help, moving to ohio, marion area?? (Cardington: houses, transferring to, school districts)

[dinifam]

Hi all,
We are in the process of transferring to Ohio. My Hubby is transferring to marion for work, but I am not sure I want to live there. We have about a 20 mile radius of which to live around marion. We have 3 kids so schools are a major concern as well as a little space to breathe. I also am a psych nurse so any info on that as well would be helpful. We also have 2 large dogs and wouldnt be opposed to some land but a subdivision is nice as well. We are looking in the 160-200k range of houses and have seen lots in delaware (busy....) marion, and prospect. Cardington and marengo has some avail on the web, but we havent been there yet and cant tell much about the schools. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. No family for us here so it doesnt really matter where we live!
Thanks in advance

[kookiecookie]

If you like really small towns then Cardington and Mt Gilead is perfect. If you like the small town feel but be in a larger city then Marion is great. Either way you are close to all of them no matter which you pick. I lived in Mt Gilead for about 6 mo. I really liked the small town. I never had to lock my doors or ever worry about anything. My kids were in the home schooling part of the school. That is where they are issued a lap top or desk top, given book and all schooling material that they need. They then do their work online, the school is available if a student is having a hard time or have questions. They usually have computer lab open every night to where students can come in and do work one on one with teacher. Mt. Gilead and Cardington provide this service. I lived in Mt Gilead but registered kids in Cardington school. My preference, both are good. As far as jobs, you may find a nursing home close by, but other than that you will have to drive like your husband.
Hope this tidbit helped some. (by the way, I moved back to mississippi because I hated the cold) LOL we don't have winters here and I never seen snow before Ohio...giggle...didn't know what that white stuff was ;-)

[dinifam]

I am really interested in this home schooling part of things. Is this run through the school district itself? Do they have regular school as well? Anymore info on that would be great. The school district isnt rated all that great and that is a major contributor to our indecision.
Thanks so much

[AndyPrays]

Originally Posted by dinifam

I am really interested in this home schooling part of things. Is this run through the school district itself? Do they have regular school as well? Anymore info on that would be great. The school district isnt rated all that great and that is a major contributor to our indecision.
Thanks so much

Dean Dinfam

Though not true home schooling, Ohio offers free, public ed, through several virtual academy’s. Your children are enrolled in an Ohio "classroom" and attend class every day with your guidance, commitment and follow up, but use the internet and a computer. The data equipment is often provided by the virtual public school. These schools are "chartered" by the State of Ohio and the children do every bit as well if not better than their brick and mortar counterparts...

Community Schools are free, public, and open to all students. And although they offer flexibility in curriculum, hours, and policies, Community Schools must still meet the same rigorous standards that govern traditional District Schools.

My wife is an Ohio certified teacher who taught online for Ecot (Online School) and now teachers for Ohio Virtual Academy (Welcome to Ohio Virtual Academy’s Virtual Charter School)

Many local school districts also offer their online version of a charter school, but it has been our experience that they are still fraught with the same bureaucratic crap that make their brick and mortar counterparts less than desirable (politics, unions, bomb threats etc.)

Here is one of Marion’s Local Efforts: Treca - Welcome to TRECA Digital Academy Online Distance Learning

The better online public ed schools seem to belong to this groupOhio Council of Community Schools)

The other alternative is to truly home school on your own...but this means a lot of work and true dedication to your children’s life and education...(yes it is legal in all states...the government does not "own" your children....yet...

Here are a couple of Links for more info on that:
Homeschooling Journey
http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1
Marion Home School Support Group -http://www.heartstowardhome.org/

Yes, there is true research that proves that home schooling is better than public education. but you have to pay for every book, trip and film...public ed will never give back one thin dime unless you do it through their virtual systems. (You get a free PC, dedicated teacher etc.)

Research Link Here.
National Home Education Research Institute - Facts on Homeschooling - July 2006

Our son gradated from our home school and is now enrolled in Franklyn University with straight A’s. One more child to go!

Have a great day!