Homeschooling in ABQ ? (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho: elementary schools, living, safe)

[Wigglefish]

Hi, We are a family of 4 that is in the process of a job relocation from Oregon to ABQ.
We are not sure exactly where we will be living, but my hubby's place of work will be in North valley.

Anyway, I am just wondering about homeschooling in the area. I have a 6 and 8 year old that I've been homeschooling in Oregon. I've noticed that the Homeschool laws give you a bit more freedom than other states do.

However, I'm also interested in good, safe elementary schools... just in case I decide to send my kids to a traditional school.

Thanks for any help.

[Decay]

Hi Wigglefish,

ABQ has a (surprisingly?) large and active homeschooling community.

Here's the main resource that homeschoolers use to coordinate with each other:
Albuquerque Homeschooling: Resources for New Mexico Homeschoolers

I think that one reason why the community is so vibrant is that the public education system in New Mexico is shockingly poor. By almost any outcome measure, the state regularly features in the bottom decile of the distribution.

In addition, the city has one of the highest ratios in the nation of PhD's per capita. These are knowledge workers at Sandia National Labs, UNM, etc who (1) value education, (2) typically cannot afford private schools, and (3) are dismayed by the quality of the public schools. Under this set of circumstances the DIY option becomes increasingly attractive.

Some activities that my homeschooled kids have been involved with include:
1. Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program
2. UNM music program
3. Explora Museum
4. Museum of Natural History
5. Taekwondo
6. Swimming lessons provided by the city
7. The Challenger Learning Center

Best wishes!

[Wigglefish]

Thanks for the info. It's greatly appreciated.

[midwest liberal]

If you do look at public schools, consider moving to Rio Rancho. It may not be much better, but I would not recommend APS with the large class sizes to any parent.

[tlbs101]

This home-school group is Christian-based:
Rio Grande Enrichment Studies L.L.C. Traditional * Tutorial * Christian Education

[naport]

Hey Wigglefish,

Take a look at the APS family school. It may be called Desert Willow. It's a charter school that combines some homeschooling with a certain number of hours of in-class instruction for kids, development of parent teaching skills, etc.

I've heard some good things about it for those who can integrate it into their family dynamic.

Good luck!!