Hi there! While doing a few web searches I ran into this site. I'm Audrey. Mom of 3 (a Kindergartner, a 2 year old and a 2 month old). I noticed a few other families are homeschooling in Columbus and just wanted to introduce myself. I was also wondering if there were any homeschool "groups" in Columbus that any one knows of, or is apart of? I met up with a group back in the beginning of the year and had hopes of connecting with a group of other families who were homeschooling. My daughter has friends who are going to public school and I know she desperately needs to know and create friendships with other children who are being taught like she is being taught. (She KNOWS she is in Kindergarten, but when her friends talk about GOING to Kindergarten she feels like she is missing out. ) Long story short, the group is too big for really being able to connect and sometimes the "get togethers" get closed out after a certain ## of people (clearly they are just too big). I'm thinking about leaving the group, but I feel like I'm lost and wondering around in cyber-space searching for a connection?! :cry: Can anyone help!?
Welcome, I'm Jackie in central Ohio. It depends on where you're at in Columbus. The two I know of right off are "House on the Rock" in Grove City, and then there's one at Linworth churh...gosh, can't even remember the offical name of the church!...on the north end. I think that one is called "Linworth Christian Academy". Heritage Church in Westerville had one, but I'm thinking I heard it was no longer operating, due to lack of interest. All of these groups are Christian groups; if you're looking for something secular, I'm afraid I can't be much help. Oh, if you're on the north end, there's also a group in Sunbury. But I also think most groups are already established for the year. I know the one I'm part of (specifically for high schooler, so it's not for you ) had registration back the end of July.
Hi Audrey & welcome....I'm now in the Mansfield area but previously lived around Hilliard. My son is in K as well, and I know exactly what you mean about ps friends and the groups as well....
Hi Audrey! Welcome! I'm in Central Ohio too. Have you looked at the CHEO (Christian Home Educators) website? http://www.cheohome.org/ They may have more groups listed than what has already been said. The one Jackie referred to is Home on the Rock. (not House) And even though it's "base" is in Grove City, and it is a large group they have smaller enrichment groups that meet all over the city. You don't have to be part of the enrichment groups to be a part of the bigger group. Here is the link to their website http://www.hotrche.org/ I hope that helps some and WELCOME again!
=) I've checked out CHEO and Home on the Rock. I'd love something Christian based, but HOTR rubs me funny. Anyone else involved in one of the groups. I'm going to check on Sunday if my church in Lancaster offers anything. I totally understand most groups already being formed for the year. I was relieved when I discovered my little group. It sounded just what I was looking for. And it was a newly formed group. I approached the leader and she and I got together to discuss the opportunity for a small group. We both thought it was a great idea since most people were not very active in our group, however, when we announced the new direction that we were taking ?(small groups) everyone jumped back on board and now I feel a bit peeved. =( I think I've already looked into the Linworth one, but maybe not. I'll have to check again. Tonight DH and I discussed sticking with the current group and seeing what direction it takes over the year. I'm hoping it turns out to be what we are looking for, but I wish I could just find something that fits with our situation that is already formed and set.
LOL! So suddenly that small group has a million people! I know just what you mean! when I started, we had a co-op at my church, only for people who attended. (We had a LOT of hs'ers at the church!) I really enjoyed (most thing about) it! bBut it eventually folded. Now we're involved in one that is geared toward older kids. Yes, they have classes for younger kids, but you have to have a high schooler to join. They have classes ALL DAY, one day a week. Many people are there from 9-3. We were only there one hour last year, and will only be there 1 1/2 hour this year. I don't want a school-look-alike experience, and the number of people there is TOTALLY overwhelming!!! We use it mostly for the science labs; I wish I could find another alternative for tha! I do have a friend in HOTR, btw, and she really likes it.
That's exactly what happened! I just think the group is too new. I noticed most families have young children....3-4 and are homeschooling pre-k. And most of our small groups are turning into 'play dates'. When we started talking about our small groups (we had a parent meet up and EVERYTHING...So much for everyone being on the same page!) we agreed that they would be more educational with a spin. So no reading, writing, arithmetic, but things like: art, manners, exercise, cooking, games, nature, animals.....things that had value in learning that would be fun to learn with others. Science labs would be AWESOME! Especially with HS a high schooler! Maybe I'm being to judgmental with HOTR?
Hello and welcome, we are looking for much the same thing. Hey 1Mom, we are about 15 miles north of you, and I have a K son. Maybe all of us should start our own group!
I'm sorry HOTR didn't seem like a good fit, I understand though that what works for one, won't work for another. We are members.
No... I'd say not and it would depend which smaller group she meets with. I think there are at least 8 different enrichment groups.
:wink: I'm not sure if HOTR is for us. I'm still reading and gathering my thoughts (their website is SO big and full of information). I remember reading something that didn't sit right with me last time I looked into them and thinking that what ever the comment was sounded 'off'. But I've not come across that statement since then. Which makes me wonder if I saw the 'off' statement on HOTR or another website. :angel: How do you like HOTR? Tell me something from your point of view that I wouldn't get from the website.
I like it. It is a good fit for us. It is sort of hard to explain, but there is the main HOTR group, which has roller skating, spelling bees, geography bees, things for teens, fieldtrips, graduation ceremony all those things (and more) are done through the main group. Then there is the smaller groups that meet for Enrichment Programs. As an example our smaller group meets 10 weeks in the Fall and 10 weeks in the Spring. We come up with classes to teach to all the age levels. Most of the groups meet at area churches scattered throughout the city for 2 to 3 hours one day a week. I like the closeness that our smaller group has, it is good to have connections and friendships with people who are on the same page. I have no family here, and for the longest time I didn't have any friends. Yes I had acquaintances, but that isn't the same. Being able to connect with like minded families has really been good for us and HOTR is a good fit, thankfully!
