Looking to move to WA. Guidance needed.

bigb02z28 · #61 01/12/13, 08:52 AM

Thanks again for everyones input. I'm having to re-read the thread numerous times to make sure I don't miss things. Wife has been reading some here and there as well, of course she just loves the pictures!

Not sure if I mentioned this, but it will be My wife, myself, our daughter (newborn), 2 dogs (English Bulldogs), and my father (Whom is disabled). We are also wanting to to have 1-2 more children. We are a young couple, 26+23 but are very mature and ambitious.

Does anyone home school? I've just briefly looked into homeschooling and a few people are stating that WA is tough on homeschooling.

ChristieAcres · #62 01/12/13, 10:10 AM

I homeschooled my children for ten years, here in WA, with no problems. Currently, I know others who do. What problems did you hear about?

Molly Mckee · #63 01/12/13, 10:35 AM

I can't tell you about the west side but here many school districts give you a stiepend to help with the cost, have home school centers, kids can take any classes at the school, and participate in all school activities. We have had several local tems where the first string high school basketball and most of the football team were homeschoolers. The homeschool kids are also eligible for Running Start- the kids can do college their jr and sr years in high school and the cost is paid by the school district. They will leave you alone if you choose that. I don't know how much more "friendly" they could be, at least in our area. There are more homeschooled kids, at least in our area than public school.

LisaInN.Idaho · #64 01/12/13, 11:18 AM

What Molly said. I know more homeschoolers from Washington than I can shake a stick at. My friends in Deer Park have their Home Link program in an old school and they offer so much. I was so envious when I was homeschooling.

http://homelink.dpsd.org/index.html

ChristieAcres · #65 01/12/13, 12:21 PM

Here is a link to Washington Homeschool Organization, and supplies all the information you need. There are numerous resources here in WA, and great support in Kitsap County, too.

http://www.washhomeschool.org/homesc...schooling.html

Dusky Beauty · #66 01/12/13, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanet

Dusky, you are mistaken. Although there are places in N. AZ that have very deep wells. They are not nearly as deep as those in Southern AZ. Also many places in N. AZ have very close and very good ground water. Our well is 90 ft deep has a caseing 16" across, and cant be pumped dry. We have had as big as 150 gal a minute pump on it and it didnt drop at all. Along with that we get enough rain during the monsoon season (July to Oct.) to dry farm and not water at all. That being said, the southern part of the state does have a much longer growing season. The only reason I recommended N. AZ is that the area is allot like Washington, Pine tree forests and such, with a similar climate and will support the same type of plants. Once you get down south, gardening is a whole different story. You can no longer grow apples and peaches and such. You will be growing Oranges and grapefruits. Another problem with the southern part of the state is you have to be close to either Tucson or Phx. to get any land and it is expensive. Not Nearly as bad as Washington, but still quite pricey. Up North good Property can still be had rather cheaply by western standards.

I think it must depend on which part of "northern AZ" you mean... it is a pretty wide section of the state after all--- but most people looking at buying in "north AZ" are looking at the cheap and pretty land outlaying flagstaff and the rim like in Williams and Ash Fork--- that's where the water royally sucks. If you know different facts surrounding a different town, call it out by name

, because it's usually the poor land that gets all the attention on the web for it's reputation of being pretty and cheap.

Camp Verde might be considered "north" and it's beautiful (for Arizona) and I suspect doesn't have water trouble. Same with Payson.

Yuma is very "farmy" and heavily improved by it's large river but in the far south.

"Nearby" to the southern cities is relative. I live an hour away from Phoenix.. my neighborhood feels like that insanity is a world away, but at the same time close enough for jobs, lots of urban farmers to do livestock trading with, and a lot of potential food customers and several world class hospitals; Mayo clinic, Banner Good Samaritan and at least 4 other banner hospitals, Abrazo Baptist and 4 other abrazo hospitals, Cardin Childrens, Cancer Treatment Centers... (DH is also in nursing working to further his degree, we're staying for the educational opportunities) 50k in my neighborhood will buy some completely useable land, water rights and a fairly nice house and a lot of locations can't boast the same. It's not my perfect, but it's great for now, and it is "forever perfect" for many people.

Oh, and yes, we can grow peaches and apples.

And yes, they fruit. So do citrus, grapes, passion fruit, kiwi, vanilla, figs, loquats, kumkwats, and pears.

Dreamfarm · #67 01/12/13, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanet

I know I am going to get blasted from all the locals. But here goes. Do not under any circumstances consider the state of WA if you are trying to become self sufficiant. I was born there and spent more than 30 yeas of my life there. Problems: Taxes, most people, regulations, prices, weather, lack of good paying employment and probably some I have forgotten since I have been away a few years. If you want that type of country but at an affordable price without the government and your neighbors causing you nothing but grief. Look at AZ (up north), Colorado (west side), New Mexico (west and north) Oregon, and even northern Cali would be better than WA.Your money will go allot further and you will be among many more like minded people. Good luck with your search.

Definitely California is not a place to be self sufficient with high taxes, worst school system and legal red tape and fees to do anything.. surprised they don't tax the smoggy air we breathe!!!

I have purchased land in Steven's County WA and am working on building it up to live there soon.

Dreamfarm · #68 01/12/13, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb02z28

Thanks again for everyones input. I'm having to re-read the thread numerous times to make sure I don't miss things. Wife has been reading some here and there as well, of course she just loves the pictures!

Not sure if I mentioned this, but it will be My wife, myself, our daughter (newborn), 2 dogs (English Bulldogs), and my father (Whom is disabled). We are also wanting to to have 1-2 more children. We are a young couple, 26+23 but are very mature and ambitious.

Does anyone home school? I've just briefly looked into homeschooling and a few people are stating that WA is tough on homeschooling.

My eldest daughter was homeschooled in Spokane Valley and did quite well after attending an inner city school in CA where the classes where taught half in English and half in Spanish and Parent Meetings were all held in Spanish and I was given a sheet of paper in English to try to follow along.

Pearl B · #69 01/12/13, 05:23 PM

Quote:

I have purchased land in Steven's County WA

Thats nice country up there.

naturelover · #70 01/12/13, 06:56 PM

Sorry I don't know what roads I was on when I took these pictures (I just point the car and drive) - these pictures were all taken somewhere in the middle of Washington, heading from east to west. Some before getting near to the Columbia River gorge, then near the river look for the many windmills up on the far hill. Approaching and crossing the Columbia river, then after crossing the river, still going west you start to see more farms. Continuing west through the state headed towards the Cascades and on west towards Seattle the land becomes greener, lusher, many more farms and small communities growing hay, fruit orchards, vinyards, cattle ranching (sorry you can't see most of those things in the pictures). In the far distance you can see the Cascades as they are getting closer. The very last picture is on the west side of the Cascades.

bigb02z28 · #71 01/12/13, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molly Mckee

I can't tell you about the west side but here many school districts give you a stiepend to help with the cost, have home school centers, kids can take any classes at the school, and participate in all school activities. We have had several local tems where the first string high school basketball and most of the football team were homeschoolers. The homeschool kids are also eligible for Running Start- the kids can do college their jr and sr years in high school and the cost is paid by the school district. They will leave you alone if you choose that. I don't know how much more "friendly" they could be, at least in our area. There are more homeschooled kids, at least in our area than public school.

Wow thats good to hear. My wife did the same here in Florida, it was called "Dual Enrollment". She graduated High school with an AA Degree, her senior year she didn't take a single class at the high school. She was an RN by age 20.

What I am referring to is this:

Least Restrictive States
Alaska
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Missouri
New Jersey
Oklahoma
Texas

Most Restrictive States
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New York
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia

Quote:

In low-ranked states, significant government regulation burdens homeschooling families. These states require homeschooling families to submit portfolios of student work regularly, take standardized tests or be otherwise evaluated by the public school system – a system that often views homeschooling as competition.

http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles...04/HS1-04.html

I'm wondering what these sites are referring to as "burdens". I heard something about having to meet with school officials on a weekly basis to show your child's work portfolio to prove they are following the same regime as public schools.

Dusky Beauty · #72 01/12/13, 08:16 PM

Thank you for the beautiful pictures Naturelover!

sgsnoco · #73 01/12/13, 10:27 PM

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

That gives the laws for each state, you have to provide an email to view them if you aren't a member.

As per the color chart, WA is medium, it requires some notification, but is not really difficult to manage in. I know many successful homeschoolers here as well, the requirements are no big deal.

ntjpm · #74 01/13/13, 12:04 AM

Honestly I have no idea why it is considered a restrictive state to home school in?? I pulled my then 8th grader out and home schooled him for that year and really the only two requirements I had were 1: Notify the school district within two weeks of school starting of my intent. And 2: Get him tested to make sure he was learning something. As for #2 I did not have to submit his test results to anyone and no one has ever asked for them. He is now back in the PS system as a 10th grader and they have never even mentioned it. (I do have his test results, but they are just sitting in a file should I ever be asked for them) The test cost me $35 and the group who does it goes all over the area so it is really easy to sign up for one and get your child to it.

Now you do have to have a certain education level to HS without having to be supervised or have your lesson plans approved by a teacher. It is something like 45 College Credits. The fact that your wife is an RN leads me to believe that you would have no problem meeting this qualification.

Actaully I just pulled this off the web and maybe this is why it is considered restrictive, please note you only have to meet ONE of the below requirements to homeschool your own child:
http://www.washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/law.html

To qualify to homeschool you must fulfill one of the following: RCW 28A.225.010 (4)
Have earned 45 quarter units of college level credit.
Attend a Parent Qualifying Course.
Work with a certified teacher who meets with your student on the average of an hour a week.
Be deemed sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction by the superintendent of your local school district.

Anyways I found it really easy to do and will be doing it again for the next two years with my child who is going into 7th grade.

HTH
Tracy in WA

ChristieAcres · #75 01/13/13, 12:10 AM

I was a Certified Home School Teacher, only was required to have 2 years of college, at that time, and since then, it isn't required. I also took a course. All I was required to do is submit a Letter of Intent, and I brought them in each year for testing. That was a piece of cake, as DD was gifted, but I had my learning disabled DS above average across the board. So much for difficult. I was never asked for any records at all.

However, I kept great records, all their work, and had daily worksheets showing I was teaching them 12 classes per day (most were 15 minutes). Our actual class time was 4 hours/day 4 days/week, with lots of outings, day-trips, and WHO activities. There are CO-OPs, Christian and Secular, and now there are supplies being provided. I put together my own curriculum with my own materials, also books I ordered, and I created each class to suit each of my kids. I taught them in a both Auditory/Visual way to address their unique learning styles. Their aptitude was high, due to most classes being 15 minutes. They also got lots of exercise, as I required it for PE.

I know a number of homeschooling families. If I am not mistaken, one of our HTer's, Cindy-e also currently does!

ChristieAcres · #76 01/13/13, 12:14 AM

Quote:

To qualify to homeschool you must fulfill one of the following: RCW 28A.225.010 (4)
Have earned 45 quarter units of college level credit.
Attend a Parent Qualifying Course.
Work with a certified teacher who meets with your student on the average of an hour a week.
Be deemed sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction by the superintendent of your local school district.

These requirements are the same as before. Even though I exceed their credit requirement, I elected to take the course.

I recently confirmed I am qualified as a Certified Teacher here in WA State.

ChristieAcres · #77 01/13/13, 12:27 AM

Since I was going through my pics, here are some more. I have taken pics around the Olympics for years, so have a LOT more

Also, I used to live in Eastern WA, yes, less expensive yet too dry and hot in the summer for me. I much prefer our climate here, and on the Peninsula, you get to choose how much rain you get just by picking the right area. That all said, WA State has many beautiful places on both sides of the State

Mushrooms? Those are wild Oyster Mushrooms, which we then picked, sauteed, and ate! Yes, we pick (8) different varieties, all edible, not psychedelic...