Homeschool World Forum

[dkphill12]

I am the mother of 2 children. My son is 15 and my daughter is 13. I am wanting to begin homeschooling but I am scared I will choose the wrong program. I am looking at Bridgeway Acadamy and Oak Meadow right now. Any comments on either of these. Or- is there a school that you would suggest over either of these? Want to make the best choice for my children. Please help!

[robinsegg]

I don't know these programs. . . but, more importantly, I don't know you or your children. I don't know how your children learn, or how you teach, or what your children excel or struggle in. Take a deep breath, and look hard at your children's academics, the teachers they like/don't like, the activities they enjoy. Then take a look at what style of hsing might fit your family best.

So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling? by Lisa Whelchel is a great overview of what's out there, and is a great, easy, conversational read.
_________________
Rachel
teacher at home
The Cleft in the Rock Academy

[elliemaejune]

Here are some things to think about:

Bridgeway says it is accredited. The thing is that accreditation isn't all that important; I'm not sure it's worth the extra money to enroll in a distance-learning program just for the accreditation. Also, its accreditation is with a private accrediting agency; often, when accreditation is important, that accreditation often must be with one of the 6 accrediting agencies recognized by the federal government:

1. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC):

2-- North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA)

3-- Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)

4-- Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS)

5-- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

6-- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU)

Homeschooled students have been accepted to colleges all over the U.S., and most of them applied having graduated from their own unaccredited homeschool. I don't know anyone personally whose dc has ever been accepted based purely on the fact that his high school transcript was not prepared by an accredited school.

Bridgeway students must use Alpha Omega materials. You can buy those on your own without paying for Bridgeway's services, which may not be all that important.

And do you think your ds will like working in little workbooks for all of his subjects? Maybe not.

Oak Meadow is a different animal altogether. It is accredited by one of the
accrediting agencies, but, again, it's hard to say whether that is wort the money or not. Oak Meadow's materials are completely different from other, more traditional publishers' materials. Only you and your dd can tell if they would be good for her. However, it is VERY pricey for high school; personally, *I* would not have been able to afford it :-/

The truth is that you don't have to enroll your dc in a distance-learning program, unless it makes things easier for you legally. Do you know the laws in your state?