Which Homeschool Association are u using?

[Plibster]

Which are you using and why? I can't choose. :confused2

[martylamarche]

I use Grace out of Florence. I find that they are less intrusive than other assocs and don't ask for documentation that I'm not legally bound to provide.

[Dianna]

Which are you using and why? I can't choose. :confused2

Associations that participate with Carolina Homeschooler are listed at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/associations.htm , each with their own strengths. If you could tell us what you're looking for in an association, that would help us recommend one for you. I hope this helps! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Plibster]

Well, I'm not really sure what I am looking for in an association. I was thinking that I need to have a local association, so I thought of Vine & Branches. Then I looked at Grace because it is not too far away and it seemed to have more information on the website. Also, Grace seemed to have more when it comes to high school transcripts and so forth.

Since I am new to all of this, I would like to have an association that would answer questions. What exactly will an association do besides keep me legal? Will someone come to my home? Will I have to meet with someone once a year. Can you tell me your experience with either Grace Association or Vine & Branches?

Thanks!

[martylamarche]

Again, I'm with Grace but I haven't really used any of their services other than to keep me legal. I think they offer counseling and testing svcs. I've emailed them a few times about high school questions. They are prompt in answering back....maybe you should ask them about any concerns you have.

Oh, their deadline to receive $15 less off membership expires on Sat, July 15. After that, their membership fee is $60.

Marty

[Dianna]

Well, I'm not really sure what I am looking for in an association. I was thinking that I need to have a local association, so I thought of Vine & Branches. Then I looked at Grace because it is not too far away and it seemed to have more information on the website. Also, Grace seemed to have more when it comes to high school transcripts and so forth.

Since I am new to all of this, I would like to have an association that would answer questions. What exactly will an association do besides keep me legal? Will someone come to my home? Will I have to meet with someone once a year. Can you tell me your experience with either Grace Association or Vine & Branches?

Thanks!

An association gives you legal status. No one comes to your home, and you don't need to meet with anyone. You'll need to sign a statement at the end of the year (and possibly mid-year, depending on the association) to certify that you've complied with the requirements stated in the law, but that's usually it.

I believe that Vine & Branches Homeschool Association doesn't have as much experience in the high school area because they don't believe in the state scholarships (due to some of them being funded by lottery funds) so they won't work with parents to get these for their children. I don't know if they do transcripts or diplomas, but I know they won't help with the scholarship process. It's a good association, but if that type of assistance is important to you, you'll need to join a different association.

Grace Homeschool Association, on the other hand, does have a lot of experience with that, as does several of the others that participate in Carolina Homeschooler.

I hope this helps narrow it down a little more for you. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Plibster]

Thank you for your quick replies! This does help me understand a little better. I guess that is why the fees are different. I know we will need all the help we can get when it comes to College :biggrin2: so maybe I need to think about that. Can you change your association at the end of the year?

[Dianna]

Thank you for your quick replies! This does help me understand a little better. I guess that is why the fees are different. I know we will need all the help we can get when it comes to College :biggrin2: so maybe I need to think about that. Can you change your association at the end of the year?

Yes, you can change each year if you want to. However, I prefer choosing one and staying with it in order to support their efforts (if they meet your needs). The more members an association has, the more services they can usually provide (graduation ceremonies, office hours, part-time or full-time staff, etc). It's up to you, though. :smile2:

Dianna

[Plibster]

Thank you so much Dianna for all of your help. It is so nice to have someone with patience answer all of your questions. You have made this adventure a little more understandable. I can't wait to begin Home School in August!

Libby

[MomsTherapy]

I used Palmetto Independant Educators ($40 per year per family). They aren't intrusive at all and are based out of Aiken. However, I live in Lexington so you don't have to live in the area. They have phone numbers for help and to find out more and the website has a lot on it also. I have really liked them so far.

http://www.homeschoolingwithpie.org/index.html