Since she was born I have been set on homeschooling our kids. The past year and a half we have been doing some "preschool" type schooling at home and it has been great. However, now that "official" schoolage is upon us I'm a bit nervous as to the homeschool "decision".
Do I have the ability to homeschool? Can I be organized enough? Can we work together well enough on a consistent basis? Would I be better focused with an actual curriculum? Would it be better to piece together my own curriculum tailored to her specific needs? Do I let her focus on the subjects and activities that interest her most or do I more focus on the areas she is weaker in? And what about little brother? What do I do with him while we do school? Will he be neglected? How much longer will he take these 2-3 hour marathon naps in which we get most schoolwork done, but which is also the only time before bedtime for any real "housework". And the biggest and most important reason, am I choosing homeschool for me or because it's best for her? Lately I've come to think that maybe homeschooling ISN'T the best option for my little cupcake. Would ballet lessons, MOPS class (her last year of eligibility though), and MOPS Bible Study nursery be enough of a social outlet for my butterfly?
The thing is I know she would LOVE school. LOVE it. However is it BEST for her education? Is it BEST for her spiritual well being?
So in thinking all of these things I decided to research some school options. Public is out. Not in this district these days. My two top choices run $10,000 and $4,000 (for 3 day) respectively. Both have financial aid options but not sure we can swing either short of a full or 75% scholarship. Ok, more than not sure, we absoloutely cannot afford that at this time.
Charter schools are next on my list to research.
This is a hard decision and she is only going to be in kindergarden!!
Did I mention both my parents are teachers? You would think that would be helpful but honestly it only complicates matters as I may have TOO much info about public school systems!!
(They are supportive of my homeschool ida btw)
Now I suppose I have to just hash through all of it and pray for guidance for what is the very best scenario for our daughter. And hey, if I can't come up with a solution in 8 months at least Kindy isn't a requirement in our state ;-)
My friend taught at South Arbor Academy in Ann Arbor (They say it's in Ann Arbor but it's out on Carpenter between Textile and Willis) and she loved the curriculum she was working with there. I have a friend who sends her daughter there and they absolutely love the school. They're very education focused so there aren't a lot of parties in the classroom for holidays etc. but you should look into it. It's run by the National Heritage charter system and they are pretty top notch as far as charters go.
ReplyDelete(This is Cindy.. my husband's Google account popped up instead of mine. Oh well)
ReplyDeleteI have friends whose 4 kids go to South Arbor too and they really love it. It's free but there is a lottery to get in (so apply asap so you don't miss out on any deadlines). The only challenge is that there is no bussing, so you (or a friend/neighbor) would have to drive her to school.
We almost moved to Pittsfield Twp or Ypsi just to go to this school but decided not to risk the chance of not getting into the school and having no public options with which we felt comfortable.
I'll be praying for you guys too! We're in the midst of preschool decisions, so similar idea but on a lot smaller scale.
I have heard South Arbor being good. Its next on my list of places to check out.
ReplyDeleteSouth arbor is having an open house 9-2 this friday.
ReplyDelete