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by Hope

It is time to explore school options for my youngest two children. Throughout my time here, my choice to homeschool my kids has been under-fire. I am not here to defend that choice, I still stand by it. The only thing I want is what is best for my kids, that’s it, that’s all.  Up until this year, I would never have blinked when answering that homeschooling was the best choice for them.

And now we are here, and my heart is broken that I am not there with them. I am not as hands on with their schooling. Our school time together is limited. And the daily time we have is when I am at my worst, tired and ready for bed. So now I must evaluate again the best schooling options for my children.

The Now

I am not going to rush into any decisions or changes. I am confident that what we are doing now is good enough for the remainder of this year. Both of the kids are using ALEKS for math which I love as it is based on Mastery. It also has great reporting for me to track the time they spend and their progress wherever I am. They have a variety of “workbook” type curricula they do independently primarily focused on writing and grammar skills. Both have a live online Spanish class once a week and are progressing fantastically (Princess would probably be considered fluent in Spanish now after 4 years of consistent study.) And then we are doing History through literature by reading and discussions daily and independent reading of biographies (Gymnast is currently reading about Harriet Tubman and Princess just finished Ronald Reagan.)

For this school year, I do not plan on making any changes.

School Options – Princess

I’ve hinted at it throughout my time here, but Princess is smart and very motivated to achieve a lot in her education. This is her personal drive. There are lots of school options for her. With that in mind, we have visited a local college prep school that offers both boarding and commuting options. She will be going into 9th grade next fall although she is working at higher grades for some subjects.

At this time, the plan is for her to start there in the fall.  I don’t know if it’s a long term commitment, but I think it is the best option for next year.  Of course, we have to get through the application process and financial aid.  We’ve just started the process after she shadowed a student for a day. She is thrilled at the opportunity, I am sad. But in the I want what is best for her.

The Cost: Private school is expensive. The average tuition for local kids visiting this particular school is $4000 per year. They do offer substantial financial aid. It is something I will have to consider after we get all the facts.

School Options – Gymnast

For Gymnast, I am struggling…he is my social child. He would love public school. However, unless they are willing with work with us on time, he would not be able to continue with gymnastics.  When he and I have talked, he does not want to give up gymnastics. This is his first year with online classes, and while he struggles with the technology, he enjoys it more than working independently most of the time. I am still looking for different options for him.

Or We Could Move (again)

One other thing I should mention is that if we were to move to SC (where they both play their competitive sports) they could both attend the public schools on a part time basis.  The districts there are very open to alternative school options. Unfortunately, it would move us away from family which was a big factor in us moving here and greatly increase my commute time. It is a thought in my head.

(I am not mentioning Sea Cadet as he is wrapping up his senior use as a dual enrolled student at the local community college and is doing fantastic.  He is taking 11 hours this semester and we are hoping for 15 next semester. He will be in college full time next year.)