Home Schooling = Jumpers And Keds
Well. Tomorrow it becomes official. Team Whittaker will be a home schooling family.
As you can see from the picture above we have really taken this home schooling thing to heart.
We even adopted a few more white kids to make it feel a bit more normal.
Home School Here We Come!!!
I kid. I kid.
Here’s the deal.
I love public school.
I love what it did for me.
I love what it did for Sohaila’s the last 3 years.
I love what it did for Seanna’s confidence this year.
We really love our kids being in public school.
But with the amount of traveling I am doing and the crazy schedule I keep when I’m home we thought that this would be the best solution for the Whittaker family during this crazy season of tours, conferences, albums, books, and puppet shows.
We have LOT’S of support as a TON of our friends home school and their kids are turning out ok.
Heck. Some of my favorite people were home schooled.
In fact, I REMEMBER when he was being home schooled.
Honestly…when I was growing up…the home school kids…well…they were a bit little house on the prairieish.
And I thought it was the home school that did it to them until I met their parents.
Then I realized they were just the spitting image of them. 
Homeschooling causes debates like breastfeeding and politics do.
People SWEAR by one or the other.
I swear by whatever works for your family during the season of life that you are in.
So I’d like to know…
Were you public schooled, private schooled, or home schooled?
Will or are your kids public schooled, private schooled, or home schooled?
I’ll be right back. I gotta go french braid Sohaila’s hair and tie that bad boy up in a scrunchie…
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
I was a public school kid.
My daughter will start K4 in private school this fall. If we lived in a different environment with a better school system that actually OFFERED K4, we’d consider public.
Unless God brings me a flashing blue neon sign saying, “Thou shalt home educate” we won’t be doing that. I just don’t think it’s for us – but KUDOS to those who do it!
I hear you. I NEVER thought Heather would buy it. And now she is SO PUMPED
I started out in public school as a little guy, went to home schooling in 2nd grade and then went to private school in 7th grade all the way through high school.
I am a mixture of all of the above.
I always wondered why you were so well rounded.
My husband & I were both public schooled. I agree with your viewpoints of homeschooling and someday, when my troop is a bit older – we may consider it!
How old are they?
I went to public school my whole life, my husband went to private for most of his life. I’m open to any and all options that provide the best education for my kids. Have fun homeschooling!!
We shall!!!!!
I went to public school and our two kids are in public school right now, however we’re prayerfully considering homeschooling next year. They will be starting middle school and our son has had difficulty with comprehension throughout his schooling. He just does not do well in large class settings and middle school is only going to overwhelm him. So we’re praying for wisdom on making the right school choice for him.
I’ll pray for you guys as well!!!
I went through public school, but my older brother went through public school for Kindergarten to grade 4, and was home schooled for grades 5-12 while I was in public school. My parents had the wisdom to see that my brother and I needed different methods of school. Now you can give my brother a piece of steel and he can build anything out of it and make a work of art in the process. He benefited from spending half the day doing school, and half the day in a machine shop learning how to run lathes, mills, drill presses, and how to weld. Go with what works best for your kids, I pray that it will be a great experience for you and your family.
Dude. Thanks so much for that. It makes me happy to see so much success.
After some time in public school, my parents made a similar decision to homeschool my siblings and I. It’s not for everyone, but it bonded our family in a special way. I hope that it draws you toward God and each other. Plus, they never made us wear Keds or jumpers, so I wasn’t scarred from the educational event.
Beautiful.
Love your attitude. I was Christian schooled through second grade, Public schooled through my sophomore year, and Church schooled through graduation. I’m all about finding the best option for your family in your specific season.
Our kids so far have been in a Christian school, but we’re open to other options as our circumstances change.
To be honest, I think its more work to hear God for each season than it is to get militant about one way over another!
AMEN! I agree. Militant should be left to the army.
can’t stop looking at that picture.
I was public schooled.
Our kids started in public school, but now go to private school b/c we love the philosophy of education of this particular school.
Totally agree with your season of family life comment.
ok, the tiny girls in the front are kind of scaring me.
hahahahahhahahhaa.
I was public schooled the whole way through, and except for a chunk of time in middle school when I desperately wanted to be home schooled, it was great.
I have no idea what I’ll do to my kids, though, probably not private school. But, that appears to be no where in my future, I’ll worry about it when it happens.
Perfect.
i was public schooled / private schooled.
as a single mom…i homeschool my child… which is not easy coz im actually in the office working FULL time, with a boss i have to answer to and a kid whose questions i have to answer.
i dont know how im able do it daily…all i know is that He gives grace for you to handle the season you are in. =] i pray for grace for you and ur wife.
HOW DO YOU DO IT!!!!!!
wow, kudos to you!
Patricia!
I’m also a single mom who homeschools. Have never met another.
Though I don’t work full time… I work part-time. (I’m up WAAAY early in the morning.)
Anyway, I fell into homeschooling my kids unexpectedly. It was never my intentions. It took a while to find an educational style I liked, but now… I love it. (She says… 4 years later.)
I was home schooled and proud of it. I’m now a senior in high school and go to school online. My parents were both public schooled and choose home school for me an my brother as an alternative to our not so great of a local school district. While I got to know some great “little house on the prairieish” people through homeschooling, I definitely don’t classify myself as one. My parents kept me active in a lot of activities and while people still thought of me as a sheltered poor little child, they could not be more wrong. Now I’m at school online, still enjoy being home (and still active in out-of-the-house activities) and excited to be part of what will be the way of future education. Congratulations on your decision to do homeschooling and I wish you the best of luck!
P.S. My mom actually taught in a public school for 15 years. Our family holds nothing against public schooling. It truly comes down to which way of learning is best for your child. May God lead you through every season of your children’s educations.
Carlos, I was homeschool and I suppose we turn out alright. Although, I will slip a scrunchie in the ol’ hair every now and then just for good ol’ times. Actually to answer your question fully I was homeschooled, private schooled and public schooled … whichever was best for what I needed at the time. All 3 of my siblings were the same way. So I applaud you and Heather for doing what’s best for your kids and for your family. You (and they) won’t regret it
Hey girl!!! We need to see you guys before we take off!!!
And now I’m sold. If Amy Cathy was homeschooled…Then my girls will be.
Hey Carlos and team Whittikar,
I was home-schooled from 5th on up through 12th, this after being in public school since kindergarten.
Ultimately, I loved it.
Will I choose it for my children?
I don’t know.
It depends on my lifestyle. It my ministry is set one place for a season, I’ll test the waters and try a public school, but otherwise it’ll be homeschooling.
The balance I felt I missed was sports, prom, and peers, but as I got older home school coops got more popular and we didn’t really miss much of anything.
Best of wishes!
I will say one thing, little los will end up being a academic fire because he’ll be home-schooled from a younger age up through whatever you choose.
I think with the little kids its a great foundation especially if you have a solid curriculum.
Wow. Thanks Heather for sharing this. I do think little Los will explode because of it…
I went to private school here in Australia to the end of yr 10 and then to public school for Yr’s 11-12. My younger brother (3yrs younger) however was home schooled from yr 7. I can see the benefits of both and to be honest I think it comes down to the child. Some cope with it, some don’t. Having been a youth pastor I’ve worked with kids from both sides and for some public/private school wasnt doing them any favours either.
My wife and I are looking at private school for our kids (one is 2 the other due in August so we have some time). My wife is a primary school teacher so could homeschool but we want to try going to a school first. We’re open to all possibilites we’ll wait and see
So in Australia. Do the homeschoolers have that stigma like here?
carlos, yes, it’s similar. guess why…cuz they come from a similar church factory.
I was public for preschool, & first year of kindergarten (yes I repeated many grades), then privet becuse of school invirment from K -3, then public, from 3-7 becuse of school closing & being scelastincly challigend ( think short bus) then quit.
I was a public-school kid from K to grad school. Until January when it became necessary for me to return to the workforce, I homeschooled my kids. One is now a third-grader in PS and I still do home preschooling with the younger one. The thing is, you’re the same parent whether you homeschool or public school—you’re not going to suddenly become a fundamentalist just because you decide to educate your kids at home, nor are your children going to become social misfits. I haven’t stopped being involved in my kids’ education or taking advantage of the many everyday learning opportunities just because I have a child in school now.
I am a product of public schools and if that doesn’t scare ya into wanting to homeschool, I’m not sure what will
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God bless those who can homeschool. I’m pretty sure there would be a padded cell with my name on it if I were subjected to ALL of my children ALL day.
Good luck!
Me and my three younger sisters were all homeschooled through to graduation.. it was great for an introvert like me but a little tougher for my sister… but we definitely were the “odd” ones of our friends.
Now, it’s so much more accepted and there are so many great options and classes that the kids can participate in – I am jealous of all my son has that I didn’t. :0) So yes, I am homeschooling my kids and am lovin’ it!
You guys are such creative parents – you’ll do great!
My husband and I both went to public school. We vowed to never, ever homeschool, and preached that our kids would be lights in the public schools.
And now we’re finishing our fourth year of homeschooling.
It is SO good for our family. My husband is a pastor, so our weekends are shot, and we weren’t getting any time together. I love how homeschooling lets you teach each child individually.-My kids each learn so differently from one another. I can’t say that I always love every minute of it, or that I’m always feel like I know what I’m doing…but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Have a great time!
Amy
i was homeschooled in elementary school and then went to public middle and high school
i work at a church that has a school and my daughter can go there for free- so while i am here this will be her school but if we move we may change
i agree do what is best for you and yours
Awesome post and very funny!
I did public school the whole way through, and respect the decisions parents make since they know what’s best for their child and have probably done more research than I have. Like you said, different approaches apply for different needs and seasons, and I wish you the best in this new adventure!
FWIW, here’s one personal observation: growing up as a Christian kid in public school far from any part of the Bible belt, I often felt very alone as a believer and wish I’d had more classmates who were Christians who could’ve stood with me during some of the attacks on my faith. I did my best, but boy I wish some of those home-schooled kids had been in class, on the bus, etc. with me instead of at home. I can’t even imagine how tough it is today for Christian kids in public school, but I know they need support from peers like I did.
I am glad that ONE of my friends was not home schooled, because she led me to christ in the cafeteria during lunch in 9th grade.
Like you, though, I was LONELY for other christians – I didn’t have support at home, and even though I had christian friends at church youth group across town, I had so few during the day…it meant a lot when I eventually found Young Life at my school.
I was public schooled. My kids are public schooled.
So how does this fit with the whole hippy persona you’ve been given?!
First of all, I love the picture! You are killing me with the adopted white kids stuff!
I went to public school. I did homeschool my 6yo who is in kindergarten this year for a couple months but she would never listen to me and sit down to learn.
I would love to be able to homeschool but I like public school because my children can interact with other kids. We don’t know people with children our kids age and I have joined some mother groups to meet new people but they are a bunch of whiners and complainers.
I hope you enjoy your homeschool experience and hopefully your family will adjust well!
My husband and I went to public school, which was a much more innocent place in the 60s and 70s.
My daughter went to public school until 14. I then did the study “Experiencing God” and strongly felt that I should home school her. I also wondered if I was nuts–pulling her out to home school high school?!!! I am so glad that I was obedient to God . Despite the fact that it was very hard, we became much closer and she loved being at home. . She is now at UT Dallas.
You can home school–it takes a lot of work and prayer but if God tells you to do it He will enable you to do it. I didn’t know about the Whittaker dress code, though!!!
My husband and I were both public schooled. Our children are/will be home schooled. One day I will have to give an account to God of what I did with what he has given me. I want to be able to show Him how I lovingly taught His children.
As well we want to travel at whim and have the flexibility homeschooling affords us.
I am a closet home school kid. I was schooled at home until Jr High and then got progressively more ‘mainstream’/Bad a$#, completing Jr High at a small Christian school and then going to a big, bad public high school. Looking back, however, I loved the specialized attention that my sisters and I got when we were younger and home schooled…and we lived on a lot of land in a less-than-desirable school district and mom was already a teacher so…boom: home schooled. I will say, though, that socially speaking, I am glad I went to “real school” when i was older so that I didn’t turn out a total freak
I was home schooled K-12. I’m quite familiar with the stigma around home school. Believe me. But I managed to avoid being socially “inept”
. My mom did it when it wasn’t even remotely popular. And I’m so glad she did. My kids are still pretty young, but I started home schooling my daughter last year and she loves it. And I love teaching her. It’s not going to be easy, but it will be rewarding.
I was public schooled my entire life – K through four year university. The only private school i did was at California Baptist University (glad I did – I got my master’s in counseling – definitely was glad to get a Biblical world view on that).
I don’t have kids, but if I did I would public school them (Arlington ISD is not too terribly bad – Dallas and Fort Worth not the case – I’d send kids to private or homeschool if I couldn’t afford private). I think it is great these days that there is a lot of support for those who do choose to homeschool and I don’t view it as socially bad for the kids – although I did know a few people I met later on that it was bad for them socially. But I think that is because of the parents.
Tell Heather she should try and talk with Angie Smith (wife of Todd Smith who sings in Selah – she homeschools and I think coming from similar ways of living right now she would be a great resource for Heather). Also, if I find anything in my teaching stuff that might be helpful I will let you know.
My lord you need help. LOVE the family photo.
I was public/private schooled, never home schooled, but I have nieces and nephews on both sides of the family that are.
I know that lack of socialization with other kids their age is a concern – but something I didn’t realize at first is that there are a lot of home school groups that do group classes to teach specialty subjects like music, arts, advanced science, etc. that would be difficult to do at home. The groups also have group activities, etc. So, your kids can still have somewhat of a “public school” feel for 1 or 2 days a week.
i was a public school kid long ago when things were different… both of my kids went to public school in a system that has issues but tgey both got a full ride to college. i think you have to do what works for you.
one thing i think is important is that you let every day be a learning experience–either about science or history or reading or math. my rule was that you had to learn something on vacation… there was alot of eye rolling at the time. but my son has now admitted that he remembers more about what he learned than about the vacations…
just sayin’
Public school for me and my husband. My mom was my fourth grade teacher in that public school but that’s not home school. That was just a weird year for both of us. My girls go to public school. The military just sent us to a new town. Even though we are supposedly in the very best school in this district, it doesn’t compare to our last school. We are currently considering all of our options for next year.
one question…who is going to teach them grammar and spelling?
Bite me Jane!
H
There’s not much of a culture of home schooling in the UK. I knew 2 kids who were and they were living in the 50s (but then again so were their parents).
So I was state-schooled (over here ‘public schools’ are the most exclusive and expensive private schools. Go figure.)
I’m a product of the public school, top of my class! But I never felt like I was learning much even though I was getting good grades. Even as a young child I was quite critical of “the system.”
But saying that doesn’t mean that I am anti-public school. I work very hard at being a part of the community and supporting the good things that are already going on. I attend monthly PTA meetings at the school our church plant supports. I generally leave my denim jumpers at home when I go, though.
We started homeschooling for many (many) reasons, one of them being similar to yours in that we knew we were going to be uprooting and wanted the consistent schooling that homeschooling would provide. And it’s been a really good thing, esp when grandparents (none who live close) come to visit and we can flex our schedules accordingly. I think that’s *really* what I love about homeschooling — the level of flexibility.
And if people think *you guys* are hippies, then wow. Make sure they never get a glimpse of the people in Portland. We do weird, and we do it well.
My wife and I were both public schooled. We’ve been homeschooling our kids since our oldest was 5. She went to a private pre-K, but after that year we couldn’t really afford to put both of our older kids in, so we started homeschooling. It’s been great. There are definitely ups and downs to it, but the kids love it and my wife loves it. As our two younger kids (for those keeping track, that’s four, ages 8,7,22 months, 9 months) get older, we’ll probably start them on the same path. We’re involved in a local homeschool co-op, and do tons of things with other kids so the socialization thing doesn’t bother us.
I was private-schooled, my husband was public schooled, our kids have been unschooled and homeschooled. Honestly, being in ministry is a crazy thing and we have late nights, conferences, meetings, etc… and we like the flexibility that homeschooling brings us. Not to mention we *love* being able to spend time together. It just works for us.
Los, You’re crazy dude! The photo is so awesome.
I was private schooled until I escaped from the compound my sophomore year of HS.
Public school was different. Yeah.
So, for us, the question was public or home. We think both are good options and it depends on your particular situation.
Our oldest is almost 6. My wife has been homeschooling her this year. It’s been great. I love that she/we are getting some amazing time together. It’s tough, but such an amazing investment.
You’re right, 15 years ago home school families looked a lot different than they do now.
We home schooled our oldest for 1st grade, and then again for half a year when we moved to Nashville. She survived. We survived. Have you considered getting an RV with “The Singing Whittakers!” on the side?
My husband and I both attended public schools.
We have a large family of both birth and adopted children. Our oldest kids attended private schools, were home schooled a couple of years and both graduated from a wonderful public high school. At 40, I went back to college and earned a degree in education. I now teach at a Christian school, where our youngest six are enrolled, and home school our high school freshman.
I truly believe that education has to be tailored for each individual child.
I hope that your experience is full of blessings!
Husband and I both went to public school.
Kids in public school now. 2nd grade and Kinder and one to start Kinder in a couple years. It’s been a great experience so far.
But I randomly asked my 2nd grader today at breakfast, “What do you think would be some good things about homeschooling, like some of our friends do?” His answer: “More time together as a family. I’d like that.” Something to think about!
I have done a combo of all 3. my parents homeschooled us while they were support raising for much if the same reason y’all are. I loved it. but the majority of my schooling was private.
I have great admiration for those who homeschool. I haven’t decided what I want to do with my kids ( I’m not married yet either). it depends on where I’m living and the schooling options.
have fun! homeschooling is a great opportunity to give your kids a unique and fun education!
i went to public school only. my son has been to preschool. if i still live in california when he’s school age, i’ll homeschool him for sure!
I’m a product of public school (with a few years of private school thrown in the mix). I love public school. And where I come from (Miami, FL) no one is homeschooled. No one.
Now my husband and I are living in NC while I attend seminary and it seems like everyone homeschools! I have met some non-weirdos who were homeschooled, so I guess it works.
Personally, I think hubs and I will stick with public school when we have kids (though I am interested in the Montessori method). But you never know where life will take you. We have to be flexible.
A little bit of each. Started in homeschool, went to private for 3 years, then finished up in the grand ole public school.
Its made me a bit of a chameleon.
I’m a senior in high school, and I have been homeschooled my entire life. At first it was because we lived in a bad neighborhood, but my mom loved teaching us that she stuck with it for 14 years. I personally love being able to do school at home, as it lets me do things like a part-time job, babysit,and hang out with friends at any time of day. Sure, I am always put in that stereotype (which gets really old) but I’m used to it by now.
At times I do wish that I had gone to a public school, at least for a year to try it out, but it just never happened.
I was home schooled from 1st grade to 7th grade, and it was great. I grew up loving school and learning because I was never forced to sit for hours and hours, but every lesson plan became an adventure or an experiment. When I started school in 7th grade I came in at the top of the class and stayed there right until my high school graduation. I went to college on academic and athletic scholarships, and now I’m on my way to medical school!
Homeschooling was fine for me, but there are a few things that you should be sure to do…
enroll your kids in activities with regular kids -normal kid things like ballet, swim lessons, gymnastics… that way they still learn to play with other kids, and meet new people and follow instructions in a group.
And try to make sure they have a mix of kids that they know who are home schooled and who aren’t home schooled… part of that is just so that their group of friends doesn’t become too narrow too early in life, but the other part of that is so that they can learn to appreciate homeschooling. When they realize their friends are just getting off the bus at 3:30, and they’ve been done with class since 1 your kids will start to realize that homeschooling is a pretty good deal!
If there are areas where you aren’t confident teaching your kid, be sure to use outside sources… for example if you aren’t completely familiar with science projects, send them to an after school program that focuses on science one day a week. Or if you aren’t great at art, let them go to the art day at the public library or local children’s museum… they learn, its a new environment or ‘field trip’ and it keeps you from over stressing about areas that might not be your greatest strength.
Also, I’m sure there are zillions of other resources around now than there were when I was a kid, but we had good luck with some of the lesson books put out by A-Beka Books, as I recall they are pretty conservatively Christian books, but their curriculum will really keep your kid ahead for their age/grade level.
We have a 7, 5, 2 year old…we homeschool and love it. I have to say the highs are high and the lows are low and somedays you wonder what the heck was I thinking and other days are magical and you think…this is why we do this. It will expose your own junk (impatience etc…but is that bad?). My daughter gets to sit in my lap and do her work…we get to do ‘speedy school’ or ‘carschool’ if we are headed to Disneyland or some other fun place. There is plenty of time for mudpies, bike rides, and forts.
We live in LA..my husband works in production…our schedules are whacked and we have no warning when he has a morning off or a day off or a week off…but we can take full advantage of those odd hours and do fun things together.
If you are already a creative person…you don’t have to stress too much about which curriculum is the best.just pick one and..you can always get a bucket of sidewalk chalk, do your work in the sunshine, and make the driest math lesson interesting.
And those prairie kids are actually pretty punk rock if you think about it
My sibs and I were home schooled in elementary and middle school. Gosh, those were the days! Then we all went through public high school. I am so, so thankful for what my parents did. I would not trade a second (of either experience). I could go on and on about the good things, but I think, easily, the best thing I took away from being home schooled was becoming a self-learner. No one (not ever your momma) can MAKE you learn. It is all up to you, in the end. Home schooling helped me see this at an early age, and in concrete terms. It helped me with time management as well. Sure, I had a long braid and played barefoot in the creek, but I also turned out to be a doctor too. Thanks mom! And lastly, the other thing my parents did every year was sit us down and ask us if we wanted to keep doing this. I never felt trapped, and neither did they. They sent my brother to back to mainstream school 2 years before the girls
Good luck Heather and Carlos! It’s a great ride.
My parents were both public-schooled. My sister and I went to a private, Christian school preschool through 8th grade (my mother taught there, therefore tuition was very cheap and we could just ride with her). We BEGGED our parents to let us go to a “normal” high school…(normal meaning public), so, we did…9th-12th grade. I LOVED it, and so did my sister. I loved making friends for the first time ever, that weren’t Christians…I got to practically live out my faith outside of a very controlled bubble. People left and right (especially my mother’s private school teaching co-workers) loved to tell my mother how horrible public school is, and how they were certain we would end up pregnant and on drugs.
College came, and my sister and I both choose private universities. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to experience both…when it comes down to it, it’s your parenting. Your kids either know Christ and what’s right, or they don’t.
As far as homeschooling goes, I have a BA and MS in education, and am all for not homeschooling. Here’s why: there are VERY few moms I’ve seen who do it well. I mean, I went to school for 6 years to learn how to best teach your child, but because you birthed them you think you know the best pedagogy and knowledge to impart on your child? I wouldn’t refuse to go to a doctor and treat illnesses myself, I’d go to the person who’s been educated in how to best do it.
Those are just my random thoughts…haha. Hope they made some sort of sense to you…know that if I lived where you were, I’d TOTALLY teach and love on your kids. Especially lil Losiah…I miss that kid.
Miss you too!
I went to magnet school (alabama’s closest equivalent to charter schools).
None of my home schooled friends can do math, but I don’t think their parents could either.
i was homeschooled through sixth grade, then went to a public charter school 7-12, then to a private college for undergrad. it was all fantastic.
as long as your kids get chances to interact with people outside your family, they’ll be fine socially, and as long as you give them opportunities to actively pursue the things they love to learn, they will be in great shape academically.
combo public and private Christian school kid here… who wishes she had been homeschooled for all the academic benefits I’ve read about (and because I don’t buy the socialization bit – all my friends were mostly friends from church and not from school growing up – and I’d have still had them if I’d been homeschooled – besides what about all the BAD socialization that goes on)
Regarding the jumpers – some of us were jumpers with sneakers wearing in the late 80s as public school kids – completely has to do with the church you grew up in and not the homeschooling =D
That to say – I plan to homeschool if I ever have kids, and trust me, I don’t plan to ever allow my kids to wear jumpers with sneakers if I can help it =D (unless its wildly painted jumper they decorated themselves with odd hightops – i intend to raise individuals, lol)
should also add here though – I do trust my own ability to teach – if I didn’t I might be adverse to homeschooling – but given that I am a librarian who does teach on occasion – and given the fact that I loved all subjects growing up and would have loved to major in most of them (and did well in them) I trust my ability to teach my (future) kids well. Besides – when they get to highschool thats when you send them to community college courses anyway =D so they can get a head start on their requirements for college!
But I’d homeschool for academic reasons – I don’t know anyone who could read “The Well Trained Mind” and see how brilliant Susan Wise Bauer turned out wouldn’t be tempted to homeschool for such reasons.
Plus as a child I was always wanting to learn more – I would have flown through a lot of stuff at a young age and been able to have gotten a lot further in a lot of subjects just because I enjoyed them, instead of having to wait on my classmates… I don’t want my kids will to learn to be hindered by having to wait around reading while their classmates finish their work or going over and over and over the same thing so many times if they’ve already got it…
Public school all the way for Angie and I, but we started our daughter out in private school, before moving her to public school in the 6th grade (she garduates this year).
My son is home schooled, because he’s autistic, and we just couldn’t work in a “normal” school schedule with his therapy sessions.
I was home-schooled all the way through and it really was the best thing for my family(three siblings). Like you my Dad traveled for work a LOT, but he was not a rockstar!! We would travel with him a lot, we had a small camper and it was our home away from home. It was not uncommon to hear our Mom say “finish your lessons and we can go for a hike, down to the beach, to a museum…..etc”. Plus we were able to go on vacation when no one else did, much nicer for disney, NYC, DC, cali….etc.
I went to Suzuki school for kindergarten and 1st grade. After that, my parents didn’t have the scratch to keep sending Christina and I there, so we went to public school. I went to public all the way through university (UNC-Asheville). After a lot of soul searching, I decided to take Montessori elementary training and have been working in an urban Montessori school in Cleveland, OH for the last 12 years. My daughters attend the school as part of my salary. I am proud to have them there as our school is grounded in being a diverse community.
Wish I had time to read all the comments but I thought I’d throw my .02 in.
I was a public school kid my whole life. Had to be, since I was raised by a single mother.
When I had my first child, I was convicted BY GOD to homeschool. I swear, like one of those Saul on the road to damascus type deals. Ok, so I wasn’t blinded but He was pretty clear.
Now I homeschool all six. Yep. I can’t even begin to explain what that looks like because I’m still trying to figure it out.
There are days (like 4 out of 7 lol) when I WISH I didn’t care as much about homeschooling as I do. It would be so simple to relinquish their education over to people “more qualified”. *sigh* But I digress, my children are special.
They are those kids that really needed that extra cushion to mature at home.
P.S I’d never be cruel enough to inflict my boys on a poor, public school teacher. I can barely stand them and I gave birth to them!!
I was private-schooled until 2nd grade – public schooled through 9th grade. Pulled out & home-schooled for 10th grade, back to public for 11th & 12th.
Personal preference? private… if you can afford it.
My kids though? M was semi-home-schooled for pre-k… but wanted to go to “real” school. I’m not a home-schooling parent, unfortunately. Perhaps when they get a bit older and can self-pace more. Now they are both in public school, and will most likely stay there unless something major happens and we can afford to put them into private.
I went to public schools for all my school life and am now at a public university.
I was a public school kid all the way. No private schools anywhere near where we lived, and my parents died when I was young, anyway. My children attend a small (student population of 200 in K-8) charter school. They started in a very large public school. My son thrived in kindergarten, because he had the most awesome teacher ever. After that, not so much. My daughter never did that well. We moved them when my daughter was still in kindergarten and my son was in second grade. Homeschooling? I have the utmost respect for all who do it. I honestly don’t know that I could. I don’t know that I’m disciplined enough.
I went to public school. I wished I was homeschooled, but got to do a lot of things that weren’t available to homeschoolers when I was in school. Right now my son is in public kindergarten, but that might change for 1st. He’s a high energy very smart kid… hard to deal with in a class of 18 or more. Heck, hard 1 on 1 sometimes. I don’t want him to start hating school because they view him as a discipline problem. I think my daughter (3yo) will be fine in PS, but we don’t have that bridge to cross yet.
I agree that there is no right or wrong. It all depends on God’s calling and the season your family’s in.
We home school our children because it works for our family’s way of life. Being in the ministry it allows us to serve when and where God calls and not according to a public or private school schedule! Sounds like you have made a great choice for your family.
Always remember, God gave you and your wife the responsibility for your children and no one else! Only the two of you can really make the education choice for them!
God bless you family and you continue to serve Him!
BTW, love your music and creative spirit!
I’m a public school kid and so far, so are all my children. But, we would totally home school if we felt the need for it for various different reasons. The one we’re probably least likely to do is private school because of the cost. I really feel like right now our family is called to be a bright light at public school.
I think’s it’s great what you guys are doing! You have to do what works for your family, the season, and your children. I think there’s quite a bit of research out now that statistically homeschooled kids do VERY well academically. And if I have any spelling or grammar mistakes, you can blame it on public school!
my husband and i are products of the public school and our kids are all in public school. we have two sons from ethiopia and they needed to be in an urban school. we have moved to the city to plant a church and we love it. god is so good and so sovereign. i know that this is our families calling and this time and i would not put that one anyone else! good luck!
As someone who was a product of government schools, I’ve gone to the dark side: I believe its irresponsible parenting to hand your child over to the state.
I saw a tweet you sent and followed your link and the picture…oh man I was nearly crying I was laughing so hard. Especially since I’ve never seen your site before.
My husband and I were both public schooled. He did really well, I didn’t do as well until college. We have 3 kids and our oldest is in public school at the moment, our middle is in a private preschool at our church that we love for 4K, and our youngest is home with me. We’re looking into homeschooling for next school year because we may be relocating to a town where the schools aren’t as good and to give them the quality education we feel they deserve and need we’d be doing it ourselves.
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!!
Parochial school my whole life. Then I became a teacher in special ed which meant I spent tons of time in public schools. Was that ever an eye-opener! We currently send one to private (special needs) and one to public. They are both in an environment where they are thriving and excelling. I’m also considering homeschool if we need it. And I still “homeschool” over the summer, meaning, my kids get no breaks. We read and read and study and learn all summer long.
I was public schooled but I have tons of friends who home schooled their kids and they are all smarter than the average bear so go for it. Takes a lot of discipline on the TEACHERS part!
Los,
Just one more way that your life speaks into mine.
My wife and I were both public schooled and had good experiences.
Our oldest son went through 3 years of public school and our oldest daughter went through public Kindergarten. But this year we are homeschooling them for a variety of reasons, but mainly because we felt God leading us to be greater influencers of our children’s lives and to support the craziness of my schedule as well.
And we also agree that this is what is best for our family for this season, but we are being very careful (particularly with the influential potential of me being a pastor) not to put out this message that “homeschooling is the only way”
…but we are loving it. Our kids love it. They are now each others’ best friends. They are learning a better work ethic as they help run our household along with doing academic work. We have a better rhythm and schedule than ever. And I am able to have an awesome worship & devo time with them every morning as a part of starting their school day. (We sang “Jesus Saves” together for worship just the other morning;) Oh, there are hard days…very hard days at times, but over all it has been so rewarding.
So I will pray for you and your family as you start your journey. I pray it is as much a blessing to you as it has been to us.
This is what i love to hear! It’s not your opinion about whether homeschool/public school/private school is the “best way”, but what fits for your family (& what the Lord calls some to do!)
There is no right place to be…every family is SO different! It is encouraging to hear a pastor say this is what is best for our family RIGHT NOW. It is the most encouraging thing to see parents evaluate their *entire* families lives & not just their own lives in regards of how to live!
Best of luck in homeschooling & in this season of transition!! It has been one of the best & most flesh-crucifying decisions we have ever made. It has opened our eyes to the “more than one way to skin a cat” & been able to extend grace to people that don’t understand or choose differently than us.
hey, Jesus was homeschooled. nuff said.
I was public schooled, and I can related to the ‘confidence’ thing. High school debate and competitive acting made a huge impact on me. It was like my head just exploded. My wife and I purposely moved to a place with great public schools that I could teach in and our kids (one day) will get to attend. But I know plenty of homeschooled kids who turned out normal…mostly
We LOVE homeschooling in a crazy way. Check out our blog; see our adventure. I was published in a homeschooling magazine just recently. BEAUTIFUL people over there (The Old Schoolhouse Magazine). I’ll post some stuff to Heather’s Facebook page. It’s awesome! Enjoy the ride.
Hugs,
m
Where did you get that pic….you have Heather in five inch heals or something?
it was public school all the way for me, so I’m clueless on this one… I do have a few friends that are homeschooling, though, and they love it.
Good luck!
i had a taste of a little bit of everything, public, private and homeschool. i even skipped 7th grade. and survived the australian private school system. (some of those kids were mean!) but i turned out pretty good…not too weird ;]
both of my parents had a hand in the homeschooling part, getting to do really awesome science experiments with my dad, getting to go on crazy field trips all over the world, one of the perks of being an m.k.
i loved it, and i’m glad i got to experience a little of everything. well…everything except american high school…but im not too worried about missing out on that…lol
i haven’t totally considered what i’ll do with my kids, but i think it will just depend, and be something that we carefully consider together, depending on the season.
ps. super photoshop skillz ahahaha. super creepy picture. lol
Los & H,
From a student’s perspective–im an 18 yr old senior in public school–i would say that i disagree with homeschooling. And not because iv been public-schooled. Not because it’s different. Not because anything but these 2 reasons:
1. I’ve grown up around h-schoolers my whole life. My youth group of about 95 kids is roughly 75% h-schoolers. And I’ve found that they don’t understand how to connect with other people very well. They grow up with the church as their essential social setting, and view public school kids as heathens who need to be radically converted. (i understand though, that this could be largely due to their parents). But they’re not culturally relevant. I’m not saying they should be “of the world” at all, please hear me. But there’s a point where being very socially awkward affects your witnessing ability.
2. Public/Private school teachers have the benefit of attending workshops, conventions, etc. that address effective education techniques. They’re actually required to do so. No offense to you H, none at all, but i don’t think when they get to highschool/middle school levels, that self-education on the internet or with other supplementary materials is the best way to learn. The teacher/student relationship has taught me so much–and you don’t get that with homeschooling as a parent.
My brother and sister and I were all homeschooled from K-12. For my parents, it was partly based on a religious/ political decision that I now disagree with, but I think that despite all the bullshit that came up in my K-12 education, the one thing it did give me (and that continues to serve me today) is an ability to learn independently. Education as inherently research-oriented: the answers are not inside your teacher, but in the resources you have access to. My brother holds two postgraduate degrees in theology, my sister is studying for her PhD in physics, and I have two postgraduate degrees and am working on my PhD now in the social sciences, so I think we were pretty well equipped to succeed in public education, although not make any money, unfortunately. This in spite of thinking the world was 8,000 years old, Thomas Jefferson was a Christian, gays were mentally ill, and Martin Luther King was a guy named after Martin Luther.
All of the above…
Public School for Kindergarten
Private/Christian – 1st-3rd
Homeschool – 4th-6th
Private/Christian – 7th-12th
My parents homeschooled during those three years because it worked for our family…and we lived in a little town where we were the only ones that homeschooled and others thought my parents were crazy because they didn’t send us to their town’s school.
I can tell you as a child those homeschool years were great because we had the opportunity to learn a lot more and serve a lot more than we would have being tied to the schools schedule.
Enjoy the homeschooling!
LOVE the pic… ( for the record..school choice gets a whole chapter in my book- we giggle here.. but the ideas (misconceptions) that most people have about home-schoolers is pretty much that pic exactly… well it’s the misconception I had.. until we became a homeschool family- sans jumpers
My book is called: A Mile in Her Shoes- a social experiment in mothering (I confront the misconceptions about different Moms by “walking a mile in her shoes” I have already been: a working mom, SAHM, Work from home mom. Soon I’ll be writng about schooling differences:)
I was a public school kid.
My older 2 kids::
Private schooled- K-2G
Home schooled- 3-4 G
Charter Schooled- 5-8G
Public mega school- high school.
Youngest-
Home schooled k-1
Public school- 3rd grade
I believe in the right schooling option at the right time…or the ADHD method of schooling choice.
Here’s a post I wrote about choosing schools-
http://traceysolomon.wordpress.com/2009/08/18/the-final-frontier-public-school-yup-were-here/
umm sorry that was long.. I got excited:)
Good luck with your homeschooling- it’s an awesome option!
My Family and I are going into the missions field, serving in Asia next year and because of that we are starting our kids on Home Schooling next Fall. For very similar reasons that you are doing, due to the traveling involved and such.
Check out “Vision to Becca” on Facebook!
Me..public school 1-6, Christian school 7-12. Now, five kids of my own…homeschooled the older two through grades 8 and 10, then got scholarship at Christian school…or they would still be homeschool. Younger three…still homeschool. I have intentionally made sure my kids are not so sheltered from pop culture such as movies, music etc as I was growing up. However there is a lot of stuff that I do not see necessary to the development of a good person…I want my children to be able to be able to communicate the Gospel to people of their day.
Los,
I always enjoy reading your blog but have never commented before. I do have some thoughts for you on this one:
We have 3 boys ages 6,4,2. We homeschool the oldest and will be doing the same with the middle one this fall. We didn’t do it as some protest of the public school. We did it because, like you, it fits our family schedule better. I LOVE the flexibility it gives to go to the museum in the middle of the day if we want…hang out at the library…have lunch as a family- go on vacation whenever we want.
Prepare yourselves for people saying things to you like “I admire what you are doing, but I could never do it!” Over time that statement has just started to grate on my wife’s nerves. Most people CAN do it, the dominant culture just tells them they can’t. Everyone homeschools their kids until at least pre-school. So homeschooling families just keep doing it longer.
My brother teaches in higher education and feels that we are entering the golden age of homeschooling with public schools deteriorating and the internet making home education much easier. Have a great time on the journey. It really can be a great thing!
Public school and I’m pretty sure my kids will do the same.
Although, I don’t think they will get to enjoy the character building experience of riding the NYC subway to school at 10 yrs old by themselves like I did.
My other problem is my attention span. I couldn’t teach my children in the middle of the lesson I would be looking out the window at squirrels or something.
I would also like to add that I once got my younger brother to do his history paper on the Great Canadian – Monkey War.
So I’m probably not the best candidate for teaching today’s youth. Strangely, my younger brother is a public school teacher. Hmmmm
I went to public school then a private school growing up. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to go to a private school because I got a much better education and was challenged to think for myself. Good luck with homeschooling! I know a ton of people in our church who homeschool their kids and those kids are very well rounded and completely normal
That is awesome that you are jumping on that journey. I went to public school and swore by it. Shoot, I think I turned out pretty good for going to a p.s. However, my wife and I have been homeschooling for some years now and love it. Aside from the flexibility the academic side is really cool too.
I was definitely a public school kid. I attended a public school that was a little, well… we’ll just say that when people ask what school I graduated from and I tell them, they either A) cringe, B) say, “oooohhhhhh” and knowingly shake their head, or C) look at me with their head cocked to the side as if they are thinking, “how did you come out of THERE?”
All that to say- My school definitely didn’t have a great rep. I left that extremely diverse (and somewhat dangerous at times) school to attend an expensive (mostly white-very different from my HS) private college… and found myself really missing the environment. What I DID NOT find to be true was that my education was inferior to that of my peers at the expensive, private college.
My fiancé’ is a teacher and coach at a public high school in metro Atlanta and is, obviously, a big advocate of public school.
All this to say: Los, generally, I would answer your question with: PUBLIC SCHOOL! However, I completely understand why people choose private schooling or home schooling for their families, if one of those options really fits that particular family better. Whether it is the schedule of the family (as in your case), the learning style of the kids, or something more specific to the needs of the children, I think it is definitely important to find what works best for YOU.
The one thing that gets me in some of these debates is when parents pull their kids out of public school to go to private schools to ‘protect them from drugs, bullying, etc.’ In my experience of having friends in ritzy, private schools and also working in a para-church organization that works to share Jesus with students in public and private (both Christian and secular) schools in metro Atlanta, I have found that, while the problems of drugs, bullying, cliques, etc. may be of a different nature in the public/private arena, they certainly still exist.
All of this to say, I’m pro-whatever works for each family, while at the same time saying, “please don’t be ignorant enough to think that paying tuition for a school eliminates the possibility that your child/ren will be exposed to _________. I DO hope that they will know how to make the wise choice in that situation, however.
Anyway- sorry for the long message. I do wish y’all the best with your home-schooling venture! And YAY! to Heather for going for it!
My wife homeschools our children. She wants to spend as much time with them as possible as they grow. We may or may not send them to public school in later grades (our oldest is in 6th grade). We like how flexible our schedule is and are able to do things with our kids that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
I went to public school. I think you do what works best for your kids. There is no mandate that says you must send your kids to public school. In fact in some districts it may be counterproductive. But then again some families don’t have a choice. We are blessed that we can choose.
I was public schooled. My wife grew up in a private Christian school. We home school our four kids. We lived with another family in Indiana for a year who did it WELL. That encouraged my wife to tackle it head-on. And our kids are thriving. Public school in the future? Maybe, we’ll see…
public & private for me. husband was private schooled. we are sending our kids to private school though they are only in school 2 days a week. if this school were not available to us, we would homeschool for a season. not forever….but maybe a short season.
I was in private school from 2nd – 6th grade. Then public school through high school. My cousins were home schooled and the majority of them turned out alright.
More power to you and your family! That’s a big decision and I’m sure it’s the right decision for you guys right now. I don’t think you have to worry about Losiah turing out little-house-on-the-prairie-ish. That kid has style!
I went to public schools. My kids have done public, home-school & private. They’ve mostly been in private school and it shall remain that way, Lord willing.
I agree with you it’s whatever works best for your family.
Attended private school from k-7th grade…after that, my sister and I were homeschooled, My parents made sure that we were able to continue playing sports/ballet so we weren’t cut off from our social lives, through the schools umbrella program, we were able to walk with the class that we had gone to school with most of our elementary lives. I graduated high school a year early…Went off to do Master Commission and My sister graduated high school and went on to graduate from University of Houston last year!
We were so scared to homeschool, we had seen so many of the stereotypical homeschoolers…we were convinced we would be morphed into nerds. haha…You hit the nail on the head though when you said they were splitting images of their parents. Our kids are reflections of who we are…
In the end, I will homeschool my son(3) and daughter(4months) too…BUT we will send them to school first…maybe until 2nd grade.My husband went to public school all his life and is 100% on board with the idea of homeschooling.
Good Luck and what an amazing mom and wife Heather is!
Grew up in public schools. Was in one of the first public schools to be desegregated back in the early 70′s. That was an experience that could become an entire blog post someday.
Now have a 10 year old in public school, which I am currently disappointed with. Mostly because of the “small town” mentality of where we currently live. (The lack of motivation, desire, or willingness to change, evolve, or grow up) However we are trying hard to change that by selling our home and moving somewhere that will be better for her as well as my husband and myself.
We’ve considered home schooling – and it may still be an option. I have 2 cousins who were home schooled and they turned out smarter than most I know. That being said I have also seen some that should have never been home schooled in the first place. And I wonder how they will make it through life.
I think each situation is different. Knowing where you’re at right now, I think you guys are doing a great thing for the kids. There will be so many opportunities for them to learn & experience life without even realizing that they are learning, that they may never have a chance to if they are sitting in a classroom all day.
My wife and I were public schooled but we home school our three boys.
No one in our family owns a denim jumper
i and my wife are both children of public school teachers so i did K-12 in public school and then went to one of those heathen State Universities. the wife went to a few private schools early on, but mostly public. our kids are in public school because we think that is the best place for them to be salt and light in the world….that and we don’t have the scratch for private school. homeschooling just isn’t for us at this juncture.
Your photo made my day…LOL. We home schooled our kids the whole way. It was hard. It was a blessing. I would do it again!
Homeschooled. K-12. I had the chance to do so many extracurricular activities that would have been impossible through traditional school. My parents required intellectual integrity, good citizens, and work done on time; their kids wound up with a quality education, professionally successful, and close to one another: win/win.
Awesome. Welcome to the Club.
Well I went to school when I was 5 for two terms and then started homeschooling. I liked school but was excited about being homeschooled. It was great, though I wouldn’t say it was always easy especially for my Mum! However having been homeschooled myself I really want to homeschool my children, just because I can see the benefits in my own life.
We home-educate our daughter who is 5. It takes her about 30 minutes to cover the required 3.5 hours of CA Kindergarten instruction so my daughter is now doing 2nd grade work in a couple subjects. This also gives them time for lots of real world learning like field trips, AWANA, ballet, gymnastics, swim, etc… Check out this site for some new digs for the kids and mom. http://shop.cafepress.com/homeschool (no affilitation, just googled it).
I never imagined that we’d be homeschooling our kids, but here we are 3 years into it and we love it. It began out of necessity, because my husband was being transferred around a lot for work and we didn’t want the kids to be hopping around schools. Then, the more I read and learned about the benefits of homeschool, and experiencing it first hand, I was totally sold on it. We’re artists around here and homeschooling allows us to bring art into nearly everything we do. We also get through our “work” in a short amount of time, leaving hours each day to do real life learning. I’m teaching my kids to love learning by giving them the control to pursue their own interests in their education. We’re also very normal in-the-world type people, and there are a lot of us homeschoolers that wouldn’t be caught dead in a jean skirt or braids! I’ve seen some of the most creative and brilliant minds come from homeschooling! So, needless to say, we think it’s a great option. You guys will have a lot of fun with it!
“Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your road map through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die.”
– John Taylor Gatto
P.S. The added benefit is that I’m filling in all the gaps in my own education, while teaching my 2nd graders!
I was homeshooled, in private school, and public school in different parts of my life. And my kids will do whatever works for them in that part of their lives. Totally agree with Carlos on this one.
I went to public schools. My mom is a retired public school teacher. I was a public school teacher until I began staying at home with my kids. My daughter (the only one who’s school aged at the moment) goes to public school. I am PASSIONATE about a public school education in a way that I cannot even convey in this little comment!! I believe “school” goes way beyond learning ABCs into things I could never, ever create in my own home. I believe in trusting the education of my children to experts. I believe in my kids being surrounded by people who are different they are while in our house we are raising them to believe in God, Jesus, etc. Like I said, I have some pretty fierce views on this. But I also have to remind myself that I believe in every mother/father knowing what is best for their children!! I TOTALLY ‘get’ your choice… it’s just not one I’d ever, personally, make.
First off — LOVE the picture. Funny!
Second — total props to you guys. Homeschooling is hard, and it’s changed so much since we were kids. Today they have co-ops, and groups, and support; things that did not exist 30 years ago.
was I homeschooled? no Were my kids? no — I do not have the organizational skills, patience, or support. My kids did/do however go to a Christian school.
Homeschool is good — I only get my feathers ruffled when a homeschool family tells me I’m a bad parent for not homeschooling. Those are typically the parents who use homeschooling to over shelter thier kids and I think that hurts them socially down the line. Haveing said that — 90% of the homeschool families I know, do not fall into that subset, and somehow, I don’t think you guys will either.
Ya’ll rock. Have fun.
My oldest is in public school and my youngest is in a pre-k “program” at a local daycare. I am disatisfied with the quality from both of them. My 1st grader is very bright in reading/writing…2-3 grades levels ahead consistently and when I approached the school to see what to do on challenging her more (I even offered to purchase additional materials for them to use), their response was “we don’t know what to do with her. We haven’t had a student like that before and haven’t ever really planned for it”. So, as of right now, my daughter is teamed up with another student with ADHD and is responsible for helping the teacher keep him on track. While I appreciate the idea of her getting extra responsibility and helping classmates, I think she gets taken advantage of and often forgotten because she doesn’t cause trouble or need extra help. In the preschool program, they have barely taught our daughter the alphabet. I do a lot with my kids at home to keep them engaged, but in our area this is the best you can get. Prayerfully considering other options for next year….or sooner!!!
I was home schooled and turned out (what some would call) normal. I often tell people “the two coolest home schoolers ever…are me and Tim Tebow”
Public school K through 3
Private School 4 through 8
Home School 9 through 12.
I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t homeschool my children through high school. Private school might be an option if I felt that the public school was not teaching my children at the level they deserved (if we can afford it).
I was homeschooled aaaaaallllll the way through school, preschool through high school graduation. I did some college classes my senior year, which helped me graduate college in 3 years. My little brothers were mostly homeschooled and then finished out at a Christian high school. My husband was mostly homeschooled and finished out at a Catholic all-boys school.
I used to swear I would only homeschool my kids, but now that I have two littles, I wonder if my sanity will handle it. I think we will take it year by year and child by child. Definitely preschool and kindergarten at home.
We hope to do missions, so perhaps a missions co-op school where we take turns with other parents and teachers in a small class environment might be in our kids’ future. Or maybe an international school.
I was in public school my entire life (until college–then private). My dad was either my gym teacher or principal for the majority of my schooling, though.
My husband was in private school until 5th grade, homeschooled for 2 years, and then in public the rest of the time (until our private college).
We don’t have kids yet, but we’re going to pray a lot about their schooling. We’re planning on public school, but who knows where we’ll be and what the schools will be like whenever we do have kiddos…
Kudos to you for making an informed decision based on the needs of your family. I was a public school kid because my family was fundamentally opposed to anything else, despite the fact that it wasn’t a good fit for me in high school. Now, I am a public (charter) school teacher and I feel strongly that parents need to make choices that fit with the needs of their families. There is beauty in our individual difference, so why would we think that one type of education would work for everybody. If and when I have kids, I hope to be able to educate them in whatever way works best for our family, much like you have done.
Heya. I found your blog after a friend posted your video on Facebook. I’ve had fun flipping through it …and I may just keep visiting!
To answer your question, I have a 5 year old going into kindergarten this fall. I enrolled her in public school currently and I’m okay with that if nothing else comes up. We’ve been living overseas off and on for the last couple of years and she went to an Arabic program that she just loved. Now she asks me, “Why are you sending me to an English school. I already speak English.”
So I’m on the hunt for some kind of language immersion school. Charter, preferably, as I can’t afford private.
I suppose we’ve been homeschooling her for the preschool years and that has worked great for her, but with no siblings, she is just craving interaction with kids, so we won’t be doing that.
To answer your question(s) I was not home schooled. I did though have our oldest daughter in a Christian school 6th-12th grade. My oldest boy did all three and my youngest was home schooled through 5th grade and now is in a public school
my sister and i loves to read christian books because it inspires us to live life in its fullest -.’