Thinking about homeschooling

[skategirl128]

Hi Ladies!

We’ve faced some devastating cuts on Wednesday to DSs education. Without getting into many details we can’t easily sell our house and move to a different public district and our private school options are $$$ for gifted education.

DS is currently in 6th grade but takes 7/8th grade courses in his current hands on STEM school. He’s currently a straight A student who is really self motivated. I’m a licensed teacher and teach in a private elementary school right now. We are thinking of homeschooling him for 7 and 8 grade (so the next two years) and then putting him in a private high school.

I’m really just looking for support as we are 90% sure we will be embarking on this route in May when school is over. He will definitely not return to the public system since his school will close and I cannot for many reasons send him back to the traditional middle school option here. I know I have the skills to do so, but am really daunted about doing this with an older kiddo and trying to gather the appropriate resources. Any support/encouragement or guidance would be appreciated.

[hawkward]

YOU CAN DO THIS. I know you are smart and capable and you're already a fantastic educator.

I think the first thing to think about is budget. Look at what you have to spend and then find resources from there. A lot of all-in-one boxed curricula are available and are a great option, but they tend to be expensive if they're well-rounded.

If you're willing to seek out separate resources for him, I think you can create your own really strong program. If you know anyone at the high school he'll likely attend, I would see if you can get your hands on the expectations for incoming freshmen and build on that. There are a lot of great programs available that are for gifted or accelerated kids.

[skategirl128]

Thank you hawkward! I spoke to the high school guidance counselor yesterday and they gave me some good advice for his coursework.

I think we will build our own program using a variety of pieces. We will continue to push him ahead and see where he lands. I reached out to our local homeschool group too.

I’m exploring and feeling a little more confident. I’m still fighting at the local and state level that things have gotten this way, but even if his end in public education is in sight there are so many more that are still impacted by this nonsense.

[cribs]

Nov 8, 2019 7:22:39 GMT -6 hawkward said:

YOU CAN DO THIS. I know you are smart and capable and you're already a fantastic educator.

I think the first thing to think about is budget. Look at what you have to spend and then find resources from there. A lot of all-in-one boxed curricula are available and are a great option, but they tend to be expensive if they're well-rounded.

If you're willing to seek out separate resources for him, I think you can create your own really strong program. If you know anyone at the high school he'll likely attend, I would see if you can get your hands on the expectations for incoming freshmen and build on that. There are a lot of great programs available that are for gifted or accelerated kids.

I'm just over here lurking but if you know any teachers that are in those grades check with them for materials. My mom who is a teacher has so much stuff that her district tossed but is still useable and is decent.