What would you do? -schooling advice-

*long read, but thanks for those who stick around & offer solid advice*

To preface this: I really do not think that public schools are healthy places anymore for kids. It seems like they become more dangerous with each passing year, I have a lot of concerns and fears surrounding them in general, I can’t be swayed or have my mind changed on this.

Because of this, homeschooling has always been on my mind for my kiddos. My husband, however, seems to disagree, we *mostly* compromised: our kiddo would go to a GOOD charter/private/or Montessori school throughout the elementary years, and then middle school & high school we would swap to some type of home based online learning.

Well, kindergarten came around and I was having a HECK of a time trying to get him enrolled somewhere that was not purely a regular public school. Most places that I was hoping for had lottery systems and delayed acceptances. I eventually turned to scouring our public school options, only to find that the district boundaries of the schools in our city are very strict, and if you’re outside of the district, then, basically tough luck to you, you won’t be accepted in. After much trial and error, I found the ONE elementary school in our district (at the time) and it was the most ghetto school I had seen yet. Even my husband agreed, so we opted to homeschool for kindergarten and take a wait-and-see approach.

It started off fairly smooth, but then we had to move, and I became pregnant, and somehow, and sense of schedules or school importance really took a nose-dive. It started being a huge chore and a fight to get my little guy to focus on his learning, and it kills me to admit that I’ve failed. I’ve failed as being a homeschool mom. I was so excited and had so many plans for this, but life really got in the way.

The move was very very stressful, we didn’t seem to have a designated area for learning anymore, my pregnancy hit me with morning sickness quite badly, the kids were now adjusting to a new place, there was just a lot of stress overall. Schooling took backseat.

The year continued on, I’d like to think that although it wasn’t all “structured sit-down pencil learning” that my son still has developed a lot over this year. We’ve done a fair amount of math learning, and letter practice and early reading have been sporadic, but still continuing. I also have video & screen time be as educational as possible, read to the kids fairly often, and use any and all questions as teaching & learning lessons as much as possible. We’ve also done a lot of project work with house renovation, so there’s been that.

First grade is now fast approaching, and my husband has been reminding me about his schooling. I have him enrolled in a school that we both agreed on, but we’ve been waitlisted. That may or may not change by the time the school year starts. (We were actually waitlisted for the kindergarten year as well, but still hoped for the best, also, the waitlist is MUCH shorter now)

There IS a different *public* elementary school available and very close to us now, it’s much closer than the other school and *technically* would be a super convenient option. Since it is so close, and public, there should be zero problems getting him in. I’m at a crossroads of what to do for this upcoming year, my feelings on public school have not changed, but I also understand that, at least for the moment, homeschooling hasn’t been what I was hoping for.

What should I do? Continue to wait & hope we get accepted this year in the preferred school? Give homeschooling another shot? Or enroll in the public school and just take it one thing at a time?

Any *helpful, non judgmental* advice is welcomed and appreciated!

93 views • 0 upvotes • 8 comments

COMMENT (8)

Mo

Posted at
I homeschool my 4 kids and Im not sure what you mean by you failed. Homeschooling doesnt have to look anything like traditional school. My kids can go months of doing little to no paperwork and others where theyre into it. Sometimes math is learned through baking and dividing pancakes. Asthey got older I showed them math worksheets do.they understand what the formula looks like, but mostly their learning has been experiental or shows like numberblocks. As long as theyre grasping topic and improving over time, thats all that really matters. Shes in kindergarten so a vast majority of her time can and should be playing. My kids rarely did 'sit down.learning' at their age. But my older kids are above grade level in.math, science, reading etc. So I feel like youre measuring success wrong. My oldest went to a very expensive private school for k and 1st btw and I was NOT impressed.

Ty

Posted at
I personally would give homeschooling another chance. Private and public achool have the same kids. They are all screwed up. The masses join the masses and its honestly not a great environment for children. Honestly it sounds like the cirriculum you chose is not something your child enjoys. That will be your biggest asset. Leadn your childs learning style snd choose based off their learning style. Things are different now. I say give your child the best chance it has in this screwed up world.

Ja

Posted at
Can you enroll him in school and still remain on the waitlist and transfer if you’re called?

Ri

Posted at
Hi so I totally understand your post! As a sahm and a former teacher I have the same dilemma as you. My oldest will be in kindergarten this year. This is how we navigated everything. Because I have health issues and the kids I want to make sure they are getting the best of everything. We cannot afford private school.We did two years of preschool for our oldest two mornings a week at a small Christian church nearby. At home we do at home preschool too.Next year we won the lottery at a charter school in a nearby town. I'm praying it's a good fit or we will be homeschooling until we come up with a new plan. As my son probably has attention difficulties.For homeschooling curriculum I'd probably go to a homeschool store my town has one. I'd join a co-op and nature group in our town as well.My son is also inrolled in summer camp and vbs this summer too and in the fall will be back in hockey.My middle son is in vbs and a sports camp this summer and enrolled in a small Christian preschool for the fall two mornings a week.At home we really focus on skills outside free play and creativeness. But I believe in more structure approaches and them socializing without me controlling the situation is really good for them to learn.I'd love to be homeschooling and I know I'm limited by the number of kids our busy schedules and my own appointments. I like the balance between both at home learning and learning from someone else.I think you need to give yourself some credit you are doing a ton. You are teaching your child more then you even probably realize. I think you stay in the charter school wait-list and keep them knowing your family is still eagerly waiting. Because if one child gets in both will then. Meanwhile get in touch with a co op and homeschool group I think if you have a support it will be much easier for you. Best wishes.

Ri

Ri • Jun 29, 2024
I just want to say so many families are in your same boat. Just know you are not alone. Families all over are faced with these new challenges. Education has changed so much in the last five years. It is truly uncharted territory that none of us knew would be a challenge when we started this parenting adventure. You are doing well!

Av

Posted at
I am a public high school teacher and public university professor. Not all public schools are bad, especially if you live in a well funded district. I work in a well funded district and our public schools are fantastic. It’s paramount that your child starts school this year so that he doesn’t get behind in his academics. School is extremely important to development and cannot take a backseat. I suggest you do the public school so that you don’t have to worry about him being able to get in and start. His education has to be daily and consistent with structure. With what you’ve described, I don’t believe that you’re able to provide that at this time for him with homeschooling. As for being dangerous, all schools have the capacity for violence and problems.

Av

Avery • Jun 30, 2024
Higher pay, up to date buildings, numerous class options, up to date textbooks and technology. Many services are offered for students with IEP/504s. Hardly any teacher shortages. High test scores and graduation rates. Most well funded schools are in wealthier counties/ districts with higher property taxes.

Ma

Ma • Jun 30, 2024
How would you know whether a district is well funded or not though?