sahm99 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 I am thinking of a "happy homeschool situation" - kids thriving, family life going well (...going great!), mom content... In this set-up, what would it take for you to choose to end the voyage? What school would be irresistable? ...for full discloure, we have been homeschooling "forever"...and were set to see it through... These last weeks an opportunity has risen, for the (older three) kids (14,12, 10) to attend a truly amazing school. They will start in August - and will never be homeschooled again... My heart is heavy, but I know that this is the right choice, and that any other decison would have been egoistic... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 A decision that is best for the family is a positive reason. Doing the right thing for your family is never negative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 An older kid's decision they want to pursue something else. I firmly believe in the differences in kids and " seasons" of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 An amazing high school opportunity would pretty much be it. Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 A Jesuit school opening up nearby. My kids wouldbe enrolled in a heart beat. Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Graduation, we're so close now, it's the only positive that would make me stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Well, our church recently decided to open a classical Lutheran elementary school. So, my middle child will be attending and my twin toddlers eventually. I'll still be homeschooling my two oldest, but the other day I got a little caught up in the thought of it was probably the last time I'd use my third grade books ever. Probably save them "just in case." :) Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Younger ages--a good one room school, mornings only, walking distance, in the neighborhood, parents allowed and encouraged to come visit and help teach. I would teach phonics with Webster's Speller when I visited. The middle school ages, not much, I would have to see it to believe it. A good classical or Jesuit school for high school would tempt me if their days off policy if you kept up with the work was flexible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 My son applied to and got into the STEM high school in our district. I cannot replicate that experience no matter how hard I try. It has been excellent for him. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 What would be "positive reasons" for you to end homeschooling? Graduation, definitely! But, yes, do what is right for your family. The reasons will be unique to each person. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 An older kid with a particular career path in mind that required something specific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 My daughter went to public school this year. She loved homeschooling and was actually torn about the decision. It was a very happy transition though, as she has always been easy to homeschool. She honestly just wanted to try it & I didn't want that to be a big regret that hung over her. We live in a very small town & I like the schools well enough. I'm friends with all if her teachers actually. We decided to simply try middle school & I told her she could come home if it wasn't what she expected. She is still there & on the honor roll. She can come home anytime, but I imagine she plans to stick with PS. My son will dual enroll in 6th grade most likely. We live in FL and a lot of home schoolers in our area utilize this option for band or choir, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Small class size, 1/2 days, lots of hands on activities, work at your own pace..... Like we do here except with 10 other kids in a similar age range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Full scholarship to the Bishop's School in La Jolla. Or Phillips Exeter. I'm not picky. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I can't picture it in earlier grades. For high school, if my daughter is as drawn to competition as I was, and there was a rigorous, competitive private or magnet high school available to her, I could see the possibilities. But life changes, and there are very possibly options I'm not considering now that may look more attractive later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 There is a great private school near us - if we had the money, I would definitely consider sending my kids. It offers a great classical education, a theater program, sports, and wonderful teachers, many of whom I know personally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alef Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 A school with amazing social structure and support that offered classes and experiences that matched my children's needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Both of our boys decided to go back to public schools for high school. Oldest wanted to go to the local high school. He said he felt he needed the real life competition from other smart kids to challenge him and motivate him to do his best. Youngest applied and was accepted to our county's early college high school. We considered all of the above to be positive, happy reasons for ending our homeschooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abba12 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 For us, our reasons are not just academic, and I don't think there would be any positive reason I would send my kids to school in the younger/middle grades I will concede though that I would consider a specialist high school for a child for whom that would be an amazing opportunity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 We're not die-hard homeschoolers, we firmly believe in the idea of every kid being different and can envision reasons that different kids might choose to not homeschool at different times. That said, given your scenario..."happy, thriving kids, content Mom, etc" I wouldn't personally choose to stop homeschooling. We have a very good small private school very close to us where most of our friends go. We could afford it and it would be a good fit. For us we see it right now that we're choosing TO homeschool, not that we aren't choosing something else. Every year, we reassess and ask the kids what they want to do. At this point, unless we had major life changes, the only thing that would cause us to not homeschool would be if one of the kids chose to go elsewhere. So far that hasn't happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueTaelon Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 If the school could provide a better education then I could in that situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 No positive reason for me. I don't homeschool to get away from anything so if what I was doing was going well, then there would be no reason to go to anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Nothing. I believe homeschooling is superior to everything else out there, and in a positive, thriving, homeschool, I can't think of one thing that would ever cause me to think differently. Even in a less than perfect situation, I can't think of much that would stop me from continuing our homeschool journey. I have loved every minute of it, and have been lucky enough to not suffer from the burnout and stress that can derail the homeschool train for many. It has truly been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm so fortunate to see my exclusively homeschooled and graduated kids, thriving and excelling in their respective universities and careers. If you are having doubts, let me assure you that homeschooling works. The days are longer than the years. If you are diligent, if you work hard, if you're willing to sacrifice some peace and personal time, if you don't give up when things are difficult...your reward will be tremendous. It is worth every second, and there can be so much joy in the journey. But there is even more joy in the results. I am truly grateful for the privilege of homeschooling my children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 My boys went to public school in late middle school because they wanted to play high school sports. There have been positives and negatives with the situation but mostly positive in that they have made good friends and done well. I always home schooled with a year by year approach and though I love it, I know it might not always be the best choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Every family is different, but I'm another in the "graduation" camp. Mine are in high school and would lose credits and more if we stopped. So I keep the blinders on and press forward to the finish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicianmom Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 There are two schools (one for boys, one for girls) that I would love for my kids to attend. The price tag is too much and we don't live in reasonable commuting range. If those circumstances changed, I would gladly relinquish homeschooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grover Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 If a school came along that would meet the needs of my kids, they would go there. It may be that we will find that when they are a little older, and in that case our home ed journey will come to a happy end. FOr me it's about meeting needs - right now I can do that best at home, but that doesn't mean it's forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 ... The days are longer than the years. Isn't this the truth! It reminds me of what I say to new parents, "The days may last forever but the weeks, months, and years fly by!" Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 An amazing opportunity fits the bill for me to end homeschooling! That, and the kids are on board and want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Our eldest is in a sincerely unique specialized private school for bright/gifted dyslexic children. There is no way I could replicate that at home. She was NOT thriving at home, so we do not exactly fit your post criteria, but even if she had been thriving at home, we would have jumped at this opportunity. Homeschool is NOT always superior. It simply isn't. I cannot, repeat cannot, emulate a school like this - an OG tutor at her fingertips every step of the way, individualized education plan with one-on-one sessions in subjects as needed, with teachers trained in OG as well as their subject area, x game ramps, trips, accountability, ridiculously small class sizes, and (most importantly) children just like her to share her triumphs and struggles with. I would absolutely repeat for my boys if they had a need that couldn't be met as well at home as it could be in the opportunity that comes around, no matter how much they were thriving at home (because you never know - they could thrive more elsewhere, still). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 We've always tried to raise our kids to take charge of their educations. When my oldest hit 9th grade, she had some very valid reasons for wanting to try high school. This is a kid who would do well anywhere, and we're lucky to have a nice public school within walking distance. It's worked out great academically and socially for her. So for us, a child's preference matters as long as their choices are all educationally sound. We know that EVERY situation has pluses and minuses and since we've always homeschooled the whole "homeschooling evangelist" phase passed years ago. Our second child is in middle school. Sometimes he talks about school, and we do listen and discuss it, but he always manages to talk himself out of the idea. I expect him to homeschool all the way through. I think the decision is easier for our kids. We've never bad mouthed school so they don't view it as a lesser choice. DH and I both had great school experiences so our decision to homeschool was never based on disliking school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sisyphus Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 If I had access to (and could afford, because they do exist here) a school like Aimees, I'd send my youngest in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, we have access to "you square peg fits well enough in our round hole so we don't care" type schools, so we homeschool. It's working brilliantly for what it is, but I don't kid myself there are better options out there. We just can't afford them, so they might as well not exist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 An amazing high school opportunity would pretty much be it. Congrats!Yes, same here. In fact, this is the goal I am working towards and will homeschool DS in high school only if some amazing sports talent emerges or he insists. Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 We stopped in middle school but we didn't expect to ever quit. We are fortunate that we have an awesome middle school and a great program for them to filter into for high school. They have each built some amazing relationships with a few teachers who are outstanding in their fields and I couldn't replicate that at home. Socially, it's been better than I expected and exactly what they needed. I've always heard tales of how horrible middle school is but that hasn't been our experience at all. My dds are not at all in the popular cliques but they are not bullied or messed with and they have made some truly great friends. We are just very fortunate to be where we are and have the schools/students/teachers that we do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Graduation, we're so close now, it's the only positive that would make me stop. An older kid with a particular career path in mind that required something specific We are nowhere near the end, but the end is the only happy ending I can see. When they are ready to graduate to college , career , or career training, we will be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Aviation High School will end our homeschooling on a high note with our oldest if she is accepted. :D. We will know by mid April. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 The right private school for high school (one which offers a similar liberal arts/classical education to the private high school I went to and loved) which we have found. Because her older brother is going to school next year, my daughter wants to try the public school (I would be more comfortable if there was a private elementary but alas...). She can come home at any time if it isn't what she imagined. But even though we've been happy homeschooling, our decision to homeschool was based on lack of good schools in our town rather than an independent desire to homeschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Nothing. I believe homeschooling is superior to everything else out there, and in a positive, thriving, homeschool, I can't think of one thing that would ever cause me to think differently. Even in a less than perfect situation, I can't think of much that would stop me from continuing our homeschool journey. I have loved every minute of it, and have been lucky enough to not suffer from the burnout and stress that can derail the homeschool train for many. It has truly been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm so fortunate to see my exclusively homeschooled and graduated kids, thriving and excelling in their respective universities and careers. If you are having doubts, let me assure you that homeschooling works. The days are longer than the years. If you are diligent, if you work hard, if you're willing to sacrifice some peace and personal time, if you don't give up when things are difficult...your reward will be tremendous. It is worth every second, and there can be so much joy in the journey. But there is even more joy in the results. I am truly grateful for the privilege of homeschooling my children. Reread the OP.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I just felt that, at that point in Calvin's life, a school could do better than I could. We were doing well and were all happy. But I knew, even if C did not, that there was a world out there of different opinions (from his peers as well as other adults) that it would do him good to experience. He already knew my brain inside and out, and it was time for him to explore those of others. There was no opportunity for dual enrollment, and our experience of online courses had not provided him with the stimulation that I felt he needed. Hobbes went to school at the same point because he would have been lonely without his brother. The transition went well and school life has been very positive. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Hobbes went to school at the same point because he would have been lonely without his brother. L This is what we have dealt with this year. My daughter went to school & for the first time, my son and I have struggled to find our own groove without her. It hasn't been awful, but what is normally pretty easy-going for us has been like trying to tread water at times. My son loves homeschooling, and I love having him here. But without my daughter, it has been a transitional year for both of us. They did most subjects together and played a lot during the day. That has all changed now. We are figuring it out finally & getting our own routine and discovering how to best meet his needs. Also, where we live now, the homeschooling community is quite small. In Charlotte, we had classes, co-ops, weekly field trips, activities, etc. Because we are in a small town now, the opportunities are much more limited. I've had to really step it up to meet my son's social needs. Anyway. That stood out to me! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 OP, if this seems the right path for your family, then take it! You can always bring them home again. Also, I think that it can sometimes be a great experience to be in a classroom with other kids and a different instructor, even if it is only for a season. There are some great experiences my kids had in a brick and mortar I would not have been able to duplicate at home in our current situation. While I am grateful we are homeschooling now, and I wish I had even known this was a viable option much sooner so we could have started much sooner than we did, at the same time I am also grateful that they got to meet some wonderful teachers, experience some awesome group projects and fun field trips with their peers and get exposure to lots of other points of view. DS, especially, thrived in that environment (right up until our horrific crash and burn in 2nd grade). The down sides of brick and mortar have also made them appreciate homeschooling more, since they experienced those things first hand. They are both now committed to homeschooling through high school. If, however, there were an amazing school nearby that they expressed a strong desire to attend, we would definitely consider it. They are getting old enough now that they can help make those decisions and come at it from a pretty informed viewpoint since they have done both. Good luck, OP! Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelaNYC Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I am thinking of a "happy homeschool situation" - kids thriving, family life going well (...going great!), mom content... In this set-up, what would it take for you to choose to end the voyage? What school would be irresistable? ...for full discloure, we have been homeschooling "forever"...and were set to see it through... These last weeks an opportunity has risen, for the (older three) kids (14,12, 10) to attend a truly amazing school. They will start in August - and will never be homeschooled again... My heart is heavy, but I know that this is the right choice, and that any other decison would have been egoistic... LaGuardia Arts was the irresistible school for dd. As a dancer, this was her dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 LaGuardia Arts was the irresistible school for dd. As a dancer, this was her dream. That's a great school. As I've said before, if DS gets into one of the specialised NYC high schools, off he will go unless he doesn't want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I'm not homeschooling my youngest because he's able to go to a great school with lots of friends. I have no doubts that it's a better place for him to be. I am, of course, ready to homeschool him if future schools aren't right for him. I hope very much that my oldest will not have to homeschool his senior year (that would be his only time of not homeschooling), but since we don't have much choice in where we'll be living then, I'm not counting on it yet. I think he would love to have a year at a good international school, especially right before he leaves home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Nothing, as I can not think of any "school" that could copy the homeschool lifestyle we <3 and foster the family relationships in the same way. Now do I wish someone would hand me a billion dollars so I could hire a personal chef, maid, chauffeur so I could devote myself all day to homeschooling?? Yes of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Now do I wish someone would hand me a billion dollars so I could hire a personal chef, maid, chauffeur so I could devote myself all day to homeschooling?? Yes of course. Sign me up! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynamite5 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I am thinking of a "happy homeschool situation" - kids thriving, family life going well (...going great!), mom content... In this set-up, what would it take for you to choose to end the voyage? What school would be irresistable? ...for full discloure, we have been homeschooling "forever"...and were set to see it through... These last weeks an opportunity has risen, for the (older three) kids (14,12, 10) to attend a truly amazing school. They will start in August - and will never be homeschooled again... My heart is heavy, but I know that this is the right choice, and that any other decison would have been egoistic... Then you've made the right choice for your family--which is ALL that matters! Not all 4 of my dc will graduate from our home school, either, even though they all love being at home and I love schooling them. There are a few things out there that are better for them as individuals. And yep, sometimes it happens quickly and you must make the decision before your heart is ready. It's ok to cry, but you will, come August, see the rewards of having given them such a strong foundation. Best wishes to your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 When it's the right choice for my child, period. Homeschooling is a fabulous option for families... for many, it's the only right option at any given time, but for some it's a choice among many good options. For some families, it's a lifestyle choice that no one can imagine changing, but for some it's the plan for a season. If there is a school situation where you are comfortable, and your child is thriving with the opportunities available, then that's a positive reason to me. OP, I hope things go smoothly during your transition. We'll likely be making a similar change this fall. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Free tuition and transportation to a performing arts high school for Sweet Child- and a dream that the school was as tolerant and accepting of the conservative Christian lifestyle as they were of every other lifestyle. :glare: Free tuition and transportation to a STEM-focused high school for BabyBaby that didn't put down Creationism. And had lots of free tutoring for the science brain that isn't so good with the writing skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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