Brand new to homeschooling as a student

[loro mi dicevano]

Hi all. I figured it would be appropriate for my first DU group post to be in the homeschooling group, because I, myself, just started homeschool about two weeks ago, and we could certainly use some help.

I'm considered a "highly gifted" student, and high school was a worthless experience for me. I was getting sick too often (damn that weak immune system!), they were threatening to kick me out of school for getting sick, and for that reason, my grades were dropping - when you miss that much school, it's a huge problem. Not only that, but it just wasn't challenging enough. My family and I were totally frustrated all throughout middle school when it just wasn't working for me, so we decided to wait until I got to the high school to see if it was "right" for me. It definitely wasn't. They kept promising us that I could do all these things with my schedule and, "We can customise your classes so you can do anything you want!" Unfortunately, as a 9th grader, they wouldn't let me take AP classes - not because of the ability gap, but because of the age difference - nor would they let me really do any of the things they were talking about until 11th or 12th grade. That just didn't fly.

So, my parents and I chose homeschool over a private school or a charter school, so that I could spend more time on government/politics/current events and languages/linguistics.

However, we've run into the same problem that most homeschoolers do! We don't really know where to go from here. I picked up a few books from Barnes & Noble about a week ago - a series called Demystified, and, so far, they've been good, but I only have three. We did order a packet with, apparently, sample curriculum and whatnot - but it was helpful at all.

I figure y'all would know, or at least be able to help us struggling newbies out a little bit. ;) I'm currently working at an 11th grade level, if it helps to give a little background information. We don't really know anywhere to even buy curriculum, so anything would be very greatly appreciated. TIA! :D

[coffeenap]

1. hi Loro--I am a mom who has homeschooled a very highly gifted

kid who is now 15.

Here is what got us through the curriculum problems: The Teaching Company http://www.teach12.com/teach12.asp?ai=16281

Check it out--they always have really good sales. My kid is almost ready for grad school because he lives to learn--and these lectures are educationally packed!

Good luck. If you would like to discuss this more, feel free to PM me. I have good links to HG/PG resources too. Your parents are welcome to PM me too!

Are you in a major metro area? There are often great resources where you would least expect them.

[ray of light]

4. Others may disagree with me

but I believe saxon is the best math program and you might want to do that.

BUT Check into community colleges and really consider the unschooling philosophy. I believe independent and self-motivated people, as you seem to be, would thrive in a progressive, independant environment.

oops I clicked on the wrong reply. I am not desputing your comment. Just an accident here...

[LeftyMom]

2. Have you looked into unschooling?

You sound motivated and intelligent, so I suspect you'd do well with a less structured style of homeschooling. You might want to look into taking some community college classes in your areas of interest once you've settled into your new routine.

You may want to read the Teenage Liberation Handbook, I haven't picked it up yet but I've seen it reccomended by people I respect and it sounds like it may be useful to you.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

3. You might want to check this out

My older boy was enrolled for a year, but it just wasn't right for him. Still, it's a good program, and only cost about $1,000 a year. http://www.keystonehighschool.com/

You might also surf the net to see if there's a homeschool group in your area. I just recently found one that meets near me and is not a religion-based group. The kids take field trips together, play team sports, chorus, arts and crafts, and a variety of other activities.

Keep us posted on what you decide to use. Good luck!