;D I was so excited to have My 5 almost 6 year old to Dessert Willow Family School, But it looks like he might not get in this year, so I am looking into my plan B! Home schooling! I think I could do it for a year or two at this grade level, But I was really looking forward to being in a school setting half the time and doing home school the other half of the time. I just know that with one income it gets a lil scary thinking of the costs to purchase all the curriculum to do the home school full time. So if any one could please tell me what to expect to pay...and if any one has any suggestions of what program/curriculum to use for FT homeschooling I figured I would get a better response from people that are already doing it FT and know the costs. Thanks so much for your time! Janice Burke :)

Hi. I have gone just about every route. Calvert has a good homeschool curriculum and EVERYTHING is included. Expect to pay $700-900 for the year for it. They do offer financial aid, and I recommend applying for it. They do have  payment plan too.

I used Calvert for two years and decided it wasn't worth the cost, as I didn't use enough of the material.

I now use Saxon Math, which you can buy for about $70-100 for the teacher edition and student workbooks. You have to buy the manipulatives separately. Reading textbooks run about the same. Learning is Fun carries the homechool versions, and some other texts as well.

Or, you can make great use of your local library and math workbooks from Borders, Barnes and Noble or Wal Mart.

You can also get textbooks from your local school, where your child would go if enrolled. Check the state and APS websites. I did this for a math book this past year. I didn't wind up using it, but it is good to know it is there.

I recommend creating your own curriculum and buying used or using the library.

Good luck!

Kim

Thank you!!! so if you do your own curriculum how and who do you turn in the grades to?

I just moved to Rio Rancho and I started homeschooling my 6 and 7 year old (first and second grade). New Mexico law doesn't require you to report the grades to anyone. :) Making your own curriculum is the best for younger kids! I love it! There is a weatlth of knowledge on the internet to help you!!

That is the beauty of NM; I have never reported a thing. I do keep track of our 'attendance' and I keep a list of field trips and extra classes and folders with samples from each month. But, I have never been asked for anything. My son reads like a fiend, and decided he wants 'grades' on his math pages. So, when he asks, I 'grade' it. But, I have no attention on it.

Kim

Here are some online free curriculum if you are still looking.  

Progressive Phonics (phonics based reading program)  http://www.progressivephonics.com/~suzettew/

MEP Math (UK math, good for kids who need more than worksheets)  http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/primary/default.htm

Head of the Class (full customizable curriculum, including art, music and spanish)  http://www.theheadoftheclass.com/  

We probably homeschool for less than $100 a year...Titlewave Used Books on Eubank is a great place to buy text books according to the grade you want. We use Math U See and it is very reasonable. We also get things like spelling list/tests from a great site called Super Teacher Worksheets (http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/). They have lots and lots of free worksheets that are really great quality.

I just box up all her school work and tests when the year is up as "proof" that she did it - not that you should have to or need to here in NM. But I like to hold on to it for a while.

If you still need ideas or curriculum, check out the Educational Resource Center. You can check out curriculum for the whole year and the membership fee is only $15.00 per year.

The Education Resource Center (ERC) is a ministry of Grace Baptist Chapel
12201 Comanche NE, Albuquerque, NM  87111
Phone:  505-292-3156
Email:  ERC.GBC@gmail.com
Hours:  Fridays 10am-4pm
(also by appointment)

For first grade all you really need is a good math workbook ~ even the ones at Sam's or Costco are great.  Use Starfall.com for free to teach phonics/reading.  Read lots of books together on all subjects.  Another awesome, inexpensive curriculum that touches on everything except math and is lots of fun at that age is Five in a Row.  If you utilize the library for the books, you can buy the manual for less than $20 and it covers everything.  Just google five in a row and you can read all about it.  Just remember, you taught your child everything so far, you can do it!!