Virginia

[Alice]

we're in NoVA- suburbs of Washington DC.

[Brigitte]

I'm moving to Va. in June - probably SWVa. My family is in C'ville.

[8FillTheHeart]

We are moving to VA the beginning of Feb. :)

[hsmamainva]

I'm in Virginia -- Fredericksburg area

[Brigitte]

We are moving to VA the beginning of Feb. :)


What area of Va?

Brigitte

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

..

[Laura in VA]

Moving to Japan in the summer!

[tess in the burbs]

I am in Suffolk(near Norfolk, Virginia Beach).

Brigitte, I grew up in Asheville and my dad is in Etowah(out near H'ville and Brevard).

[Verena]

We're in SW Va.

[Lisa at Home]

And there are a few others that have not chimed in yet, that are in relatively close proximity to me here in South Central Virginia.

~Lisa

[Brigitte]

I am in Suffolk(near Norfolk, Virginia Beach).

Brigitte, I grew up in Asheville and my dad is in Etowah(out near H'ville and Brevard).

Just kidding. :D If you come this way before the end of June, it would be fun to meet.

[Old Dominion Heather]

I'm in Central Virginia.

[Colleen in SEVA]

I am in the Hampton Roads area.

[Chris in VA]

I know two of you irl! Hi Laura! Hi Alice!

I'm in NoVA near Ft. Belvoir. I'd love to get together sometime.

Are any of you going to the convention in Richmond in June? Even tho' I may not homeschool next year, I still would like to go, as I would like to hs jr. high instead of sending dd to public school. But that's not for a few years.
Wouldn't it be fun to meet up and at least have someone to have lunch with?

[Cindy in C-ville]

I'm in C-ville :)

[clerkofkirk]

We're in SW Va.
Me too! I'm near Abingdon, where are you?
Susie in SWVA

[Brigitte]

Me too! I'm near Abingdon, where are you?
Susie in SWVA

We are looking in the Abingdon area. We want to rent for a year, before we commit to an area. Do you have a recommendation for a newspaper to get or an agency to call?

We are driving up this weekend to look around. How is home schooling there? Any ballet schools, Suzuki violin/piano teachers? I have lots of questions.....

[nukeswife]

I'm in SEVA as well.

Chesapeake to be exact.

[Mama Lynx]

We've tried this before, and it didn't work. I really think it's going to actually happen this time, though. If not, I think I'll give up.

We are planning to move to the DC area, in May/June. DH will be working all around the area (but often downtown), so we just kind of have to pick a place to live and hope it works out well :D

Any tips? Where are the wonderful, but affordable, areas? (LOL) Okay, how 'bout we start with wonderful, and see where we can go from there ...

[LisaK in VA]

Chiming in from the Fredericksburg Area... in Stafford County (17). Building a new house out here -- break ground in May (WE are actually building it).

As far as "affordable" housing goes, you really should probably rent in this declining market. It will give you some time to feel the area out. Several analysts have predicted continued price declines throughout 2008... maybe into 2009 -- and after that a period of price stagnation. There are lots of areas that are over-built, and lots of foreclosure activity in Prince William, Louden, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.

The most difficult part of this market is getting an appraisal the banks will take. Some areas with some of the "best" deals right now, have no sales activity, so no comps.

If you're interested in building, I can point you to some great lots here off of Rte. 17 in Stafford -- that's the best pricing we've found.

We're building a 3600 sq. ft. home (with an 1875 sq.ft basement) on 3 wooded acres for $425k (or less). Hardwood throughout (except for kitchen/bath), 4 bedrooms 3 1/2 bathrooms -- and a kitchen I've been dreaming about for years.

Closest in pricing to this is on a 1/4 acre lot, and has vinyl, carpet and builder grade pretty much everything.

[Mama Lynx]

That's what I want - what you're buliding!! That sounds idea. Is it too far out, though, if my DH works downtown in DC?

[LisaK in VA]

My husband takes a commuter van to the Washington Navy Yard every day. It's a far cry from the 15min. commute he had in Ft. Smith (about an hour), but -- just as anyone in No. VA can tell you -- you can live 15 miles away and it STILL take an hour to get into DC during rush hour.

Commute-wise it just depends upon what you're willing to do. I know some people who drive 30 min. to get to a commuter lot, and then another hour-hour fifteen to get in.

Early risers have it easier -- they can adjust to the leave house by 5:00am to avoid the traffic schedule.

Home-bound traffic (on I-95) starts to get heavy around 3:30-4:00pm (Pentagon -- lots of in by 6 and out by 3 or in by 7 and out by 4 schedules).

Do you have any idea where in DC your DH will be working? If he can avoid commuting during rush hours (6:30am-9:00am and 3:30pm-6:00pm), just about anything is possible!

Love to have you as a neighbor!

[HootyTooty]

We live in Hampton Roads on the peninsula.

[nestof3]

We live in Virginia Beach.

[Pata in VA]

We are also in SW Va

[countrykiddos]

where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake Bay...

Kim

[daisychics]

we also live in Virginia Beach. :)
We have WTM ladies that meet every 2nd Monday of the month in Chesapeake.

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

I'm about 10 miles north of LisaK.

I would agree with renting at this point. Lots of nice rentals on the market. If you like access to county pool, library, and shopping, it's hard to beat North Stafford. All are within a mile or 2 of my house. It's nice to save on gas!

Neighborhoods I would recommend renting in are: Park Ridge (library is located in subdivision), Hampton Oaks (county pool is located just inside, just a mile from the library) and many parks. These are your typical mid-90's subdivisions with small lots and sidewalks. Aquia Harbor is a more rustic neighborhood (lots of hills and trees) and has it's own amenities and great access to I-95.

My dh only commutes to Woodbridge, but I know many commute to DC via commuter vans or the VRE. Unfortunately, traffic during rush hour and some weekends can be frustrating.

It's the price you pay for living a popular, government/DC economy driven area. Since so many people in transition are military, you may want to check out for sale/rental sites aimed at the military. Perhaps Battlemaiden knows the web address.

BTW, Battlemaiden's home is here in North Stafford. From the pictures, it looks really nice!!

hth,
let us know where you end up.

K

[Mama Lynx]

So, tell me about the VRE. How is it? How well does it work? Do the trains tend to run on time? Is it safe? Is it a good, doable option to live out in, say, Manassas or Stafford, and ride the VRE into DC for work?

My husband would very much mind an hour or so commute by car, but would not mind it by train. If the VRE trains are a good option, that very much opens up our possibilities for where we can choose to live. But if it stinks, I'd like to know that up front.

If the VRE is a Good Thing, I think Stafford looks like a great area.

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

I think these folks give a fairly good assessment if somewhat negative of the commute from Stafford to DC.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/109124-anyone-commute-stafford-k-st-downtown.html

I noticed that they didn't mention commuter buses or vanpools. Stafford has many of these (A friend of mine commutes to Maryland from one) and I think the time may be shorter that the times they are giving, but probably at least 1 hour if not more. Friday night commutes (especially in the summer) are pretty bad.

It's really nice here, but I understand about the importance of having a workable commute and how that is a priority for your family (it's mine too).

If you can take a look at TrafficLand.com traffic cameras, you can look up traffic in No Va. Check it out on Friday. You can get a taste of it.

Hth
k

[dEwing]

We are in Abingdon. :001_smile:

[lindaO in Va]

:lurk5: anyone?

[Virginia Dawn]

I'm in rural Southeast VA, 5 minutes from the James River.

[Cheryl B in VA]

That is where we are.

[daisychics]

WOW! Love Manassas. Not in Manassas but love to go :auto: there. Can you just wave at IKEA for me. :D

[Shanna]

I'm in NoVA west of Leesburg. Hubby works in Herndon. Moved here a year ago from Dallas.

[Gwen in VA]

We're in Williamsburg.

[hmschoolmom22]

I'm in Williamsburg too!

[ssmeest]

I'm moving to Charlottesville area this summer:D

Sandra

[Heartfelths]

We are in Madison, Virginia!

[Shanna]

For those who are in the Tri-state area (WV, VA, MD) we are having a homeschool game night at our home tomorrow night. If you would like more info PM me. I know this is a late notice but hopefully you can come or otherwise I will let you know the next time we do one.

[Mama Lynx]

Okay, so, if my husband were to work in Falls Church ... where could we live that we would only pay $2000/month in rent? As close as possible to Falls Church ... but we really can't go over $2000. A town house is fine.

Where should we look for that price range? I've done a little looking, and I'm in sticker shock at the prices.

[Shanna]

We moved here a yr ago from Dallas. Oh the prices!!!!! Anyways, if I remember correctly Falls Church is south of Herndon/Reston. I would look in Gainesville and Manassas. Gainesville has the cheapest gas around so I would think that they would have cheaper housing. But, I could be wrong. HTH!! Keep us updated.

[Mama Lynx]

We moved here a yr ago from Dallas. Oh the prices!!!!! Anyways, if I remember correctly Falls Church is south of Herndon/Reston. I would look in Gainesville and Manassas. Gainesville has the cheapest gas around so I would think that they would have cheaper housing. But, I could be wrong. HTH!! Keep us updated.

Thank you, Shanna!

The prices in Manassas look good, but I keep hearing that it's not a good place to live - more run down and higher crime. Do you have any idea about this?

We'll be using a realtor, but I just want to figure out some places to look in in advance. I'm pretty stressed about the prices. I haven't looked at Gainesville. We don't want a horrendous commute, but I'm starting to be afraid that we can't live anywhere closer in, on our budget!

[Shanna]

Thank you, Shanna!

The prices in Manassas look good, but I keep hearing that it's not a good place to live - more run down and higher crime. Do you have any idea about this?

We'll be using a realtor, but I just want to figure out some places to look in in advance. I'm pretty stressed about the prices. I haven't looked at Gainesville. We don't want a horrendous commute, but I'm starting to be afraid that we can't live anywhere closer in, on our budget!

I dont know about Manassas. I know that Gainesville is pretty. My midwife lives there.

I do understand the commute. We live west of Leesburg and my husband commutes to Herndon every day. Takes 45 mins - 1 hr depending on traffic. We couldnt afford city prices and honestly did not want to live in the city.

Do you have a realtor yet? It seems everyone is a realtor here. I know there are a few homeschool mom/dads that are. Let me know if you need any info on that.

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

until I had the kids. I left early and my commute was about 45 minutes. There are "back roads" through Clifton area that go over to Fairfax and then to Falls Church if you want to avoid the highway.

I would avoid the City of Manassas and stick to the area of Manassas that is in Prince William County. I think the zip is 22109 (22110 is the zip for the city). I lived in the City and loved many aspects of the City government, but the area was changing and not in a good way when we left.

There are many foreclosures in the area and you shouldn't have trouble finding a nice rental. If I were looking in that area, I'd suggests you ask your realtor about homes in the Signal Hill, Hastings and Lake Jackson areas. The back road way to Falls Church was off of the Prince William County Parkway and these developments are closer to that than to I-66.

Manassas had many good things going for it. My kids loved visiting the train station and old town. We enjoyed the historic aspect of it too. Loads of shopping choices very close.

hth
K

[iquilt]

We are in Virginia Beach also :) Since before kids....

[leigleigh_bird]

Centreville isn't far from Falls Church, a little closer than Manassas. Crime is very low here (Manassas is a little dicey), and there are lots of townhomes. We have a three bedroom that we're renting for under $1500, not bad for DC. Only problem is, DH commute (to downtown DC) takes 1 1/2 hours!

The VRE is rather unreliable. I wouldn't chance it if I were you.

[Mama Lynx]

Centreville isn't far from Falls Church, a little closer than Manassas. Crime is very low here (Manassas is a little dicey), and there are lots of townhomes. We have a three bedroom that we're renting for under $1500, not bad for DC. Only problem is, DH commute (to downtown DC) takes 1 1/2 hours!

The VRE is rather unreliable. I wouldn't chance it if I were you.

How funny that you should post this. DH just got finished looking at some townhomes in Centreville - good sizes at good prices. It's a definite possibility. We also found a house we like in Springfield. It's closer to Falls Church, but more expensive, of course. Ugh, your dh's commute has got to be killer, though.

Thanks for letting me know that crime in the area is low. We were looking in the 20120 area code.

[Kathleen in VA]

I am in Stafford just over the Fauquier County line (NW Stafford).

For those of you moving to the area, Leeland Station is a nice subdivision near the Leeland Station VRE train. I have a friend who lives nearby and her husband takes the train in every day. He is a nuclear engineer in DC (government agency) and finds the commute relaxing. He takes his laptop and spends the time reading. There are also places in this area on more land and not in a subdivision. Lots of different kinds of things to choose from.

It is just north of Fredericksburg, just over the Rappahannock River and near Ferry Farm (Geo. Washington's boyhood home).

Manassas/Woodbridge are kind of going downhill although there are bright spots here and there. It actually costs less to buy a house in those areas than in Stafford even though they are closer to DC.

I also had a friend who lived in a gorgeous townhouse near the Rippon Landing VRE Station in Woodbridge and her husband walked to the train. Very cushy commute.

BTW, IKEA is in Woodbridge. We buy practically all our furniture there:).

HTH

[leigleigh_bird]

We're in 20121. The hubby takes the bus and the metro, so that makes the commute longer. It's worth it for a little more room. Springfield is nice. Stay away from the Springfield Mall area - a kid was stabbed in the mall a year or so ago (some gang activity, if I recall). Good luck! DC is wonderful for homeschooling families. So much free stuff to do!

[runamuk]

We just moved to VA and we're south of Richmond.

[Mama Lynx]

DH expects to make a choice today, between a house in Annandale (inside the beltway) and Herndon. The Annandale house is closer to work, but smaller, older, and has no master bathroom, lol. The Herndon house is nicer, a bit larger, the rent is less expensive, and not a terrible commute.

I think right now (in this 5 minutes) he's leaning towards Herndon, but I've heard that Herndon is not a good place to live. Any opinions/knowledge?

[Shanna]

DH expects to make a choice today, between a house in Annandale (inside the beltway) and Herndon. The Annandale house is closer to work, but smaller, older, and has no master bathroom, lol. The Herndon house is nicer, a bit larger, the rent is less expensive, and not a terrible commute.

I think right now (in this 5 minutes) he's leaning towards Herndon, but I've heard that Herndon is not a good place to live. Any opinions/knowledge?

I.think.it.depends.on.where.in.Herndon.

Parts.of.Herndon.are.really.nice.

My.husband.commutes.to.Herndon.

[Mama Lynx]

I.think.it.depends.on.where.in.Herndon.

Parts.of.Herndon.are.really.nice.

My.husband.commutes.to.Herndon.

20170 zip code, near (east of) Bready Park, north of Elden St., south of Herndon Parkway.

[laylamcb]

...before moving out to Gainesville/Warrenton. We LOVED it. One thing to note, however: in the area you're talking about, it gets QUITE congested. Centreville Road, which is 8 lanes wide, turns into Elden Street when it crosses the Toll Rd, and Elden Street squeezes down to two lanes each direction and then ONE lane each direction. We liked living on the OTHER side of the Toll Rd (in one of the THOUSANDS of McTownhouses there) to avoid the squeeze.

When you hear about seedy sections of Herndon, well, they're on the side that you're talking about. However, there are also really nice sections on that side of town!

Herndon is only 15 minutes from Tysons Corner, which is essentially the center of Western Fairfax County. That's, um, 15 minutes during nonrush hours, of course. My husband and I both commuted and had reasonable commute times because, barring an accident, the toll road just doesn't (didn't? It has been 5 years) get backed up like 95/395/495/66. But we also both left for work VERY early, my husband at 5 AM and me no later than 6.

Prepare to dish out big bucks on tolls, too. The toll road's just TOO convenient to avoid. :001_smile:

Best of luck!
Layla McB

[laylamcb]

...that my DH is the captain of Fire Station 31 nearby. He's been in various stations in and around Herndon/Reston for most of the past 10 years, so he knows the area WELL. If your DH has a specific address (street and/or complex or neighborhood name), lemme know and I'll run it past him. :001_smile:

Layla McB

[hannahbanana]

Was so excited to see that you are near where we are coming in mid August.....are there any good homeschooling groups in the Norfolk area? thanks....

[lionfamily1999]

My son will be in WDES until Christmas break, but after that we'll be homeschoolers. If there's anyone from King George or Warsaw or any other surrounding counties, could you email me? All I can seem to find around here are unschoolers and I was hoping to find my son some friends that use a similar curriculum.

Also, what do all the "hive" references and ds de dd, etc, mean?

Thanks,
Julie

[lionfamily1999]

where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake Bay...

Kim
We're up river from you, just a few minutes from George Washington's Birthplace, Stratford Hall and all that jazz.

[transientChris]

Hi all,

I just moved here. Or I should say I moved back here. I lived in Annadale from 1979 to 1981 but haven't lived here since. I am living outside the beltway now. It is a very big change for us and it will take a while to get used to this here. Now for writing a curriculum description.

[Blessedfamily]

Traffic traffic traffic. *sigh* How is it in Annandale?

[Blessedfamily]

Well, since we're supposed to be updating, here's a bump for Virginia.

I'm a Hampton Roads native, living in Northern Virginia.

[farmgirlinwv]

Is it still ok to submit the CAT as my end of year testing? Dd has dyslexia and dyscalculia and I want to test her at home in a setting that's comfortable. In WV we had portfolio eval's done by her tutor. I wanted to do a test this year to get some idea of where she is and also to expose her to testing.

thanks,

Lisa

[kailuamom]

Is it still ok to submit the CAT as my end of year testing? Dd has dyslexia and dyscalculia and I want to test her at home in a setting that's comfortable. In WV we had portfolio eval's done by her tutor. I wanted to do a test this year to get some idea of where she is and also to expose her to testing.

thanks,

Lisa

We are in Fairfax county and have submitted the CAT for the last two years, no problem. We got it from Seton -- very fast & efficient.

Good luck!

[farmgirlinwv]

Thanks so much Deborah! That's where I got it before!

Lisa

[bnbacademy]

We are in Harrisonburg, VA area

[skaterbabs]

We're in the Metro Richmond area. :)

[GSMP]

I live right outside the front gate of Quantico. (Marine Corps Base)

I am in Manassas every Thursday.

My sister lives in Westmoreland county and just pulled my 15 year old niece out of school to homeschool her.

They live at Ebb Tide Beach. I am down there at least once a week. Anyone in the area that would like to get together let me know.

During the summer my kids and I will travel all over VA, so if you have something fun near you, let us know and we will come visit. We especially like historical places and national parks.

[Blessedfamily]

Just waving at you all! Welcome aboard!:seeya:

[lionfamily1999]

I live right outside the front gate of Quantico. (Marine Corps Base)

I am in Manassas every Thursday.

My sister lives in Westmoreland county and just pulled my 15 year old niece out of school to homeschool her.

They live at Ebb Tide Beach. I am down there at least once a week. Anyone in the area that would like to get together let me know.

During the summer my kids and I will travel all over VA, so if you have something fun near you, let us know and we will come visit. We especially like historical places and national parks.
Next time you're down here have your niece call my daughter and maybe we can hang out :)

[Pink and Green Mom]

We live in western Loudoun County near Purcellville.

Terrie

[transientChris]

Well Blessed Family asked how Annandale is turning out. I was just talking with my dh this morning about how much I love my house and neighborhood, the church is great, the libraries are good (though Florida was better), and the cultural activities are wonderful. The only real complaint I have is homeschooling. We haven't found a group nor a homeschool co-op or enrichment classes and the community college is very expensive. ( I am used to free in Fl for dual enrolled and 60 regular price in CA). WE are on a wait list at the closest homeschooling group and we are 17 in line and they usually don't have many openings for my age group (high school and junior high). We tried another group but everyone was younger and almost all by much younger. SOme of the other groups don't have their schedules up yet and while one may work for one girl, it looks a lot less promising for the other. THe girls are doing homeschooled soccer and I thought I might meet people that way but it hasn't turned out. We ended up in the group far away from our house rather than the team right near us where we could meet local homeschoolers.

[Kathleen in VA]

Well Blessed Family asked how Annandale is turning out. I was just talking with my dh this morning about how much I love my house and neighborhood, the church is great, the libraries are good (though Florida was better), and the cultural activities are wonderful. The only real complaint I have is homeschooling. We haven't found a group nor a homeschool co-op or enrichment classes and the community college is very expensive. ( I am used to free in Fl for dual enrolled and 60 regular price in CA). WE are on a wait list at the closest homeschooling group and we are 17 in line and they usually don't have many openings for my age group (high school and junior high). We tried another group but everyone was younger and almost all by much younger. SOme of the other groups don't have their schedules up yet and while one may work for one girl, it looks a lot less promising for the other. THe girls are doing homeschooled soccer and I thought I might meet people that way but it hasn't turned out. We ended up in the group far away from our house rather than the team right near us where we could meet local homeschoolers.

Have you checked into Harvester Presbyterian Church's homeschool classes?

http://www.htslink.org/

I proofread the HEAV weekly email newsletter (the Update) and they announce classes and activities a lot. Also, have you joined HEAV? They might be able to direct you to more homeschoolers in your area.

www.heav.org (http://www.heav.org)

ETA: I also found that there is a Yahoo group for Fairfax County Homeschoolers:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fxcovahomeschoolers/

[skaterbabs]

There's also a group called (I think) SPARK, which is NOVA homeschoolers. They do lots of really cool field trips and such and often invite otehr HS groups from around the state to join them. One of the biggest is the twice-yearly trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It's pretty much the only time of year we can go and actually see any of the "pay" exhibits, because you get basically everything for less than $10/person.

[Peg Graham]

We live in Chesapeake, VA :auto:

[Blessedfamily]

Peg and Terrie

Welcome to the board!

[cseitter]

I am in Chesterfield, VA and new to homeschooling.

Cindy
Mama to:
Tanner 13
Aubrey 5
Cole 2
Ryleigh 2
Tristan 1

[skaterbabs]

Welcome, Cindy! I'm fairly close to you. :) PM me if you'd like my phone number and we can get together.

[UmmMubarak]

I am new to the forum and to homeschooling. My We are located in Central
Virginia, just outside of Richmond

Sandra

[skaterbabs]

Hi, Sandra! I'm in your area. :)

[MariannNOVA]

We are in Oakton in Fairfax County.

[laurafrantz]

Do any of you lovely ladies have any recommendations for public elementary schools in Fairfax County? We may be moving down & putting our kids into ps for a year while I work and my hubby gets his business up and running. I'd sure love to hear some suggestions on where to move & which schools to move near! Thank you so much, in advance :).

Looking forward to having me some Baja Fresh after 5 years up here in the North, by the way!

[Kathleen in VA]

Do any of you lovely ladies have any recommendations for public elementary schools in Fairfax County? We may be moving down & putting our kids into ps for a year while I work and my hubby gets his business up and running. I'd sure love to hear some suggestions on where to move & which schools to move near! Thank you so much, in advance :).

Looking forward to having me some Baja Fresh after 5 years up here in the North, by the way!

Laura,

I don't know that many elementary schools in Fairfax County, but a friend of mine (an old boss, actually, from my teaching days) is the principal at Great Falls Elementary (http://www.fcps.edu/GreatFallsES/index.html). He was the principal of Cherrydale Christian School when I taught there twenty-five years ago and is a wonderful guy. Great Falls is a very nice part of the county, too.

[leigleigh_bird]

There seem to be quite a few of us in NOVA, particularly Fairfax County. I think we should get together. Anybody interested? PM me!

[sleepymommy]

:seeya:

I'm in Charlottesville.


Laura,

I'm not from NOVA but my dh's family is and I recall his sister talking about wanting to buy a house where her dd could go to Silverbrook Elementary.

[tenoraddict]

For all of you Virginians:

I won a prize at the NoVA conference (yeah!), but we can't use it (boo!). We won 4 tickets to the Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods on Thursday, July 30. The tickets are good for both shows (the first one starts at 10am). We live in DE, and just can't rearrange our schedule that day to make it work.

I will happily mail these to someone who can use them. Send me a pm.

Becky

The tickets have been claimed. Have fun, Kathleen!

[NavyWifeandMommy]

We will be in VA after Christmas. We will be living in one of the military housing unless we can find a house to rent for $1000 and not live 30 plus miles away from hubby's ship.

[Elizabeth Conley]

I want to assure you that that is perfectly do-able. You will be able to find the house you're looking for. Since you're home schooling, school districts aren't a big issue for you. This will make your search easier. I live in Norfolk VA, and all of the port cities in Virginia have a mid-range cost of living.

[tatertotschool]

I live in Fredericksburg, VA. I've thought for a long time that I'd like to homeschool. My oldest is just now preschool age. Instead of sending her to preschool, we've decided to give this homeschooling thing a practice go. From what I understand, my area is full of homeschooling advocates and resources.

[Kathleen in VA]

I live in Fredericksburg, VA. I've thought for a long time that I'd like to homeschool. My oldest is just now preschool age. Instead of sending her to preschool, we've decided to give this homeschooling thing a practice go. From what I understand, my area is full of homeschooling advocates and resources.

I live in Stafford so am fairly close by. I highly recommend that you check out www.heav.org (http://www.heav.org) - there are lots of great articles and links to help you get started. Also, HEAV offers "How to Homeschool" seminars several times each year all over the state. If you subscribe to their free weekly email newsletter (http://www.heav.org/resources/update.html) you will be aware of the ones that are held near you, as well as be informed about lots and lots of other activities and events that could help you along the way. Feel free to email or pm me if you have any questions.

[tatertotschool]

Thanks! I feel connected already.

[sarahb44]

New to VA. We are in Stafford :o

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

New to VA. We are in Stafford :o

Welcome! Kathleen in VA and I are both in the northern part of Stafford aka North Stafford. Have you signed up for NSMoms Yahoo Group?

[Kathleen in VA]

New to VA. We are in Stafford :o

Hi Sarah! Welcome to Stafford.:)

[laurafrantz]

Well, it's official: we're moving from Syracuse, NY to Fairfax, most likely on or around February 1st 2010. We're sooo excited, both of our kids were born in Fairfax County and we're looking forward to returning to friends and our church. I'd love to find other WTM families living in the area!

[HomeschoolingMy4]

We're new to VA, my kids & I have been here since end of June '09, my husband's been here since March '09. We live in the Richmond area and are also new to homeschooling. I've homeschooled my youngest since Sept '09, my son since Oct '09, and my two middle girls just started their 3rd week of homeschooling! It's an adventure! :) We're living in the Richmond area and would love to meet up with others here! :)

[skaterbabs]

welcome! The Richmond area is a great one when you HS. There are lots of resources.

[fishmummy]

There are several homeschoolers in our area using TWTM methods.

Looking to meet others in the area...

Wendy

[MomOfC&L]

Hi, I'm new here and I live in Lynchburg. :)

[dsacco]

I'm 45 minutes West of DC in "farm country" :)

[lionfamily1999]

:D Welcome