Just joined the board and figured out how to write a thread, so introducing myself. Not homeschooling yet, but would like to. Also part of a small group thinking about starting a sudbury-type free school. Lately I've been wondering, like John Holt, isn't it just way too much trouble to try to start a free school when it would end up easier to just homeschool my own kids? As far as I can see, the only advantage of a free school is the social opportunities for the kids, and possibly networking among freespirits of all ages to liberate ourselves and our children. Of course, this is not a small thing. But it's also, really, more creating a community than creating a school. Perhaps it doesn't matter WHAT we call it! Anyway, looking forward to learning and sharing with others who are doing something different, in a profound way.
Nancy and two children, 13 and 9.

Hi Nancy    Welcome . . . it was a pleasure to read your wisdom  

Welcome, Nancy!

Looking forward to meeting you.  We were considering the same-starting a community school-for years before deciding to homeschool instead.  It may be "easier to create community than to create a school," but fortunately, this area already has an incredible homeschool community, and Abq Homeschoolers is one of the largest groups in it (thanks to everyone here, particularly those who started this group)!  

We've homeschooled in four states now (NC, FL, CO and NM), and we've homeschooled here in NM for over 10 years. I really have been fortunate enough to be able to compare our community (particularly in the greater Abq area) to those of many other states and I can tell  you that we're here because (IMHO) this really is the best place to homeschool.  It's hard as heck to find a job here to help me homeschool (I'm a single working mom), but it's not worth moving for a better job to place with no community.

Why is it so good here?  I dunno, exactly, except perhaps that APS (Abq Public School) is our biggest recruiter, so we have some seriously strong numbers of homeschoolers here.  We have dozens of large groups and probably hundreds of small ones.  Classes galore on every subject from art to vet sciences, and don't forget to ask for a homeschool discount wherever you go (Staples, bookstores, etc).  Title Wave Books on Eubank and Constitution is one of the businesses that support homeschooling, with a huge collection of used homeschool books and curriculae. I could go on and on, so if you're looking for something, just ask the group!!

Whatever you choose, kudos for taking the extra steps for your kids!
-Chris
only one left: Lynne, age 13 (meaning sometimes 3, sometimes 30...)

So welcome! There are many resources here for you, lots of fun for the kids, lots and lots and lots of social opportunities (you'll hear many of us refer to "carschooling"), and literally thousands of fellow "freaky" homeschoolers.  

Wow, Chris, thanks for the message! I had NO idea. Kind of like the underground railroad that John Holt talked about, it's happening everywhere without lots of people knowing. Can you tell me if the park meeting is happening this week on Thursday at 1:00 at Loma del Norte? I'd love to start getting connected, and begin to decide if I can really do this.

We plan to be at the park, weather permitting.

Forgot to say earlier, about the "age 13 (meaning sometimes 3, sometimes 30...)" -- that is EXACTLY what I say to my 13-year-old, teasing her. Of course I'm right.....  

Hi everyone my name is Rhea and I am a 16 year old who is looking for some fun, safe, happy activities where I can meet some quality people. I am currently going to a mostly home-schooling cyber school but I was homeschooled for six years prior to this so I feel more at home in the homeschool community. If anyone can suggest a class or an activity to go to where I can meet with quality people my age, I would be more than grateful. My email address is rheaienni@q.com if someone would like to get in touch with me to talk about activities.
Sincerely,

Rhea