because we complained about bullying problems.

With only May left in the school calendar year, we're thinking to homeschool our kids.
Can anyone recommend a counselor, consultant, or an entity that could help us get started? We don't have much time
Thank you in advance for your help

[Jaapots]

I am a homeschooling parent considering a move to MA. Currently we live in CA. Homeschooling is effectively opting out of the "system" and therefore its on you to get informed. There is a lot of information and curriculum out there based on your style. Pulling kids out of school, typically due to bullying and/or poor academics is the most common reason people are starting to homeschool. Its amazingly popular here in CA, with charter schools , private businesses, even public schools advertising their own homeschooling component, setting up just for homeschoolers. Our charter K-12 for homeschoolers only has over 2,000 students enrolled, they had to halt enrollment this year to staff up the admin dept.

I do not think MA is as popular because the schools tend to be much better.

Here is what I know already: MA has very easy requirements to homeschooling so don't panic! Standards are arbitrary more often than not- so there is no need to keep up, or stay back, for them if you are opting out.

Social question: this always happens- we find our social lives to be very healthy, without social stigma or meanness like we found in the schooling world. Basically, its a heck of a lot less stressful! Be careful not to socialize yourself out of educating your kid. Homeschoolers are friendly people and tend to be open minded. There is hardly any academic competitiveness because folks are schooling in their own individual way- so it will always be comparing apples to oranges. Also, keep in mind, grade doesn't matter too much. IE: my daughter, age 9.5, is basically 3rd grade Lang Arts, 5th grade math, middle school history & science. She's dyslexic and public school did nothing for her- now she is doing great.

However, when starting this process, you need to know and follow the rules. Homeschoolers know far more about state standards in curriculum than schoolers- its quite an education!

Start here: Home
When considering curriculum for your student, check out this website for different types of approaches and remember, trying to imitate school does not work. You have to find your student's (& your) best way down the path.

Here's a good review of different styles, learning and curriculum, from our charter school:
Ocean Grove Charter School

Best of luck!
Jen
Currently in San Jose, CA