will no longer be homeschoolers in the Fall

The end of our school year came and our learning consultant informed us that she was expecting another baby and would be taking on fewer students - in our program the learning consultant or LC is the one who reads all the weekly reports and makes report cards sounds more teacherly, etc. We've had 3 different LCs over the 5 years and we didn't really want to find yet another one. You share so many details of your life that it becomes a very personal selection. So we started talking about what to do in the Fall.

First we thought we'd try a new program coming to town but after attending some meetings for it found out that it will not be ready for at least 1 year if not more. They were looking for families to get the thing started, not to simply apply.

Then the girls said that they really want to meet more kids and make some friends. So we looked into all the other options in our area, including a homeschooling program that has regular classes in groups a few times per week.

We then decided to go one of the local public schools and get a tour. At first we thought it was just going to be to rule it out after being fully informed about it. BUT we were so impressed with the school, the principal, the teachers, even the friendly students that we decided it would be a good idea to bring the kids in for a tour too. After that they had 1 day at school with the classmates they'd get in September and it was such a huge success that we enrolled them.

So as of September 7th, we will no longer be homeschoolers (unless the kids hate school and decide that learning at home had more advantages but at this point in their lives I think they're going to love school).

I am a little torn because I know all the advantages that homeschooling offers, and how great our family relationships have been. I don't want their personalities to completely change. But I think that we will still be involved with what they are learning and doing, so we can still guide them in life. It is not like we are dropping them off in September and picking them up in June. LOL I'm sure all my fears and concerns will vanish as the months go by.

I'm also really excited about having the house kid-free most days of the week - I can get a job, or a hobby, clean, continue renovations, or just relax. Not as many messes for them to make. I know I will miss them on occasion too. And our sleeping schedule will have to completely change.

Anyway, to my fellow homeschoolers out there - keep on with your awesome work.

We will be on an adventure of a different kind.