Homeschooling Resources in Englewood, CO VS Those in Houston, TX

When we chose to become a homeschooling family, we resided in Denver, Colorado. However, as circumstances changed and life plotted new paths, my husband and I packed up the kids and headed to Houston, Texas. Now, life has again done an about-face and I am once again homeschooling the kids in the Denver area - Englewood to be exact. So, how do the resources available differ from one state to the next?

Libraries

Libraries are an essential part of curriculum for many homeschoolers. Even when they are not, they are still helpful for additional resources. Both Houston, TX and Englewood, CO have libraries. One thing we did find inconvenient in Houston is that in certain neighborhoods, the library was not close enough to walk to. This meant that for those without transportation, getting to the library would be difficult. This could be due, in part, to the size of the city. In Englewood, there is only one library branch. But, since Englewood is fairly small and public transportation is convenient and abundant, it's not too hard to get around that.

Public Transportation

Speaking of public transportation, if you homeschool but don't have a vehicle, this can really come in handy - well, if it's convenient anyway. Houston's transportation system can be great if you're right in the heart of the city. But I found that if you're in Fort Bend County instead of Harris County, it's not as accessible. Yes, Houston is so big, it's got two counties. Harris makes up the bulk, but parts of Houston are also in Fort Bend. In Englewood, it's hard not to run across an RTD bus stop. They're practically everywhere. Plus, the Englewood Station provides easy access to the light rail train and several bus routes. No matter where you want to go, there is likely a way.

Homeschool Groups & Organizations

Both Houston and Englewood have support groups and organizations. However, Houston definitely overpowers Englewood in this area. This is possibly due in part to the fact that Houston is much larger , as is the homeschooling community. So far, I have only been able to find two homeschool groups in Englewood. There are several more throughout the Denver Metro area and other areas surrounding Englewood. The advantage I see in Houston is that no matter the type of group you are looking for, it can usually be found. From secular, to Christian, to Jewish, to Montessori, and more, you can be assured there is very likely a homeschool group or organization that supports your mission. Some find that belonging to one of these homeschool groups helps get the kids involved in social activities and also helps parents who school similarly relate and compare ideas.

Educational Field Trips

There isn't much in the way of museums in Englewood, CO - but for the "Museum of Outdoor Arts". However, Denver area museums are not a far transit and are along the city bus route. Englewood does have an abundance of nature trails and an interesting historical culture to explore. Houston does have many more museums and historical and cultural locations. Their parks, wildlife, and recreational facilities are like no other. While they do have an advantage that these things occur within their city limits, traveling to similar places near Englewood takes about the same amount of time. Both cities have things the other does not. So, it's about even and both are wonderful places for enjoying homeschool field trips.

Supplemental Courses

I have been unable to find any homeschool co-ops in Englewood. However, the Englewood Rec Center and some area schools do offer supplemental courses for kids in teens in a variety of subjects. Although there are no classes that I can find officially made for homeschooled children, just like any other child can take these courses, so can a homeschooled child. It may actually be easier for those in homeschool because their schedules can be flexible. Houston definitely has Englewood beat in this area. There are co-ops, community college options, dual enrollment options, and more. Many museums, and even the zoo, give classes especially for homeschooled kids. But again, even though Englewood's courses are not labeled specifically for kids who are educated from home, they are still available to them. So the disadvantage is not a great one.

Sports & Recreation

Houston is filled with sports and recreational activities for homeschooled kids. The advantage is that not only are kids in homeschool allowed to play sports along with other school teams and sports leagues. But there are homeschool sports leagues as well. These opportunities exist across Houston. In Englewood, homeschoolers are allowed to participate on the teams of some of the local schools. They also can participate in other sports leagues, just like any other child. Resources are available in both cities, just more abundant in Houston.

Houston, TX Homeschooling Resources:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=TX

http://homeschoolinhouston.org/

Englewood, CO Homeschooling Resources:

http://www.homeschoolingincolorado.com/

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=CO

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Homeschooling in Houston, Texas VS Denver, Colorado: Legalities, Social Aspects, and Cultural Differences