Hello,
We are new to New Mexico! My DD just turned 4. I am hoping to learn about homeschooling in this area. (Rio Rancho) I have been considering homeschooling since she was born. My DH, however, is less enthusiastic about the concept which makes it challenging.
Is anyone familiar with the Rio Rancho public school system? I had heard it was good compared to the APS? I am not big on the idea of public schooling for many reasons.
Currently I am not following a formal preschool curriculum with my DD but I am interested in finding one just to make sure we are on the right track. We work on the basics (ABC's, 123's, shapes, colors) but I dont really know where to go from here.
I had considered enrolling her in the La Petite Academy but after finding out the monthly tuition, I decided that money should go into her college savings fund! :o
I am also very interested in finding activities/recreation classes for my DD to join for learning and fun. She has recently shown an interest in making lasting friendships which is difficult if you are just taking random classes once a week through the City of Rio Rancho, for example. I have a new baby and we are FREEZING here in NM as we are from southern California so we havent been getting out much!  :B
Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you all!

Hi there! The weather usually isn't this cold, if that makes you feel any warmer! It sure is hard to take a baby out in 20 degree weather, though.

I don't live in RR, so can't tell you anything about schools. But if you're looking for activities for your daughter, and maybe just to get out of the house, one thing you might want to do is consider joining the MOMS Club chapter in your area. They aren't necessarily homeschoolers, just moms and mostly preschool kids. I think you can find info in the free magazine NM Kids available at the library, or through http://www.momsclub.org. We have been members of the NE Heights chapter since my son was 3 and my daughter was just about to be born. The great thing about them is they have activities to get you out of the house, some for you (like maybe moms night out or book club) and some for the kids (tours, park days, outings).

There are also lots of homeschooling groups. A list of some is at http://www.abqhomeschool.com/suppgrps.html, although I could see how you might want to hold off on that until you feel more definite about homeschooling.

Good luck, and welcome to Albuquerque!

Hello! I moved to Rio Rancho about nine months ago, but I don't know much about the public schools, beyond the reputation that they are better than APS.  Where do you live in Rio Rancho? There are a couple different MOMS clubs, there is also a MOPS group that meets at Calvary Church in Rio Rancho.  The Parks and Rec department here has some good classes for the kids, my son made a 'lasting friendship' in a class this summer.  You will be getting the latest bulletin in the mail from them sometime this month I think they said,  with a listing of their activities (from soccer to ballet, bugs to tumbling) They also have a program that is similar to preschool called Kid Zone. It meets twice a week (T/Th or M/W) in the morning or afternoon and is only about $45/month for residents.  That is actually something I am considering right now to supplement the homeschool/preschool type stuff we are doing, get Harrison out with other kids his age and hopefully make some new friends.  

I don't know about Rio Rancho specifically but I know that NM schools in general are 48 our 50 for education in the US - that alone is enough to home school.  Add that to the school violence etc, I can definitely understand why there are so many homeschoolers in NM.

Hi Ladies,
Thank you so much for your responses! I really appreciate all of the information and comments. I will definately be looking into all of the organizations,groups, and programs you suggested. It's nice to know there are many options!
We currently live in the Puesta Del Sol elementary school zone but plan to move elsewhere within a year or so. We've been here just a couple of months so I am not very familiar with the area but I have heard River's Edge and Enchanted Hills areas are nice?
I am disappointed to hear that New Mexico public schools rate so poorly nationwide. What seems to be the main problem? Funding? or?
I agree, that is reason enough to homeschool!

Thank you for being so helpful!

Before we decided to homeschool I researched some of the school's test scores.  I found Rio Rancho to be considerably higher than APS overall.  However, That does not say much, since much of APS is suffering badly.  We were living in River's Edge 2 at that time and when we compared the elementary school that we were in district for and Sierra Vista Elementary, (one of the best, if not the best among APS Elementary Schools) there was an obvious advantage to choosing the Rio Rancho School.  Rio Rancho, overall has better schools than APS.  Unfortunately, that does not neccessarily make them adequate.

Hi,

We are also in Rio Rancho. We moved back to Enchanted Hills neighborhood
after being away, due to job transfer, after 7 years. So good to be home now!

My twin sons have been homeschooled for 2 years, but my daughter, who will
soon be 3 would love to have some friends her own age, too.

I looked up the Moms Club groups and there are none for my northern area
of Rio Rancho  :-/ And at this time, we cannot afford all the fees for the wonderful
classes that Rio Rancho Parks & Rec have.

We are members of Calvary Church in Rio Rancho and already participate in
the homeschool group there. But I read someone mention that Calvary has a MOPs
group?? Please tell me more. This may be something we could get involved in.

I look forward to hearing from anyone. Also, if you have a 2-4 year old
daughter who is looking for a little playmate, we'd be very interested
in getting together, too  :D

Thank you,
Lisa