I am looking into K-12 for my three school age children. I was wonder if anyone else does this program in AZ, and if so, how do they administer tests such as AIMS? Also, I would love to hear any negative or positive feedback you have on the program. Thanks so much for your help!
Not in Arizona, but.... My sil had a very bad experience with one. She had a son who takes a bit longer to learn something. He got sick, and didn't do school for a week. She communicated this with them, and they were understanding that he was sick. But afterwards, they told her that he needed to 'catch up', and expected her to double up his lessons until he did. And, as I said, he was going slowly to begin with!!! I, on the other hand, put my oldest in one last year. She was finishing up her Junior year, and it would allow her to take classes at the community college for free. She'll be finishing her Senior year one week from today, and will have a whole year's worth of college to transfer free. She had to take one class on-line through ECOT (her k-12 school) each term, and that was it. It worked out VERY well for us, and was well worth the trade-off. The big thing you need to consider is WHY you homeschool. There are those who homeschool to bring their children home from what they feel is an unsafe environment, while others want the autonomy of deciding their childrens' education without government interference. There are those who feel the government schools (and society in general) is pushing agendas that violate their personal beliefs. Once you determine the reason why you want to homeschool, you can decide whether or not those goals can be reached in a k-12. Keep in mind that you will be subject to THEIR regulations. Your children will NOT be considered "homeschooled" by the government. The school determines what you teach and when, and you have to follow a different set of rules.
I have not used K-12, but have friends who do. From what I have seen, like Jackie said, you have much less flexibility. One friend has had no issues that I know of and likes having all materials provided (from textbooks down to items needed for science projects). Another has a son who could have used working on math at a lower grade level, but spent the year trying to stay afloat. Testing was done at a convention center (or something like that).
Can't help you with testing, but yes, K12 is as they've said... not very flexible. I think the reviews you get will vary from state to state, too. I have one friend who's extremely happy with it, but most are ho-hum or have dropped it for something else. As Jackie said, consider why you're homeschooling and whether this method fits your reason, kids' learning styles, and/or your lifestyle.
This is exactly what I am worried about with flexibility. My husband is thinks that doing K-12 would be a compromise, since he doesn't really fully buy into homeschooling. I am a little worried that doing K-12 will be really restrictive for me and I won't be able to accomplish my other goals with homeschooling because of the time it will take to do the program.
Then my opinion is that it will frustrate you. I would call my sil because we'd be going apple picking or on a nature walk or something. She was never able to go (NOT ONCE!!!) because one of her kids always "had" to be on at a certain time that day, or a meeting, or something. She was very frustrated! And if your husband saw you frustrated with all the "help" they "give" you, "How do you ever expect to do it ON YOUR OWN if you can't do it with the help? SEE!!! I WAS RIGHT!!!" :roll:
I'd like to speak up in support of K12's independent study program. I realize this isn't feasible for everyone, as the K12 "public school" option is free in many (all?) states. For us, the K12 independent study option has been a wonderful experience. This was my first year homeschooling. I was pretty hesitant at first, concerned that I had no idea what I was doing (I didn't and still just muddle through... : ) . Having a structured program may not be for everyone, and I respect that, but I found it very comforting. I reviewed a lot of curriculums, and I've found the academic content of K12's to be excellent. Challenging -- in many topics K12 appears to be at least a year of other curriculums. The breadth of the topics covered is also excellent. For us, using K12 via independent study has provided us with flexibility. I can use whichever grade level I feel is appropriate for my daughter, and can "mix and match" the courses amongst multiple grade levels if appropriate. I like knowing that if we decide to matriculate her back to a b&m school, she's at minimum exceeded the milestones for the age-appropriate grade level. I wish you the best of luck in the search for the curriculum that seems like the best fit. I know it can be a tough choice. Just thought I'd weigh in on the independent study program as K12 has become synonymous with their public charter school program, but the independent study option is not as well known.
Thank you all for the insight! I think that K12 has advantages...the fact that it is free doesn't hurt...and everything is planned for you. It may be a good way for me to "ease" into homeschooling while I scope out other programs that might work for me. And I will check out the independent study option. I had not heard about that!
