Ok, So I know that homeschooling is a very heated topic. I am debating homeschooling mainly because we live in a not so nice area, where there seem to be a lot of parents who dont bother to do much parenting. I'm sorry, but I really dont feel that my kids need to learn about santa being not real, and on the much more serious side sex and gangs and things like that from kids in elementery school. We absolutely do not have the money to private school so I am thinking of homeschooling. What I want to know is, are there homeschool groups in the south king county area that are not religion based? Do you homeschool? how do you get started? I have 3 kids, ranging from almost 4 to just turned 1.
I would also like to know from other moms who have homeschooled, what do you do for socialization? It is a concern obviously of homeschooling but I dont think it would be to hard to overcome...
Another option to homeschooling might be looking into a inter-district or out of district transfer. It requires you provide transportation to and from school, but it may be worth it. I went this route with my oldest when we were in a similar situation.
I homeschool in VA.
For legal advice and what you need to do with the state go to
hslda.org
Then find your state.
MIne take classes with the park district, fencing, and art.
THey are also involved in scouts and church youth groups.
We have not had any negative socialization by being homeschooled. In fact it's been better.
I don't live in your state (we live in FL).
What I would do is google homeschool support groups for your city or county. Visit a couple of them when they have their monthly meetings. Most homeschool support groups welcome prospective homeschoolers. While there you can get a feel for the families, activities, etc.
We are involved in religious and secular activities so they do exist. Thanks to technology homeschooling has become much easier and therefore many more non-religious families are looking at it as a viable option for educating their children.
We are religious but did not begin homeschooling for that reason.
You may want to see if your county school district has an online option available. That's a new thing in many areas too. We use www.FLVS.net (free for Florida students).
Good luck with whatever you decide. Happy learning!
I am homeschooling my almost 6 year old (kindergarten) and this is the first year we have been serious about it. Before this we did preschool like stuff at home and had lots of playdates with other kids doing crafts and such. Since I am only starting out on this adventure I only have a couple suggestions; the first is HSA - Home School Support Association, they are mostly a Yahoo group that has smaller chapters all over the area, most are in the South King County area, they plan activities and provide support for homeschooling families and are not religious based.
I would try the Washington Homeschool Organization for more information. I would also try joining a Mom's group, I belong to the Renton Moms Group which is a Meetup group (not a homeschool group but your kids are young enough to still enjoy just playdates) and have met a ton of great Moms and they have a lot of playdates and other activities so the kids get out and get socialized. There are also other Meetup and Yahoo groups specifically for homeschooling but I haven't found that many that aren't religious based.
You can also check out alternative learning programs offered by the state, it isn't "technically" homeschooling but you are at home teaching your kids with your values and ideals with support from a certified teacher and some funding to help pay for supplies and curriculum. A few to look at are CVA and k12. The Washington Homeschool Organization has more information about alternative learning programs as well, the pros and cons and the requirements. I went this route mostly to help pay for supplies and curriculum and I also wanted to make sure I am keeping up to standards for my sons learning since I am a list kind of person, some people don't like the requirements or not being able to teach only what they want when they want but since my curriculum isn't religious based I have had no problems.
I hope this helps a little, I was confused and overwhelmed at first too but socialization has been the least of our problems! Good Luck! Feel free to contact me if you want.
