plunge

We're going to do it.  John and I talked last night and we will be withdrawing Alex from public school and beginning to homeschool in about a week.  We had initially decided to make the switch at the start of his fifth grade year, this fall, but I figure that there's not much sense wasting anymore time in a system that is failing my son.

We'll be finishing out fourth grade here at home, focusing mostly on math and language arts.  These are the subjects he needs the most help in.  We'll also add in some history and science as interest allows, but we won't do much in the way of formal schooling in these two subjects until the fall.  This will give us the chance to ease into a more rigorous curriculum, while allowing Alex to explore his own interests through reading.

Additionally, I'm applying for Alex to continue his strings instruction through the public school.  He has been playing the viola since the fall and really enjoys it.  If all goes well, he should be able to continue in his orchestra class at the school in which he is currently enrolled.  I was surprised to learn that we are the first family in Roanoke City to attempt to be granted part-time enrollment, though there is a provision for it in the school board policies.  On the one hand, that means that we aren't competing with other homeschoolers for the space in the school.  However, that also means we're in uncharted territory and I don't really like the idea of being a pathfinder when I'm just now learning my way.

Fingers crossed and wish us luck.  This should be one hell of a ride.









This post was submitted as part of the Pour Your Heart Out Link Up at Things I Can't Say.