…and I am more confused than ever.
I made the decision to home school Anthony. The twins will start, too, but they are preschool so it’s much less stressful with them. The home school academy through his school had a waiting list. So I enrolled him in the California Virtual Academy (CAVA) through K12.com. Essentially, it’s public school…at home.
I was happy with my decision. School starts on Monday and I am anxiously awaiting our curriculum and supplies.
Now, of course, with school just days away, there is lots of chatter online about home school and different programs and curriculum’s.
I’m second guessing myself.
Pro’s of CAVA:
- It’s free.
- There are teachers and support people available when I get stuck
- There is a schedule to follow
- Everything is laid out so you know when and how to do the lessons.
Con’s of CAVA:
- There is a schedule to follow
- Everything is laid out so you have to do it like they tell you.
- Not a lot of room for improvisation and creativity
So, now I am wondering if I made the right decision to go with CAVA. It’s still a California Public School. It’s still the same lessons and same standardized tests. Will it still be lacking like so many brick and mortar schools?
Should I expect more?
But, am I organized enough to branch out on my own as a more “traditional” home schooler? There are SO many curriculum out there. Many of the “private” or religion based lesson books cost money (CAVA is free). A lot of the programs look really cool and really fun. So flexible. Do I want to teach him more Christian based lessons? I’m not opposed to that at all. It would be nice to kind of just do what I what, when I want to.
As a “newbie” home school mom, should I just go with the structured, laid out for me plan until I learn the ropes?
I’m just not sure what to do. The clock is ticking. Help me decide!
If you need any help with CAVA let me know…I have been teaching Nick through CAVA since 3rd grade so we are old pros. You will see when things get started that it is not as strict as you think reguarding the curriculum. I know that especially with the younger grades they offer them a lot of opportunity to get out of their seat and do things so you can modify those easily. They give you the materials and a “suggested” way for you to teach them but I would often find different ways to get info across and ditch their stuff all together. There usually isn’t tons of stuff you have to turn into them so you have the flexibility to teach your own stuff too. However, I think their stuff is pretty comprehensive and gives you a great base to build on. BUT I am a little biased because CAVA is what we have used for so long.
I hope everything works out for you guys and remember if you have any questions, email me!
Thank you Jessica! I’m glad to hear from another CAVA parent. I guess I should just stop googling and 2nd guessing myself! Just with all the new stuff arriving, I’m getting overwhelmed. *sigh*
I say stick with your choice and see how it goes; it sounds like a good way to learn if that type of structured program will work for you . . . you can ALWAYS add in additional activities that look fun!
Good luck, Rhea!
Thanks Rachel!
I’ve always used my own curriculum, picking and choosing books I want to teach from. Last year a tried a more structured plan (My Father’s World) and my kids loved it! The plans were all laid out so I knew what to teach when. Also I was able to teach all my kids at the same time with slight modifications for the younger two. We also had the flexibility to take a day off here and there if we needed or wanted to do something.
I would say stick with what you’ve chosen for this year and evaluate it. Then research other programs and decide if you want to stick with the K12 or try something new.
I don’t have any experience with homeschooling but look forward to reading your updates on seeing how it goes.
hi, i just found you looking for other mommies that just started with cava. i like the program, but at the same time i think its a bit too much work. my daughter really wanted to be homeschooled this year wish surprised me since she is such a social person. i guess she hates getting up so incredibly early and she is doing well with cava. for, you, my advice would be to stay with cava since you already started and give it a go this year. and if you want to add on to your curriculum, the christian stories and school work, then why not invest in that and do it on your own your way? that way you have both structure from cava, and your own religous creative curriculum on the side.