I'll tell you what I do and see if that helps you at all. I have my son at home, granted he is will be turning 5 in December and this is the second year that we used this program. I love it so far. It is called Abeka Academy, they are based out of Pensacola Florida and what they do is send you the books that are needed for the year and then they send you DVD's for everyday learning. It is stuctured and very easy to follow. Your 12 year old would have a video teacher everyday to follow and you can graduate and get a diploma when he or she graduates. You can check out the program at www.abeka.com I pay around 1100.00 a year which isn't bad for a private school and get to make your own schedule. We both absolutely love it. Check it out.

It really wouldn't matter either way. The important thing would be that we don't have to use a schools curriculum.

Are you looking for a Christian based homeschool?

Hi with the new homeschool laws in the state of
CA I'm not sure, but I did read online that there is
a charter school in CA where all the education is
done online. It is only available in certain counties
so I don't know about Walnut Creek or Contra Costa
county but I would go online and check into
online schools..........this one is completely
free and also completely accredited by the
regional and state authorities. I know it is available
in the Palo Alto county which is where I used to
live but I would check it. As far as the new law
requiring teaching credentials from parents, that
probably won't apply here because the school is
listed as a charter school so it's public.......I
would check into this. The online will give structure.
There are lots of other homeschool options
including other schools although they normally do
cost something. There are a ton of homeschool
organizations........check online for those in your
area......and you might find all the support, classes,
or structure you need that way. Be sure to check
into the new CA law.