Homeschooling @ Cannon/Clovis/Portales? (co-op, new home, to buy)

[Shelsi]

It looks like we're going to be moving to Clovis or Portales in the next 1-2 months. My husband is a civilian contractor and getting a job at Cannon. My son will be just starting kindergarten this fall and I'd like to home school him. Are there any resources there? Any HSing groups that aren't drenched in religious rhetoric?

I believe we're going to buy one of the new homes being built in Portales. If I changed my mind and put him in public school, what are the elementary schools like there? Are they good?

[domino]

Just my opinion, but I'll bet the public schools are better funded, equipped, and trained than most home schools.

[Shelsi]

Originally Posted by domino

Just my opinion, but I'll bet the public schools are better funded, equipped, and trained than most home schools.

Actually, as supported by all the research, home schooled kids do better academically then public or private school kids and most colleges recruit HS'd kids. I'm really just looking for some HSing groups, not someone's ignorant opinion on HSing.

[domino]

In my ignorant opinion, part of education, is the socialization you get in school, and the cross section of people you meet. Home schooling, and home school groups are ways to control who your child comes in contact with (again, in my ignorant opinion). Kids need to be equipped to deal with all types when they get out in the real world.

Sorry I can't help you with any HS groups.

[domino]

Truce! I found this on the net . . . and I wasn't even home schooled!

Clovis Area Home Educators
Provides co-op classes for infant to high school aged students. Activities include group parties, field trips, parent support, and end of the year talent and achievement night. Serving Clovis, Portales, Cannon Air Force Base, and West Texas areas. Contact Sarah at struthers7@plateautel.net or (505) 769-8828. (3/07)

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by Shelsi

Actually, as supported by all the research, home schooled kids do better academically then public or private school kids

I realy would like to see real verifiable evidence of that.

I have known families who home schooled. Some appeared to have done a good job and a few did not in my opinion. I ran into a group here in New Mexico who did this "Group" home schooling. They had actual classes given by well intentioned people, some were retired teachers. I was a bit jealous with some of the physical activities, horse back riding, canoeing, museum visits etc.

But this stay at home all day and only be taught by one person, and limited real education is a program I would not be involved in...


Rich

[Shelsi]

I realize that some people HS just to keep their kids home and away from the "evils" of the world. But the majority of those types were also a few decades ago. Now HSing (again for the majority, obviously there are those who do not fall into the majority) is more about being able to teach your child more than the average school can. It's about being able to do one on one teaching.

Also I love the idea of HSing and all the HSers I have recently met because their kids are sooooo social and out there in the "real world." While the other kids are sitting in desks amongst 30 other kids the exact same age, the HS kids are out in the actual world, volunteering, working with kids and adults of all ages, going on trips, and seeing the world. Obviously like I said above not everyone does it that way but most are leaning that way or already do, at least in the areas I have lived (currently washington d.c and previously tucson). So while some HS kids really are just sitting at home with mom/dad learning their ABCs mine will be at the homeless shelter volunteering, or maybe following a dentist around for the day to learn all about his/her job, going out on nature hikes to learn about plants/animals, etc instead of just learning it from a book. It's a lot more hands on.

As for the research, really a simple google search on "home school statistics" or something similar will bring up lots and lots of hits on how those kids typically test about 1-2 grades higher or 20-25 points higher on standardized tests. I'm sure you can handle the search, I can and I wasn't home schooled either

[Shelsi]

Oh and group HSing can be great because it gives the kids some time to be social with their own peer group and you can always supplement it at home...however I find that many HSing groups are just so full of religious rhetoric that it's hard for a non-religious family to really be a part of it.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Shelsi

Oh and group HSing can be great because it gives the kids some time to be social with their own peer group and you can always supplement it at home...however I find that many HSing groups are just so full of religious rhetoric that it's hard for a non-religious family to really be a part of it.

I'd like to say, too, that despite the stereotypes I've heard about homeschoolers, the ones I've met are very bright and motivated. And these kids at age 16 could carry on an intelligent conversation with those more than twice their age.

[EDnurse]

Originally Posted by Shelsi

It looks like we're going to be moving to Clovis or Portales in the next 1-2 months. My husband is a civilian contractor and getting a job at Cannon. My son will be just starting kindergarten this fall and I'd like to home school him. Are there any resources there? Any HSing groups that aren't drenched in religious rhetoric?

I believe we're going to buy one of the new homes being built in Portales. If I changed my mind and put him in public school, what are the elementary schools like there? Are they good?

I can't help you with home schooling groups, but I would call Family Services at Cannon and see if they can point you in the right direction.

I'm sorry to say this, but I recently visited Clovis and it felt like most of the town (let alone HS groups) is drenched in religious rhetoric. I'd say the town's favorite pass time is to go to church on Sunday, followed by shopping in Lubbock on Saturday.