School Choice is a Hard Choice
Is it just me, or did September, October, and even November just FLY BY?! Time is a thief in so many ways. We have recently decided to pull our two kids from an amazing private, faith-based school, to do at home Charter School online. This decision did not come without much time put into prayer, discussions, family talks, and a list of pros and cons. To be honest, I think I am still wrapping my head around our final decision. Not because I think we made the wrong decision, but because doing what is best for your child, your family dynamic, and even yourself is HARD when you are piecing so many different components together.
Why We Chose Charter School Instead of Traditional Homeschool
I personally never in a million years thought I would be CHOOSING to have my kids home all day. I love them dearly, but my little man has a lot of energy in that tiny body of his. I have told people over and over that I never wanted to homeschool. I was determined to be a mom and not teach them math and social studies (have I ever had to give you directions before? Probably not and for a good reason). I admire all the moms brave enough, strong enough, and patient enough to be able to do that for their children; however, that is not me. (P.S. I am totally okay with that!)
How does a family that is so involved in the day to day school happenings for their children, two kids that have almost straight A’s, and a loving faculty and staff just up and leave? I’m sure to everyone it was a sudden shock to the system, it came out of nowhere; however, it really didn’t. Homeschooling is becoming a very popular “trend”?...
Why We Made a Big Change
Our kids started to come home and ask to be homeschooled. Honestly, I don’t think they completely understood the concept, but it sounded like the cool thing to do. We have always said, NO WAY. I think there are so many positives to being in the classroom, and even if and when peer issues arise, those need to be experienced and handled because they do not go away even into adulthood. However, the more we researched, and looked into it, the more we realized our family could use the flexibility that a brick and mortar school just can’t provide.
We are an extremely busy family. Aside from school and activities the kids are in, we own multiple companies that my husband runs and manages. Lately, we have noticed more opportunities to travel, yet unable to go as an entire family because the kids can’t miss a whole week here and another week or two there. As the opportunities arose, we decided to look into what options were actually out there, and did they fit the mold we were trying to create.
After reaching out to a few families we decided traditional homeschool was not going to be a good fit for us, but the right charter school could be. Finally after a heart to heart, my husband and I sat the kids down to ask if that is what they really and truly wanted to do. We would finish off the school year doing an online charter school from home, in hopes to be able to attend more cow shows (becoming a family favorite trip), and plan vacations to see more of our state, country, and world. If they kept up with their good grades, completed their assignments, and enjoyed it, we will continue; or if they don’t we will go back to going into school daily.
How We’re Feeling Moving Forward
I am excited, scared, and slightly overwhelmed with starting a new routine right at the beginning of the holiday season. I think, scratch that, I KNOW it will be a great experience either way! Stick with me to see where this life takes us. This is Everyday Mama Magic.