Who is using K12 curriculum and loves it as a home schooler?

Question

I want to HS my son and I want to use K12. I want to hear all feed back before I choose my curriculum. It looks awesome.

mom/teacher/mom

Answer 1

We HS our 2 children and they both love K12 better than anything we have tried.  My 8 year old loves the history, and science.  My 7th grader loves history and LA.  

Both like the independence they have with K12.  We are able to travel and log on while on a trip.  They are able to see their studies for a week and plan their time accordingly.  

Both are eager every morning to get started on school.

Answer 2

I'm using it right now. I don't really love it, but its pretty good actually.

=]

Answer 3

We have been using K12 for 5 years and we love it!  I have 4 kids, 10 (4th grade), 8 (2nd grade), 5 (Kindergarten) and a 3 yr old.  Each of my children are so different and they learn differently.  K12 fits all learning styles.  It is so easy to adapt to any learning style.  I can let each child go at their own pace and delve deeper into subjects that interest them most.  

It is also very easy for the parent.  The planning and progress tools make the nitty-gritty of homeschooling a breeze.

K12 also offers support to parents through the "K12parent2parent" yahoo board, where others using the curriculum and K12 employees are there to talk or answer questions.  They also provide online seminars in different subject areas like "teaching mutiple children" or "powerpoint 101" to support us or keep us motivated and keep us in touch with other HS'ers around the country.  

I definitely recommend K12!  I think you will love it!

Answer 4

We've used the K12 curriculum since it was first introduced, and between 4 kids, we've used every grade from K to 8th. We've used it as an independent purchaser, as a charter user in PA, and now in Utah. We love the K12 curriculum.

The K12 curriculum is classical in nature, and can be very tough. They reduced the work load by offering some lessons as optional, or study days, to accommodate days the charters need to do standardized testing. They also retooled some of the middle school science classes because they were very strenuous. But when my kids forget part of what they've learned, the amount they have retained through the years is just staggering to me. My girls (middle school aged) are independently doing lessons without me needing to tell them to. It thrills me when they come drag me to the lesson screen with a gleam in their eye- telling me I MUST come see what this lesson is about. They love it even after years of using it, and I think that's the best compliment a curriculum can have about it!

It's a great curriculum though, but can be overwhelming at times if you do everything as written. Feel free to adapt the curriculum as you see fit- doing an alternative activity that still meets the objectives for that lesson, and for easy lessons, going through it quickly or combine lessons if the reading was spread over two days. My girls clear alternative projects with me, and as long as they keep progressing in the curriculum and stay active in their learning, it's all fine with me.

About groups- support through the Yahoo groups is wonderful. I echo the suggestion for the K12users as the BEST and most active group, but you may want to join more than one group! I also belong to the Parent2Parent group, but have been disappointed to watch questions go unanswered for DAYS.  I also belong to state and local lists for K12 users, so I keep in touch on all levels. You will find a level of groups that is comfortable for you, depending on how chatty you are, how much support you need, or just how much you enjoy reading and learning that you are not alone in daily struggles of one kind or another. That's where I think the K12users group is the best, for even though some find daily struggles with kids to be "off-topic", those of us who share some of those same needs feel those answers to those questions are what keeps us going on rough days. Because everyone will have rough days, and it's great to have a group that understands.

Best of wishes in your endeavor to HS  your son! I hope to see you soon on some of the K12 groups.

Shelley

Answer 5

I have been using K12 for 5 years.  We love it!  It makes my life so much easier.  K12's use of technology has made my life so much easier.  Planning is a breeze!  Our favorite subject is History.  We have all learned so much!

Answer 6

Have used it for a long time and love the curriculum.  It has the flexibility and adaptability to work for each of our children.

Once you start using it, give yourself time to learn how to use it with your son.  You will find your groove with it but it make take a little while.

I would recommend this Yahoo Group over the K12 Users Group that was recommended to you earlier:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K12Parent2...

The K12 Parent to Parent Groups seems to stay on topic better than the Users group.  I belong to both but quit looking at the Users group a while ago.

You can also check out the Homeschool section of the K12 web site at:

http://www.k12.com/schooling_programs/k1...

There you can look at the subjects, download a Scope and Sequence, take Free Placement Tests and get a Free Demo Account.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I've never heard of it, but am now interested in it for my son.

Answer 8

i used to do it, but i quit. i really hated it. they make you do things that really dont seem to help. and you never get to learn what you want to, cause you are to busy trying to keep up with the fairly demanding schedule. i wouldnt do it again.

Answer 9

We've used K12 for almost 6 years and I absolutely love it.  It is rigorous, comprehensive, and has instilled a love for learning in all three of my children.  It is a great combination of online and offline activities, classical literature, a chronological approach to history, and the scientific method already introduced in K and 1st grade!  When I was searching for a curriculum, I wanted to be assured of three things - that I would never have to lie awake at night wondering if I was covering all the material I needed to cover, that I wouldn't be spending my time searching for additional resources to complete a lesson or make it more thorough, and that my children would be engaged and active in the learning process.  I've never looked back...K12 is a wonderfully organized, user friendly, and interactive program which has met my needs in every way.  

I would recommend the K12Parent2Parent yahoo group as previously cited because I feel you will get the most accurate answers within this group.  It was developed to stay focused on the curriculum and has excellent resources of other K12 parents as well as access to K12 staff if clarification is needed.  Additionally, there are numerous educational opportunities to learn more about K12 and its philosophy, background, tools, etc.  These sessions can be accessed by going to

www.k12.com/training

I would recommend attending one of these online seminars to really get a good feel for the program.

It is such an exciting journey and I applaud your search for an exceptional curriculum.  I firmly believe you will find what you are looking for with K12!

Answer 10

My family has used the K12 curriculum for four years now.  I love the organization it provides.  With so many curriculums available to homeschoolers, it can be very overwhelming to choose the right one!  I chose K12 because of the ease of use and preparation time.  The learning styles are all addressed so it never gets boring.  I have seen the results in my children.  They love it!  Give it a try....

Answer 11

I am a total fan of K12!  I have used it for many years now.  I love the "Classical" learning approach.  In addition, the curriculum itself is top-notch.  Yes, there are lots of great products on the market, but none of them compare to K12 when it comes to K12's content matched with the Planning and Progress tools that make life for YOU so much simpler.  We would be lost without K12.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Answer 12

There is another online school OHVA that uses k12 curriculum. I dream of being there. The courses are neverending!

Answer 13

Are you going to purchase the curriculum to use for traditional homeschooling, or are you going to enroll your child in a virtual public school utilizing the K12 curriculum?  There is a difference.  

We used it in Texas as part of Texas Virtual Academy which is an actual public school that you do from home.  Therefore, the state has specific requirements on how many hours per day/per year your child must be schooled  (6 hrs/day in Texas)  

While the K12 curriculum is PHENOMENAL, I found the 6 hours each day quite trying.  Bear in mind, that I work.  I don't have the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom, so if you have no other obligations, go for it!!!  

The only real complaint I had myself was the time invoved...it's quite a bit, and not just for the child :-)

Answer 14

We've used it for over 5 years and LOVE IT!!!

The scope & sequence is so broad and deep.  They combine classical, Core Knowledge/cultural literacy, and their own research to come up with amazing content!!

We'd done these courses and grades:

* Language Arts/Phonics - 1st-5th

* Math - 1st-6th

* Science - 1-4, Advanced Physical Science

* History - Kdg-5th

* Art - Kdg-5th

* Music - Kdg-4th

Not only is the curriculum amazing, but the online planning and progress tools as so great!!!  The plan is dynamic and the schedule can be changed as many times as you need it.  You can use all, or parts of the system.  (I don't use their attendance feature.)  I could never use a static plan in writing like most curricula use. ;-)

I would attend one of their virtual information sessions.  At the end, you'll gain access to a demo account for a week and it will really show you the "heart" of the program.  They have wonderful books and other materials also.

Let me know if you want more input!  Oh, I suggest you join the K12 Users Yahoo Group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K12Users

The group's been around for 6.5 years and there is great wisdom from the current members, and lots of info in the message archives, files, etc.

EDIT AFTER KBZ posted:

<<KBZ said:

The K12 Parent to Parent Groups seems to stay on topic better than the Users group.>>

That is because the P2P group is run by *employees* of K12.  They seriously filter what is allowed on the group.  People are moderated and they can't say what they *really* think, or they'll be told by K12 to basically "keep their mouth shut".  I know, they've told me more than once.

K12 Users is *not* run by K12, but rather parents who actually use the curriculum.  It is more of a support board, not just a board for talking about K12.  BTW, there is *plenty* of off-topic stuff (their list owner calls them "sidebars") on the P2P board.  It hasn't been around nearly as long as K12 Users.  P2P was started for the express purpose for K12 to be able to control the group.  While I'm on both boards, I personally prefer a board where people are free to say what they want to - good *and* bad.  There are nearly four times the members on Users as on P2P.

JMO - but everyone has to use the groups they feel most comfortable in.

EDITED TO ADD - Wow, I'm shocked - K12 sent people to Y!A and asked them to "talk up" not only K12, but also the Parent to Parent group.  That is just *wrong*.

Look at everyone who answered's profiles.  Most were made on the 28th or 29th and it was the person's first answer on Y!A.

Answer 15

I have used k12 with my sons (now 10 and 12 years old) for 4 years.  I love it. One of my favorite things about the curriculum is that it is so easily tailored to suit varied learning styles.  My children have very different learning styles from each other, and I have used the curriculum successfully with both children. Each child works at his own individual pace, and there are often varied activities within a lesson which target different ways of learning.   Before k12 my children had "holes" in their learning.  For example, my eldest son could add and subtract easily but could not tell time very well.  I find the curriculum to be very well planned to avoid these holes or gaps in learning.  I also love that they have a meaty art and music curriculum.   Not just "draw this, listen to this," but well thought out lessons including art history and music theory.  Good luck in your search.

Answer 16

K12 IS an awesome curriculum- not only because of the content but because of all the planning tools.  I know exactly where I am in the year with every child at all times.  I'm always astounded when I hear other homeschool parents talking about the hours and hours they spend planning, only to change curriculums mid year!  We've used K12 five years and loved it.

I think it's important to understand it is a rigorous curriculum, but I make the choices about what we do in each lesson according to the needs of each of my children.  The curriculum doesn't "tell" me what to do, it provides the materials and tools I need for my kids to succeed.

I especially like all the online seminars that are available.  I visit the parent2parent board frequently for positive, on topic information.  I took myself off of the k12 users board because of a lot of negative and off topic info which I simply don't have time to sift through.

Good luck with your homeschooling adventure!

Answer 17

You are right, it is awesome. Five years ago I decided to home school my 2 children because I saw K12 and was so impressed with the content.  I had never thought of the idea of homeschooling before that, and we have never looked back.  My children are now in 6th and 9th grades and all my friends are amazed at what they learn every day. I have even had friends who are teachers try to get their schools to use K12.  Go for it, you will not be disappointed.  It is more demanding than most other curriculum, but isn't your child worth it?

Answer 18

I have used K12 for four years (covering K through middle school in various subjects) and find it to be just terrific.  I highly recommend it, especially for a new homeschooler, because you will never have to second guess yourself with respect to content or presentation!  K12 is a rich and rigorous curriculum and I am proud to use it with my children.

I also rely on yahoo groups to help with support and advice.  I actually belong to many K12 centered yahoo groups because I find that different groups meet different needs.  I would recommend joining several groups to find the one(s) that best  fit(s) with your personality and needs.  

Of the two most often mentioned, I think I prefer the K12Users group mostly because it is a little more active.  The Parent2Parent group  was originally created by K12 as a place where employees and curriculum ambassadors (called Stars) could answer questions and provide support for parents using the curriculum.  However, in the last year or so, I have found that the response time has not been very good.  There have been  a few times when questions have been unanswered for almost a week!  

The K12 Users group, because it does not rely on employees, but rather other parents "in the trenches" who all pitch in to assist, tends to have much more timely responses, which is very helpful.

Every group has its pros and cons, so I am sure you will find one or more that is right for you.

Good luck on your homeschooling adventure!

: )  Petra

ds Simon 9

ds Greg 7

Answer 19

I have been using K12 for 3 years now and I just love it.  Before I had children I was an elementary school teacher, and so when I decided to homeschool my children it became very important to me that I find a curriculum that was easy to use, rigorous, very organized and fun.  I did a lot of looking at EXPOs and just wasn't thrilled with what I saw.  I also tried several other curriculums, and was disappointed.  When I started using K12 I was sold.  I know that my children are getting well educated, I never worry that we are "missing something".  My children enjoy most of what they are doing - although when it gets hard they complain (who doesn't).  The ease for me is priceless.  Good luck in your search.  I hope you enjoy K12 as much as we do.