Anybody Use Connections Academy?

[lsdptl]

I am considering homeschooling my 5 year old this coming school year and am exploring our options. Right now I am not happy with the school he would be zoned for it is significantly overcrowded. I have also heard things about the Principal that I don't like. She doesn't take teacher requests, if you don't like your child's teacher they won't change them to another class, I know people that had to go all the way to district before they could get it changed. I tried to school choice him into another school in the area, but they said all the other schools are frozen and not accepting school choice applications. So that leaves me with accepting his zoned school, private school or homeschool. Private school is really out of the question as money would be an issue. So I saw on the DOE website that Florida offers Connections Academy and I thought this may be an option for homeschooling. One thing that attracted me was that they give you the curriculum and lesson plans, since I have no idea where to start I would feel alot more comfortable with a little guidance. But my concern with this would be how tied you are to the curriculum. If your child completes it quickly are you allowed to progress as quickly as you want? Both my other children are in the gifted program and have even skipped a grade in there public schools. They are each in Middle School and I am happy with their classes at this time so I don't want to homeschool them unless I see a problem, plus they have their friends and activities, ie sports, band. So if anyone uses the Connectinos Academy or has used it in the past could you please let me know what you thought of it.
Thanks! Lisa

[NatureMommy]

I looked into Connections Academy last year when they opened in CA. The boys took the placement tests and we got the enrollment packet. That is when I looked closer into the whole school process with them. I my opinion they were way to rigid. Each child has to log into the computer EVERY school day. There are both online and hard copy assignments. Although you can set your own schedule, it has to be done within their guidelines. If your kids miss "turning in" assignments, they get reminders every time they log into the computer (remember they have to do that every school day). The parent keeps track of assignments and attendence on the computer. I can't remember exactly, but I think the parent was required to log in every school day also. It might work for you if that is what you are looking for.

I'm sorry, but I was turned off by the whole structured thing. Mind you know my boys need a structured day (they both have ADHD and I have ADD) but we also need a lot of flexibility in our schedule for days when school is just not going to happen. After all, that is one reason I choose to homeschool.

If you are feeling intimidated by having to create a "curriculum" there are curriculum "workbooks" out there. They have an entire year of grade level subjects in one book. You can get them at most bookstores. There are also books out there to help plan your own curriculum. Planning a homeschool Curriculum is so different from what a school teacher has to do, don't let it intimidate you. I have found it extremely easy to plan a curriculum for grades K, 2 and 4. A company called Rainbow Resources it a great place to start. I also utilize the local teacher supply store. I use a packaged math curriculum, but everything else is an eclectic collection.