Friday, April 24, 2009

Why We Homeschool...

The reason that we chose to homeschool is because public school didn't work for my oldest son. It wasn't a good fit and we saw very quickly that if he continued we would have results in him personally and educationally that we didn't want for him. Don't get me wrong, there were spiritual concerns as well, but they were not our only concerns. After calling the private schools and realizing that was not financially possible... we looked at homeschooling as a last ditch option. God was faithful to bring so many homeschooling parents into our life to encourage us and help us in practical ways to get started.

Homeschooling is so different now than it was even 10 or 15 years ago. There are so many options now and even the public school systems are stepping into help. We study Math, English, Science and History at home. Two days a week the kids attend an alternative program through the public school system for enrichment classes. They choose 5 classes each semester and attend each class for 1 hour twice a week. They take things like, Pod casting, Flash Animation, Robotics, and Pioneer History. The list goes on and on. Even more amazing is that the state pays us to attend. We are re-embersed $550.00 per child for their educational needs. You can use it for so many things! We use it to pay for Piano lessons, Guitar lessons and art supplies.
The curriculum that we use at home costs us about $200.00 per year for each child. That is for the four core subjects. Some people use the re-embersment money to purchase curriculum but that is not an option for us because ours is religiously based and therefor doesn't qualify.


As time has gone on and we now have 3 school age kids we still take the time each year to re-evaluate their education. At this time they all attend the alternative program and study at home. Trinity attended kindergarten at the local public school. For her it was a good fit and we have been thrilled with that decision. As the third child she really needed at that time something that was all her own and separate from the others. My point is that there is no one way to educate and there is no way that may work for all your children all the way through graduation. It is important to look at each child, each year and make the best decision for them at that time. We have found that the freedom we have by homeschooling is such a gift to our family. We are able to vacation during the off season and midweek for less money and with less crowds. We can visit friends or spend the week with grandma whenever we want or need to. We really notice the difference when someone is sick, the weather is bad, there's a family emergency, or grandpa wants to take us sailing for a week because the weather is going to be perfect!


This is all just one humble women's opinion of course but I do feel strongly about it. Our children are our greatest treasure and I believe, our first mission field. The old adage is still very true, they are only little so long and it goes so very quickly. My children have a solid belief system and a feeling of family oneness that I truly do not think they would have had. There are days when I cannot see this clearly through my glazed over, sleep deprived eyes but it is still true none the less. My oldest is turning 13 this year and I can see now some of the results of these hard choices and I am so excited for him and relieved for me...Yeah, one less regret!

11 comments:

MSB said...

Thanks!

Mrs. Nikki Blockhan said...

I respect you so much. You have been one of the reasons that I have even considered Homeschooling. Don't get me wrong it scares me to death...but I am seriously considering it. We shall see where God leads me.

Troz32 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Troz32 said...

This is a great post Amy. I think you are very wise. Here in Virginia people home school a lot but I don't think they evaluate there child's needs or what fits for the child each year. I think it is great that you home school and that you re-evaluate what they need yearly!!! You go girl.-Kyrie

Craig and Bethany said...

I just found your blog through the Olson's blog. I love your writing and humble spirit. If you don't mind my asking, what curriculum do you use? My oldest is just starting kindergarten in the fall and I'm hoping to homeschool her. Thanks!

AmyK said...

We use ACE (accelerated christian education) it is Biblicaly based and very affordable. We order online and it is disposable, so the only thing you have to keep is the tests. Storage is an issue for me so that is a major bonus. They offer plenty of subjects but I will say that we just started with the first grade level and they had no problem. The K stuff was a little too simple.

Craig and Bethany said...

Thanks! I'll check it out. I have been teaching a few lessons already looking at the state standards as a reference. I'm surprised how fast Janie picks up some of the things that aren't listed at her level.

Oh, and thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. It's nice to find like minded bloggers.

Lori said...

Great post! Sounds like you're doing the program via 81? We're thinking of homeschooling when my oldest is in 1st grade, and God seems to be bringing lots of homeschooling people into my life right now. It's reassuring to hear from others who have taken the leap! :)

Olson Family said...

Yay! Thanks for sharing your heart on this subject! I always dreamed of homeschooling but when we moved 3 blocks from the APPLE program as Eli was entering 1st grade, it seemed logical that he would attend there. I cannot say enough good things about APPLE. But, alas, my 6th grader graduated and public middle school felt like I would basically throw him to the wolves and wish him the best. So, I got excited about entertaining that old dream of homeschooling! That's when we found out we were moving to Germany.

So, I've homeschooled the 2 older boys for the last 2 years and Israel is attending the German school. You're right about everything you shared about all the cool benefits! I love it! And, the world is our classroom.

Now we're in the throes of much prayer and decision-making because Eli is ready for high school and so we're discussing the option of transitioning him into the military's public school on Base. This is huge and we're really right in the middle, not leaning more one way or the other. Like I said, much prayer...

Anyway, I love your post on this subject -- so encouraging to banter about this with other mommas!

Olson Family said...

By the way, GORGEOUS photo!! Where was that taken?

AmyK said...

The photo is on Jones Island in the San Juans (a very impromptu trip when Ben's dad called in Sept. and said "It's gonna be beautiful all week you guys should come and go sailing with me")!