My family and I recently relocated here from Kansas. I am extremely interested in homeschooling my 3 boys, but have no idea where to begin. I have a pre-k, kindergartener, and 6th grader. I have not been able to find a pre-k program with openings this late in the year, the elementary school has been on spring break, and my oldest son and I were literally terrified when we walked into the middle school. I have been trying to research online programs, but haven't had any luck finding free programs. My oldest has AD/HD and I worry about him sooooo much and would rather have him homeschooled than in a public school. Anyone who can help me with resources or get me in the right direction, I would so greatly appreciate it.

Hi there

I recently moved here too, but I have the advantage of having lived here before (we moved away 2 years ago and now we're back!). I have a 6th grade son too!

There are so many options for curriculum and online schooling, it's hard to know where to begin. Do you want to replicate the public school type of schooling- then you may want to do online school, which is free through the public school. Click here: http://zsem.k12.com/npages/pap.....Mtx:20120317222203:s  I use Sonlight curriculum and love it, but there are SO many choices, it will depend on your goals, the learning styles of your children, and your teaching style. You can pm me if you have any questions.

As far as connecting with the homeschool community, that can be the tricky part;) But don't fear, the homeschoolers are out there! This group has a park day on Thursdays on the east side, and I'm sure some of those ladies will chime in. If you live on the east side, that would be something to check out. I live in Rio Rancho and we go to Haynes Park on Tuesdays at 1 or 2 and have had luck finding other homeschool families there the past few weeks. My family in particular has been trying really hard to be there every week and encourage others to go too, so we can all get to know each other.

So I guess a good place to start would be to try and make it to a park day, and chat with some other homeschool moms to learn more about local opportunities. The statewide group is having a homeschool convention and curriculum fair, which might help you decide on curriculum, or at least be able to get your hands on the materials that you have been researching online. That group is CAPE New Mexico. http://www.cape-nm.org/ The convention is April 19-21.

Best wishes on your homeschooling adventure!  

Thank you so much for your help cindyellis. I tried to e-mail you, but could not for some reason. I have tried that k12 site before, but didn't have any luck finding an online curriculum here. Do you know if there is one thru them or not? I am definitely interested in doing whatever it takes to get started. The bad thing is my kids have not been getting any education the last 3 weeks do to our move and spring break, so I'm tempted to enroll them in public school tomorrow. If you can send me an email so I can get your direct email, I would love to get more info from you. Again thank you so very much for your help.

I deleted my last 2 posts because there was some weird spam-y response on this thread. It's gone now. You can email me at cynthia dot ellis at gmail dot com.

Hi there JHerrera. I am new to looking into homeschooling as well although we are 90% we will be homeschooling next year. I found lots of curriculum information in the book, 100 top picks for curriculum - sorry can't remember the author. It gave me a great idea of what to start researching.

Hi Cindy! I live in Rio Rancho as well. Will you still be going to Haines Park after the holiday? I would love to meet you, it looks like our kids are close in age - 11, 7, and 6. I also would love to get your thoughts on Sonlight! If you are not going to Haines perhaps we can meet sometime? Can I email you?

Hi!
I looked into K-12 and talked to them on the phone. Their program is supposed to be free in New Mexico from 6th grade on.  I can help you get more information if you like. I am a first time homeschooler of a kindergartener daughter and will be coming to my first park day on the east side on 8/9.
Laurel