Looking into relocating to Fort Collins from Florida (Denver: homes, neighborhood)

[themom2]

Hello, we are considering relocating to Colorado and are wondering how homeschooling fares there and where is a good location for gymnastics. We have a 10 year old son who is competiting and a 6 year old daughter who is on preteam now and will compete next year.

We are from Connecticut and are missing the seasons, we are in Florida due to health reasons and are now missing mountains etc.
Regarding medical, is there good pediatricians and children hospitals there?

Thanks for your help

Lisa

[AllisonKlein]

The kids here are really into their sports. I have not tried these two below but they look like they have very competitive teams. My neighbors are on competitive cheerleading squads that travel all over the US for competition so I'm sure they have the same for gymnastics. I know a lot of people do homeschool and I think they do it online, but I am not familiar with it. Fort Collins is a very family-friendly area with great public schools especially the areas near I-25. Willow Springs, Huntington Hills, English Ranch, Fossil Lake Ranch, there are many more but you will need to take a look for yourself. Great pediatricians around seems like in my neighborhood every other neighbor is a doctor.

http://www.mountain-kids.com/newsite/wordpress/?page_id=388
http://gk-gymnastics.com/GK_Gymnastics/Womens,_Gymnastics,_Dance,_Preschool,_Summer_Camp. html

Good luck,
Allison Klein

[Mike Weber]

My kids both attended GK and they have a good program. Gene, the founder, has a long history of gymnastics here in town and was the coach at Fort Collins High School years ago when I attended there.

For homeschooling, there are numerous options. My wife's best friend home schools all three fo her kids on her own, but she is a member of a local homeschool support group that has many local resources. Our son is homeschooled through the local school district, utilizing the K-12 curriculum. This is the first year that the Poudre School District is using that program, and the first year that they are really doing a home school program. Here is a link to their info: PSD Online Academy | Poudre School District

He really enjoys it. Prior to this year, he was in the same curriculum through an online school out of Denver. but the local program has a half day of in the building enrichment activities each week.

Good luck!
Mike

[rachaelb]

Hey there

I'm a homeschooling mom too and can help you out, as I'm from FL originally myself. CO has very laid back rules in terms of homeschooling requirements - similar to those in FL. You won't have Bright Futures though, but that sounds like that's a long way off for you anyways.

The school system does allow you to also have your child participate w/some of the activities there - just like in FL. One reason we chose CO was b/c of the similar homeschooling requirements as I didn't want to be in a state that had heavy requirements and documentation. There are some awesome homeschool groups in the areas as well - secular and non secular, for whatever fits you best!

Ft C has lots of activities that you can participate in and have your children do that are educational as well - Lee martinez farm, museums, RMNP programs, etc. I think you'll love it!

[themom2]

Thanks for all the help! We are looking into jobs for my husband and are hoping to be out there in the spring!