help-homeschooler relocating to Disney/Orlando area

[lori1043]

I'll keep this short and as to the point as I can

We are moving to the Disney/Orlando area from Covington, Louisiana(about 40 miles north of New Orleans). We homeschool. We already have a job. We are being re-located by the company

This is just to describe US- we do NOT have issues with other races/religion/ other itchy stuff people get into arguments over. it is just to let you know a little about us since I am asking for help....(just clarifying b/c i want NO negative comments about why I am putting my ethnicity or religious affiliation). We do, however, have issues with moving into an area with high crime, or even moderate crime. We live in a very low crime area now and I'd like the same there.

okay, here goes: we are a college educated, Christian(methodist) caucasian family of 4. DH is 40 and I will be by the time we move. Our DD's are 12 and 10.

a little more:

We are very involved in our church and wish for the same down there, we are also looking for a good "umbrella school" to homeschool under. Homeschoolers will know what I mean when I say that we like freedom, we use a classical/unit study/sometimes unschool approach. We DO test our kids, but prefer it not to be mandated. I do not want anyone telling me what classes we need to teach our kids.

My DH works for a bank, he is an audit manager. I work once a week as a registered cardiac sonographer, but will hopefully be able to give that up after this move. Our plan is to volunteer at Give Kids the World, as we were once a Wish family and always felt compelled to go back and volunteer one day. This may be our chance! My DD12 is a leukemia survivor.

We would like to buy a home , eventually, in the $160,000-180,000 range if that is even possible. If taxes are low, we can go higher. If housing is like Louisiana, we could afford a $200,000-220,000 home. If housing is like Texas, we can do $125,000-$150000 b/c you can get SO much for your money there, plus high taxes add $300-500 to your monthly note.

Thye reason I mention Texas is b/c up till a week ago, THAT is where we were relocating! And $140000 can get you a 2000 sf home in a nice neighborhood in a good school district.

School district is important to us too. We want that for neighborhood kids and resale value, plus, you never know if we may need to put the kids in a traditional school- after all, this time last year my DH was laid off. So, we've had a kid with cancer, and dealt with a layoff- we know firsthand how things can change in a moment.

Oh and safety is first for us, as far as places to live.

Sidenote: I have read all the city-data threads that give the Orlando area a bad rep, I am asking for honest opinions, but also HELPFUL ideas/opinions. After all, we ARE moving there, and just want the best/safest for our family under our possibly limited house funds. Renting is an option, but buying is preferable.

Questions:

1. Safe places around Disney(within 20 minutes) that are predominantly NOT in rental housing areas? I know I cannot afford Celebration, nor do we need to be on WDW doorstep.

2. Homeschool "umbrella" schools that may be good for my above description

3. Methodist churches in the area- willing to commute to one that is wonderful, full of life and outreach. Preferable with a childrens/youth choir and drama program.(My DD12 LOVES being in plays)


We figure if we have to move to Orlando, we should make the most of it and live close to our #1 vacation destination.

Thank you!

Lori

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I believe Convenant Christian is a big umbrella school in Orlando. (I may not have the name correct though. I know some instructors over there as they do offer co-op classes.)


One thing to keep in mind, homeschoolers are permitted to participate in extra-curriculars with their zoned school. But this is ONLY if they are registered with the county. Umbrella schooled students do not have access to those privileges.

Testing is NOT mandated in Florida--it is an option, but you can do portfolio review instead. And there are many homeschool groups within the state and usually you can find a certified teacher who homeschools that will be able to assist with your portfolio review. I test my kids also, but I do not submit the test scores. Many homeschool groups offer testing for you.

Additionally--we don't have specific academic requirements either, so it is very easy to teach the way you describe without having to belong to an umbrella school for protection.

I cannot help you with neighborhoods as we live in Brevard County (on the coast).

 

[lori1043]

Lisalovespooh- thank you for the info. A friend of mine grew up in Brevard county. She suggested we may like Palm Bay b/c we love the area we live in now and she immediately thought of that area.

I was thinking umbrella school b/c I want no state interference at all. Although I do think it is cool that homeschooled students can take advantage of public school activities, I am one who likes the seperation. We enjoy a pretty busy homeschool association and love it. I just want to report days schooled and be done with it. My kids scores are good on the Stanford, and until I have to have some state involvement for high school, most probably, I just like to lay low and go about our buisness.In Louisiana all we have to do is submit a letter to the DOE promising 180 days- that is it! No checking curriculums, no teacher evaluations, no madatory testing. In Texas, you have to do NOTHING- just show up and start. IMHO that is the way it should be everywhere.

But, since it is not, I am looking for a way to homeschool similar to what we are used too. It's not that i am scared of what someone may find, b/c I think they'd find us well- schooled. I am only an unschooler during times that involve hospital visits, doctors appt's, MOVES, etc..... mostly we are classical.

Any info is welcome and we may wind up that way!

Lori

 

[portocall]

I got a shoutout
I am thinking you will like Viera/Suntree area too. When are you going to visit?

 

[lori1043]

Cara- we will not be able to visit before deciding- that part is kinda nervewracking!!! We ARE definitely looking at Palm Bay- and will go physically look there should that be where we end up!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I just want to report days schooled and be done with it. My kids scores are good on the Stanford, and until I have to have some state involvement for high school, most probably, I just like to lay low and go about our buisness.In Louisiana all we have to do is submit a letter to the DOE promising 180 days- that is it! No checking curriculums, no teacher evaluations, no madatory testing. In Texas, you have to do NOTHING- just show up and start. IMHO that is the way it should be everywhere.

I find that you have nothing different with an umbrella school reporting wise than you would with the county.

We are facing an rather unfortunate move to MD and I am holding on as long as possible to not do that. There--it almost seems like they prefer you to be in an umbrella school. I shudder at the thought.

We also have no attendance policy in Florida. I love that b/c our curriculum is not 180 days and it is fully complete.


We are not a fan of Palm Bay. Some parts are okay and other parts are not. I'm not sure you'd get a house in the price range that you want in Suntree/Viera. But you might.

There is a yahoo group of Brevard County Homeschoolers with LOTS AND LOTS of unschoolers on there. I would look them up and request permission to join (via e-mailing a letter of introduction) and many folks can set your mind at ease. (Lots share your philosophy but do not do the umbrella school.)

Not trying to talk you out of an umbrella school--but just trying to explain we are a pretty good state to teach in and if fear is your reason for the U/S, I'm just trying to set your mind at ease although it seems unsuccessfully. I also recommend the FPEA convention held Memorial Day weekend.

We teach Classical as well.

In Brevard there are several churches that offer an umbrella school option. I don't keep up with the non-secular. But I think the one over in Orlando can be used by anyone in Central Florida--Brevard included.

The commute to Orlando will be a bear though if your DH is working over there, in which case, Rockledge/Cocoa/Merritt Island would be better if you wanted Brevard County.

I live in Indialantic and I can get to most anywhere in Orlando within 90 minutes. But I would move closer if I had to work there. Depending on which part of Palm Bay, you would be between 90minutes and 2 hours away.

 

[lori1043]

Lisa- thank you! I guess i really do not understand the umbrella option b/c I have never dealt with it. In Louisiana, if you choose the homebound option, you have to use public school curriculum and you have to take the Leap tests, which i am not in favor of. I'd rather do Stanford. I guess when you were saying about being able to involve your kids in public school options , that scared me a bit.

I do NOT unschool but maybe 1-5% of the time. We use teaching Textbooks for math, Biblioplan and Harmony Fine arts for history/bible/some art appreciation, and Apologia for science. We implement latin for a semester a year(so far), use Learning Language Arts Through Literature for my oldest and Easy Grammar/Daily grams for my younger. I like Sequential Spelling but we quit for a bit. Gonna try a different program- my own! I just find private school spelling lists by grade and use that and we do a different thing with it 4 days a week and it includes vocabulary.

So maybe I don't want the umbrella school option???! I have read links from HSLDA about homeschooling in Florida and it is confusing to me. Upon reading 2x, I thought umbrella option was less govt overseen.

Thank you so much for ALL of the info you spent time writing up for me!

Lori

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I'll keep this short and as to the point as I can

We are moving to the Disney/Orlando area from Covington, Louisiana(about 40 miles north of New Orleans). We homeschool. We already have a job. We are being re-located by the company

This is just to describe US- we do NOT have issues with other races/religion/ other itchy stuff people get into arguments over. it is just to let you know a little about us since I am asking for help....(just clarifying b/c i want NO negative comments about why I am putting my ethnicity or religious affiliation). We do, however, have issues with moving into an area with high crime, or even moderate crime. We live in a very low crime area now and I'd like the same there.

okay, here goes: we are a college educated, Christian(methodist) caucasian family of 4. DH is 40 and I will be by the time we move. Our DD's are 12 and 10.

a little more:

We are very involved in our church and wish for the same down there, we are also looking for a good "umbrella school" to homeschool under. Homeschoolers will know what I mean when I say that we like freedom, we use a classical/unit study/sometimes unschool approach. We DO test our kids, but prefer it not to be mandated. I do not want anyone telling me what classes we need to teach our kids.

My DH works for a bank, he is an audit manager. I work once a week as a registered cardiac sonographer, but will hopefully be able to give that up after this move. Our plan is to volunteer at Give Kids the World, as we were once a Wish family and always felt compelled to go back and volunteer one day. This may be our chance! My DD12 is a leukemia survivor.

We would like to buy a home , eventually, in the $160,000-180,000 range if that is even possible. If taxes are low, we can go higher. If housing is like Louisiana, we could afford a $200,000-220,000 home. If housing is like Texas, we can do $125,000-$150000 b/c you can get SO much for your money there, plus high taxes add $300-500 to your monthly note.

Thye reason I mention Texas is b/c up till a week ago, THAT is where we were relocating! And $140000 can get you a 2000 sf home in a nice neighborhood in a good school district.

School district is important to us too. We want that for neighborhood kids and resale value, plus, you never know if we may need to put the kids in a traditional school- after all, this time last year my DH was laid off. So, we've had a kid with cancer, and dealt with a layoff- we know firsthand how things can change in a moment.

Oh and safety is first for us, as far as places to live.

Sidenote: I have read all the city-data threads that give the Orlando area a bad rep, I am asking for honest opinions, but also HELPFUL ideas/opinions. After all, we ARE moving there, and just want the best/safest for our family under our possibly limited house funds. Renting is an option, but buying is preferable.

Questions:

1. Safe places around Disney(within 20 minutes) that are predominantly NOT in rental housing areas? I know I cannot afford Celebration, nor do we need to be on WDW doorstep.

2. Homeschool "umbrella" schools that may be good for my above description

3. Methodist churches in the area- willing to commute to one that is wonderful, full of life and outreach. Preferable with a childrens/youth choir and drama program.(My DD12 LOVES being in plays)


We figure if we have to move to Orlando, we should make the most of it and live close to our #1 vacation destination.

Thank you!

Lori

Lori,

Right now, I live in Pensacola area and we will be relocating to the Orlando area sometime next year. I also homeschool my two DDs 12 and 10 using classical education. Anyway, a friend of ours told us to stay east of I-4 if you want to live in Orange county. We are still trying to figure out a place to live so I'm going to keep an eye on this thread. Good luck in your move!

 

[RadioNate]

I guess I don't understand exactly where your DH will be working if you are looking at Palm Bay (which I would skip too) and Brevard County.

They aren't near Disney or even Orlando. You're looking at a 60-90 min drive minimum.

I don't know anything about churches or homeschooling but you may want to research Windemere and Winter Garden. That would put you close to Disney but away from the tourist areas. Schools are decent and housing is more reasonable.

I wish you could buy my house!

 

[portocall]

Lisa Loves Pooh, I grew up in Satellite Beach. I am not surprised you are not a fan of Palm Bay, and I agree, that there are definately parts to shy away from. Lori, West Melbourne might be another area you might like. It is too bad that you can visit before the big move though.

 

[Disney Doll]

My sister-in-law live sin Barefoot Bay FL (next door to Palm Bay) and speaks fairly negatively about Palm Bay in general. Crime & general shoddiness seem to be her complaints, my understanding it is a fairly heavy drug area. Also not a quick commute to the greater Orlando area.

My understanding is that slightly northest of WDW is nicer. I have heard folks speak positively of Lake Mary, although I have no firsthand experience.

 

[portocall]

Lori, I am going to give you my sister's phone number. She currently lives in Palm Bay and will be happy to help you in anyway. She has also lived in Indialantic and Melbourne. She also is familiar with the Malabar, Sebastian, Barefoot Bay, and Grant area since she delivers mail there (she says stay away from Barefoot Bay, only because they are all mobile homes that are frequently hit by tornados) Anyhow, she volunteered to take pictures of any homes or area's you are specifically looking at. She recommended Bayside Lakes because it is a gated community and low in crime in Palm Bay. Like some have said, Palm Bay has a low reputation, however, having lived there, never had any issues with crime and other than it being slow living (I like city life) liked it just fine. She is a wealth of information and is happy to help you in anyway she can.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Don't know a thing about where to live in Florida or homeschooling, but having read your OP, I just wanted to send some good wishes your DD's way. Leukemia is not an easy thing to beat, and I wish her a lifetime of better health.

 

[mum4jenn]

THere is a poster on here that moved back in the summer and home schools. SHe is moving agin but staying in thr same area. HEr user name is Earth Fairies or something like that. She might be able to help you and also someone might be able to help with her name since it might not be straight earth fairies.

 

[lori1043]

I will clarify some things . Keep in mind I am on an iPhone right now!
We are lucky to be able to live anywhere there are Chase branches.
Would like to be an easy drive from WDW.

If there were branches in the panhandle we'd go there.

I know of earthfairies from the homeschool board so I will find her on there.thanks!

Thank you for the well wishes for my daughter- it was a rough journey.
I am thrilled it is behind us and hope it stays there!

Cara- I will look into that neighborhood. Thank your sister for her sweet offer . I am hoping to tell you that in person!

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Looking forward to learning more- keep it coming!

Lori

 

[lori1043]

I have read good things about lake Mary and most of Seminole county.

Thankfully we have a lot of possibilties since we can live whereever.
That was a big issue with Houston since it is so big . We had finally settled on the spring or cypress areas.

Feels like starting over!!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It's funny you say the HSLDA website confuses you--I was looking up MD law and it confused me as well.


As for the state--if you were to homeschool "on your own"---all you do is send a letter to the county within 30 days of establishing your homeschool. There is NO START DATE that is mandated. So if you happend that you were on your school break when moving here--you don't have to send a letter until you resume school. But keep in mind--that becomes your annual date when you must send in your portfolio review. (But in the case of some families, they have successfully requested to have their date changed to something better.)

Our date is in August.

And you only send in the one letter--you don't send in another letter until you terminate their homeschooling (either b/c they are going into regular school, or you are moving or whatever).


******

Next--you educate your children as you see fit. There is no curriculum review, no mandatory classes, no nothing. It is what you feel is in their best interest. So there is freedom! Lots of it. You do not have to teach what the school is teaching. I don't at all. I follow a curriculum plan that we ordered and some things are taught in much different orders than in the public school. But it is not an issue at all!

*******
Then---you keep samples of what you do. Now I'm crazy and keep almost everything--but it is very clearly stated you only need to save samples that show progress throughout the year. (i.e. I have 32 weeks in my syllabus--I don't need to keep work from each week.) This must be available for inspection with 2 weeks notice should the county want to look at it. But they hardly ever unless you made a mistake by not registering them with county or an umbrella school or you do not honor your anniversary date requirements.

Umbrella schools just take the place of the county and maintain your files for you which is what makes some people comfortable. I am fine maintaining them myself.

*******
Last --- you do one of the options available when it comes to your anniversary date of your letter. Ours is roughly August 8th.

1. HAve a certified teacher review your portfolio. There are numerous homeschool groups within each county. You can check FPEA for groups in the county you will reside--though often, folks will join a group in an adjacent county if it is closer. There you can get referrals for homeschool friendly certified teachers--and there are plenty in Brevard County who maintian their certifications for this purpose while homeschooling their own children. Literally--the teacher ask you questions about what was done and than validates that the child is performing commensurate with their ability. Just means that throughout the course of the year--they learned something. Much less confusing than it sounds.

Within the portfolio, you also maintain a book list--simply a list of books you use. They do not have to be textbooks. I am keeping a reading log of books the kids read and our syllabus has a list of the books used in that. The books are any of your choosing as fits within your curriculum for the year.

2. Testing--you can test your child. I think it has to be a proctored test, but I am not sure. And consensus in the homeschool community is to bypass submitting the actual test scores, but as in #1 have the scores reviewed and just send that in.

3. Psychologist option--you simply can have your child evaluated by a psychologist. I don't know anyone personally who utilizes that option.


The private school option they list is the umbrella school which means you are under them and operate under the umbrella school's rules and then are exempt from any of the above.

If your DH will work in Orlando, for commuting and family quality of life purposes, I would do my best to live in Orlando as there are many lovely, safe areas to reside.

Brevard is a great place to live, but I think you can accomplish your goals quite safely in Orlando.

 

[Feralpeg]

I will not be able to help with the home schooling question, but I may be able to help somewhat as to your other questions.

I live in Windermere. It is about ten minutes from Disney property. It is a very quiet and safe area. We did have a murder a few months ago, but it was a domestic violence thing. We also have the Tiger Woods thing going on, but I don't think that is a reflection on the area.

Housing in this area runs from about $180k to millions. Right now, the housing prices are down in my neighborhood from what they were a couple of years ago. There are quite a few bank owned properties in the area. From what I've seen, they are beginning to sell and people are saying they are getting good deals. It is a very nice, safe neighborhood.

There is a large, very active Methodist church in this area. It is St. Lukes Methodist Church. It is a great church and has a lot of programs available to members and the community.

If you are willing to go a little further out, you will get more for your money in the Clermont area. Try not to look at anything north of Highway 50 and east of McGuire. Some will tell you to look in the Kissimmee area. I would advise against it. It is very tourist oriented and there is a lot more crime in that area. We rarely see any tourists in my area. You'd never know that we are so close to Disney property.

 

[lori1043]

Thank you for all your input!

I know we will have to have corporate housing for a few months while scouting out areas. I am having a hard time finding sites that give you info straight.

I hope I get more info and ideas and opinions!

Lori

 

[lori1043]

Well, it seems like things are getting more and more set in stone about our move!!!

We will be getting corporate housing for a few months while we househunt.

If you have any ideas about corporate housing, I'll take info!

We seem to be gravitating toward Clermont or Lakeland. My DH likes Lakeland b/c it is right smack b/t 2 big market areas he will be visiting.
I like Clermont due to hills and how close it is to the Mlouse.

'Course, we gotta school sometime! But I feel we need to have a few fun days before getting back into the school year. Or i will use it as leverage to getting school done!

I need to join a homeschool association too- or support group or whatever it is called in Florida.

As hard as it will be to leave our home and family, coming down to Florida has me just a tad bit excited- just a tad. I mean, I know newness will wear off, and Disney will just be different.

I certainly cannot wait to have a weekly(hopefully) volunteer job at GKTW. I have to be a resident before applying for a weekly spot there.

DD12 and I will be able to volunteer there. I am unsure if I will be working, we are gonna see how a few month with 1 income works out.

Lori