Cheap or free homeschooling for florida?

Question

Please dont post FLVS.NET

or schools over $100 a month

Answer 1

I don't know if this is what your looking for.

But I go to American School.

I pay somewhere between  40.00 to 50.00 a month.

All the books are sent to you and you do it at your own pace.

Answer 2

I live in Ohio, but the same free resources are available in every state of the nation. You just have to have an imagination, an idea of what you want to pass on to your kids, and the guts to get out of their way and let them explore.

I have been homeschooling for the past 15 years and I have never bought a boxed curriculum or spent much money on teaching materials. I have eight kids, four of whom have been homeschooled all of their lives, two have graduated from our homeschool, and one graduates this spring.

We have used the library extensively. We have utilized the computer, the TV (for educational programming), a camcorder, cameras, craft materials, books of all kinds (but not text books), and anything and everything the kids found interesting. The entire world, also known as our community-at-large was utilized and used by our kids.

My kids all worked in community theater (free). Joined library programs (pre-teen and teen levels). Attended community events such as parades, festivals, symphonies, school plays (they have friends who attend public school), church programs and events, and have gone to museums, galleries, and the zoo, just to name a few of the things we have taken advantage of.

They belonged to 4-H (we live urban), have gardened (our small plot of land), learned to cook, clean, do yard work, sew, do crafts, and whatever they desired to learn. I oftentimes never knew what they were doing or learning until they would show me. They didn't need my constant hovering in order to learn or create.

They also babysat, held lemonade stands, shoveled snow, and mowed grass. Whatever they could find to make money. These kids could count money and keep a bank account before they could officially "do" math. All have sizable bank accounts and 'real' jobs now that they are grown or almost grown. They own cars, buy their own clothes, and pick out and pay for their own personal products from money earned and saved from working. No text book can compare with living real life economics and living a real life fraught with the economic pitfalls of having to keep and maintain a budget.

Your parents are an invalubale source of wisdom, stories, history, family traditions, and family ties. Time spent with family is rewarding and of learning value. Grandpa may know woodworking or another hobby such as welding or electrical and can teach this to those who wish to learn these skills. Grandma may know how to cook, sew, crochet, or batik and she can pass this information on to those who are interested.

A trip to the local park, conservatory, arboretum, or nature preserve can give kids the opportunity to learn about their natural world, take classes in soil conservation, tree identification, foraging for wild foods, bird watching, conservation of wild animals and natural resources, and much more. Many of these programs are free. Many of these programs have apprenticeship or volunteer opportunities.

Bicycles, trampolines, the pool or ocean, skates, hula hoops and jump ropes all offer a free and fun means of entertainment and healthy exercise that will benefit everyone in the family. Family bike rides are fun and healthy.

Writing penpals costs postage but it is a great way to get your kids to write. Maintaining a Face Book or Myspace page (with parental supervision, of course) is one way to get your kids to write and learn the computer. Trust me!!! They will know more than you do!!! This helped one of my kids become a better reader and speller (computer).

There is so much you can do to give your kids a rich and varied education that is not boxed, standardized, stamped, or formulaic. You do not have to have a curriculum. Make the world your curriculum and let your kids learn as they go. You will wonder where they learned all they know!!! My kids blow me away all the time as they know stuff I have never taught them. The things they pick up about history, science, reading, writing, math, and health is all up to you. You provide the advantages and spend lots of time with them while also giving them plenty of space to be kids, and you will have the most amazing kids. You will wonder where in the world did they learn all that stuff! And you will have hit on the answer: Yes, it was in the world where they learned all they know. Let the world be your classroom.

Answer 3

While doable is still tricky. Are you just starting out?? or do you already have some materials??

There are plenty of sites where you can download worksheets (just about anything you can think of), and other sites that allow you to create your own quizzes.

As I don't know what grade/age you need I'll post some general things. All are FREE......

www.krampf.com (science)

www.oldfashionededucation.com (the works)

www.sciencecastle.com (science)

www.obdk.com (virtual owl pellets)

www.homeschoolincorporated.com (help)

www.4america.com

www.aaamath.com or www.aaastudy.com

www.chartjungle.com

I have a card file full of websites (most are free) that I am happy to email to ANYONE. I can be contacted at [e-mail] and all I ask is that people don't spam me or try to sell stuff.

Most things can be googled, you just have to go thru ALOT of info to find what you need or suits you best. Workbooks can be purchased for decent prices at the bookstore and you can get a discount for homeschoolers. I have also found second hand workbooks and even regular school materials at Amazon.com in the used section.

The biggest myth is that you have to spend tons of money to start or continue homeschool, or that you have to buy a prepackaged curriculum.

None of it is true. You find what works for YOUR CHILD and on YOUR BUDGET.

Science itself is mostly KITCHEN science that uses common everyday materials and covers everything from the BASICS to CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS.

The great thing about Florida is that they can't and don't tell you what and how to teach and the only test your child is REQUIRED to take is the SATs when they get into HighSchool...that's right NO FCATS (they can't MAKE your child(ren) take it if they are homeschooled). Also your child can apply for the Bright Future Scholarship.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Well, you said not FLVS, but how about FLVA?

http://flva.org/

It's just K-8, though.  I'm not sure what grade levels you're looking for.

Answer 5

One time purchase and can be used and reused for an entire family:

$195 for all 12+ years of pre-college learning.  www.robinsoncurriculum.com

$50-70 range per grade level for Saxon Math 4th through Calculus --- (no textbook needed for K thru 3)

A computer, printer, paper, pens, pencils, books (if you buy instead of print them from the 22 cd curriculum).

This program is more "method" than material -- although there is enough material to keep the student busy for many hours every day.

The basis of RC is mastery in math, clarity in writing and proficiency in reading --- all are to be practiced until perfect.  Many students use this method and fare quite well on the college SAT.  They are well prepared to succeed in college and in the workplace.