Halcyon Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 So we are making some huge changes in our schooling for the next year. We have decided to send the boy three days a week to a gifted students' "homeschool away from home" learning center. So Monday Wed Friday they will attend this project-oriented, group work oriented school about 40 minutes away from our house (ugh, just thinking about the driving gives me hives, but if they like it, we will continue to do it) and the other two days we will do our work at home. The school is from 9 to 3 or so, and they will cover math, language arts, current events, science and one major project every 6 weeks. They run 6 weeks on and 2 weeks off. The first session's project is going to be bridge building. Each student will research and build a bridge, local engineers will come and evaluate and give feedback and they will enter their bridge in a local science competition. They will also be getting their scuba certification and travelling to various parts of Florida (with parents) to dive, meet with marine biologists and learn about Florida lakes and oceans. Each week, they will participate in a Genius Hour: they will decide upon a project of anything they want to do (only requirement is that it benefit the community) and they must find a mentor to work with them on it. Then they need to prepare a presentation for the group at the end of the 6 week session. My younger son wants to create a computer program or app and older is unsure, but it sounds like it will be a great way for him to find his passion. The teachers trained with Harvard's Project Zero and are super kind and motivated. The other two days at home, we will focus on Spanish (30 min), Latin (45 min), science (1 hour), modern history (1 hour) and classical writing (45 min) (they will do writing at the school but we will be doing our own stuff at home). Oh, and we will do an hour of Math (the school will have them work using the curriculum they are currently using, along with the team-oriented math problems) . I will work while they are at school. I am a bit nervous about the commute, to be honest, but if they LOVE the program, I am willing to make the trek.. The sixteen other kids in the program are ages 9-15, gifted and seemingly very engaged with the school. School there begins Sept 8 so we will do our regularly scheduled homeschool until then. This is a HUGE change for us, but I think it's a good one. I really love the vibe of the school, I really like the two women who run it, and the project and group oriented learning is something both my kids have been asking for, but I have been unable to provide despite my best efforts. Thank you to everyone who helped me over the last few months as I've struggled to meet my kids' changing needs. I am hopeful this will provide the solution I have been searching for. And thank you to NotSoObvious for telling me about this program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrunchyGirl Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 This sounds like an amazing plan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share Posted August 23, 2014 This sounds like an amazing plan! Thank you for saying so. It's difficult for me to given up on my carefully tailored HS plans for the year, but I really think this program will give my kids what has been lacking our homeschool. And I am very pleased with the women who run the program--just good, smart, student-oriented, organic, low stress people who focus on building team skills with the children and inspiring their passions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 I hope everything works out well for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 This sounds like a cool program! I'm sure they will love it and you'll get use to the commute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 Goodness, my kids would LOVE something like that. Wow! This sounds like a terrific plan, Halcyon! Yes the commute may be a bit stressful at first but I applaud you for digging in and finding how to work this out. Good job! I'm excited for you and the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 So, are you looking for a part-time job where they will be attending school? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share Posted August 23, 2014 So, are you looking for a part-time job where they will be attending school? I have run my own acupuncture clinic for the last few years. It's about 35 minutes from the school. I set my own hours, so I will work when they are in school, and then again later in the afternoon on Tues and Thurs when DH can take them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourisenough Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I'd probably still be homeschooling my two older daughters if I found a similar set-up nearby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share Posted August 23, 2014 Goodness, my kids would LOVE something like that. Wow! This sounds like a terrific plan, Halcyon! Yes the commute may be a bit stressful at first but I applaud you for digging in and finding how to work this out. Good job! I'm excited for you and the kids. Thank you! What's nice is they're giving us a trial period so we can see how it all works out for us. Plus, the teachers said there's a family a bit closer to us (20 min away) that goes, and perhaps we can work out a car ride sharing thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 This sounds wonderful, mama, and my heart is bursting on your behalf for the possibilities for your boys and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 I think it's very brave to recognize when you need to make a change, and then to do it. I hope this works out for all of you! Oh, and for the commute, I have one word for you: audiobooks! This is a big way I get extra "reading" in - usually reading or re-reading classics I plan to do with the kids, or previewing interesting trade books I might assign them. You guys could have a group listen in lit on the way there (when y'all don't feel like chatting), and you could have your own book going for when you are alone in the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share Posted August 23, 2014 I think it's very brave to recognize when you need to make a change, and then to do it. I hope this works out for all of you! Oh, and for the commute, I have one word for you: audiobooks! This is a big way I get extra "reading" in - usually reading or re-reading classics I plan to do with the kids, or previewing interesting trade books I might assign them. You guys could have a group listen in lit on the way there (when y'all don't feel like chatting), and you could have your own book going for when you are alone in the car. ITA with this. I have a huge list of audiobooks we always want to get to, but never find the time. We're going to start with Orphan Train, Animal Farm and probably Lord of the Flies. I just need to find a bluetooth speaker for the car that will sync with my phone so we can all hear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 My car stereo has an AUX input so I can connect my tablet, phone, etc. directly to the speaker system. It's awesome. BTW, I read Orphan Train and really enjoyed it. There is a part that could be upsetting (attempted rape)- maybe preread if your DS9 is sensitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 This sounds very exciting! I haven't found any schooling choice perfect-I just try to choose the closest fit. Hopefully the driving will be worth the benefits for your family. It does sound like a great option for your kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholas_mom Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 WOW! Oh this is so exciting! How wonderful for you to see their needs and be able to find something that works for them. Now I am motivated to find something like this for my son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 So glad you solved your hsing dilemma in such a neat way!! Have a fabulous year--would love to hear how it goes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 Yay! I hope it works out. I'm so curious to hear some more feedback once they start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 It sounds amazing, Halcyon. I wish there were something similar near me! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwg Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I wish we had something like that! My ds would love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Neat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I like it. Sounds like that will fit perfectly with your son's need to find like-minded friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Thank you for saying so. It's difficult for me to given up on my carefully tailored HS plans for the year, but I really think this program will give my kids what has been lacking our homeschool. And I am very pleased with the women who run the program--just good, smart, student-oriented, organic, low stress people who focus on building team skills with the children and inspiring their passions. And if for some reason it doesn't work out as you'd like, you'll have a back-up plan. ;) Good luck and enjoy your year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I think it's very brave to recognize when you need to make a change, and then to do it. I hope this works out for all of you! Oh, and for the commute, I have one word for you: audiobooks! This is a big way I get extra "reading" in - usually reading or re-reading classics I plan to do with the kids, or previewing interesting trade books I might assign them. You guys could have a group listen in lit on the way there (when y'all don't feel like chatting), and you could have your own book going for when you are alone in the car. Yes, this. It is very brave to make a profound life change, probably especially for academically rigorous homeschoolers, who are so invested in their children's education. I think of Laura Corin and her boys They homeschooled for years, and then decided it was time for a change. I remember thinking then, "I bet that took courage." I'm glad you mentioned this, Chrysalis, it's something I've been pondering lately -- the "how will we know?" question. I wonder, how will we know if and when it's time for a change? So far, I think I can put together the components for a solid education, a pleasant childhood, and a full life. What happens if and when I just can't find the right pieces, or keep them going, or.... ? Or it's just time for a change? Halcyon, how did you know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 That sounds so neat! I'm excited for you! I am signing my girls up with a local private school. They will continue to home school but will be able to have activities like field trips, band, sports etc.. I can't believe I actually found it, but I am so excited I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 It sounds wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 27, 2014 Author Share Posted August 27, 2014 Yes, this. It is very brave to make a profound life change, probably especially for academically rigorous homeschoolers, who are so invested in their children's education. I think of Laura Corin and her boys They homeschooled for years, and then decided it was time for a change. I remember thinking then, "I bet that took courage." I'm glad you mentioned this, Chrysalis, it's something I've been pondering lately -- the "how will we know?" question. I wonder, how will we know if and when it's time for a change? So far, I think I can put together the components for a solid education, a pleasant childhood, and a full life. What happens if and when I just can't find the right pieces, or keep them going, or.... ? Or it's just time for a change? Halcyon, how did you know? Just mommy intuition. Plus older asking me for more opportunities to do "real schoolwork" with other kids--not the one off coop classes that half the class doesn't prepare for, or Friday afternoon music lessons. He wanted ongoing interaction and projects with serious-minded kids who really want to learn. Around here, we were having a hard time finding academic homeschoolers, and the coops...well, the coops were just silly. It got to the point where that really mattered TO HIM. I had already tried the route of bringing him to countless different activities, but to be honest, we were both burned out trying to find kids that would be a fit-we just weren't finding what we needed in this neck of the woods. And he really wanted to do PROJECTS with other kids in a team setting. Now I can't say yet that this school will be the answer, not by any stretch. We haven't even started yet. But I have hope. Younger will enjoy himself too--I can't say he absolutely NEEDED it like older, but I know he will enjoy it immensely. We of course will still have two full days at home. I hope that it will all work out. I will update once my kids have begun on Sept 8th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SierraNevada Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Sounds amazing. I'm curious, how many students are in this school? I'd love to start my own school that operated like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Younger will enjoy himself too--I can't say he absolutely NEEDED it like older, but I know he will enjoy it immensely. That was exactly our situation. Was it brave? I wasn't an ideological home educator - I fell into it because Calvin needed it, then we were living somewhere where it seemed to be the only option, then Hobbes needed it. In the end, school looked better for our family. When we moved to Scotland, I had investigated schools before deciding where to live, so it was already at the back of my mind. Best wishes, Halcyon. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Sounds amazing. I'm curious, how many students are in this school? I'd love to start my own school that operated like that. With my kids, it will be 18. It opened 4 years ago with 5 kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runningmom80 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Wow! That sounds amazing. I hope it all works out, I don't doubt it will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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