Welcome! I used to live in Fredericksburg, and while there I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a support group called TOOL. It was big enough to have plenty of kids and moms to meet and plenty of fun activities, but it was small enough to get to know people. They have monthly moms meetings, Nature Days at Motts Run Reservoir, a lending library, field trips, etc. Hope that helps and enjoy your homeschooling!

Clarksville - almost at the NC state line. (Kerr Lake/Buggs Island area) Lovely town, but way more sparsely populated than other places I've lived before.

Thanks for the warm welcome and encouragement. Hope you all have a great school year.

It seems like it's time I introduced myself. I've been homeschooling ds 13 from the beginning, but with 9th grade on the horizon this fall, I've had tons of questions. It's been very helpful to be able to read and learn so much here on the forums. Thanks to all who have taken the time to post and share their wisdom, especially Nan in Mass, Lori D, Jean in Wisc(?), and anyone who commented on Spielvogel, Teaching Company, and logic choices. I just turned in my notice of intent and am feeling great about the choices I've made for this year: Excellence in Literature, Rod & Staff, Vocab from Classical Roots Saxon Algebra I Prentice Hall Earth Science Intro to Logic World History -The Humany Odyssey Rosetta Stone French Health/PE - wellness, canoeing, cycling, swimming, tennis, cardio routine, etc.

While it is pricey, I actually think RS4K has many redeeming qualities. I applaud Dr. Keller for her ability to take important, and sometimes difficult, scientific concepts and make them accessible to younger children. Take a look at her Chemistry Level II text and I think you'll find it sufficiently challenging for a middle schooler. I also like PH Science Explorer, but for a different set of reasons - pretty pictures, "fluff" such as articles on careers, project ideas, allignment with state standards, practice standardized test items, etc.