I know there are DL High schools. But what is there for parents wishing to teach younger children at home? Any such structured programs? If so, which are recommended by the board. All insights/resources most welcome.
I'm a middle/high school teacher. My state (Vermont) has a program to oversee parents who home school their children; I imagine other states do to. Check with your local school; they may have a staff member whose job it is to assist parents who home-school. Also, you may be able to send your child to school for just one or two classes that you are unable to teach at home; I met a home school student who only attended wood shop class at the local middle school.
Calvert has what I call "school in a box." You pay for a grade level and the courses and they send you everything you need -- books, workbooks, tests. They have a good rep in my area. My state has a homeschool association with a website, newsletter, and annual conference. When I was writing, I attended several of their conferences -- lots of great resources there. Check for a HS association in your state. They could be lots of help.
Homeschooling I homeschooled my son last year. I used a complete program from Abeka Academy. Though it is based on Christianity, I thought everything was covered well. There are DVD videos with a real teacher in a real classroom for every lesson. According to today's educational theory and way of thinking, the lessons are a bit heavy on the lecture/take notes/take test methodoloy but this worked well for my son. He knew what to expect every day and being home alone with me all day, we had plenty of opportunities to discuss what was presented and to do some "deeper thinking." Not everyone would like Abeka, but it worked for us. They have complete programs for all elementary grade levels and they offer high school subjects. Bob Jones offers complete programs by either Satellite TV or by video tapes. Other companies offer "school in a box" as well. I'm not familiar with Calvert but I have heard good things about it. There is also a computer program based system called "Switched on Schoolhouse." My son is doing two subjects with that this summer. It also offers complete grade levels "in a box." Students work from their computers and it is really a neat system! The computer grades everything except writing assignments or other such more subjective work. This appears to be less work for parents and still offers good solid education! I am quite impressed with it but then again if you check out homeschool discussion boards, you will find that some don't like it. It seems everyone has to find what works for them and that is not always possible the first year! I can tell you my son liked the Abeka Video method better than the SOS computer CD method but he tolerates both.
There are a number of programs from a variety of perspectives listed at Baker's Guide. Though the guide itself has a Christian orientation, the list includes secular programs as well, and mentions in each case what the orientation of the program is, their accreditation, and what grades they cover (some are only HS): Matt http://bakersguide.gospelcom.net/k12.php
