School choices
We’ve come to that point in our lives where our oldest child will be entering Kindergarten next school year. I don’t really understand how my tiny little bit of girl can be on the verge of school, but so it is.
So, the great school debate has been raging. At least in my mind, Matt might be a little less dramatic about the whole thing.
Public school was never really an option for us. We revisited this decision several months ago and still found it to be true. Now, don’t get me wrong, we are not anti public school in any kind of dogmatic way, it just isn’t the right choice for our family right now.
That being said, let me throw out a bit of the reasoning behind our decision. First, we have a complete and fundamental difference of opinion with the public school system when it comes to worldview. I know there are a lot of great Bible believing teachers in the school system, I know quite a few, but I also know that often their hands are tied by red tape. Second, I don’t like the idea of full day Kindergarten and that is all our school district offers. I could go on, but there is really no need.
I can’t fully articulate my desire to have Little in half day class, but it is one of my personal educational philosophies. And, I kind of like having her around. Think of me what you will.
So, private school? Due to financial considerations (and the full day vs. half day Kindergarten thing), a lot of the private schools in the area were out. The school where Little is currently attending two days a week has a great half day Kindergarten. That was really our only viable option other than homeschooling. On days like today, I still consider it a viable option. But we have to decide quickly, registration started today and their classes usually fill up very fast.
And here’s my biggest draw back to sending her there…I would have to get 4 kids (yep, you read that right, 4) up, ready, and in the car to get Little to school by 8. Then we would have to unload everyone to walk her into school. And then repeat the scene to pick her up at noon (there’s the downside of half day Kindergarten). Again, think of me what you will, but these are very real considerations in my life right now.
And now we come to homeschooling. Let me start off by saying that just because I’m addressing it last in no way indicates that it is our “fall back” option. I’m not so naive as to think it won’t be painfully difficult, especially in the early going. In fact, homeschooling has long been our first choice.
So I think this is where we’ve landed. I’ve been reading the laws that govern “home schools” in our state, researching curriculum, and praying that this is, indeed, the right choice for our family right now. We have been blessed with a large number of homeschooling families in our life, and the feedback, encouragement, and ideas I’m getting are wonderful! We also have a great homeschool support group in our area, and, of course, Matt’s parents who have “been there, done that, and lived to tell about it.”
I believe that there are times in life where we have to choose between the “good” and the “better” or even between the “good” and the “good”. And I believe that, for us, this is one of those times. I also believe that God equips and supplies, and we are relying on His provision as we enter this new chapter. Matt and I truly believe that this is the right choice for our family (our WHOLE family, not only Little) at this point in our lives. Your prayers, feedback, and words of encouragement are coveted.
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