Home Schooling: Am I crazy? Don’t answer that!

Well, it’s been a crazy couple of months.  I finally have time to catch up and boy, do I have some things to post about!

My youngest daughter has been having some issues with a teacher (or two) at her school.  When it first started, I thought it was her overreacting to things.  I have always supported teachers and the school system to know what is best for my kids.  After all, they are taking my place while she is with them throughout the day.  I give teachers much respect for the jobs they do.  It takes a special person to be a great teacher and there are many out there.  However, the complaining about the same issues became a repeated event from her as I watched her grades slowly go down hill.

I began paying more attention and asking more questions to figure out what was going on.  It appeared as though my daughter was the target of one (if not two) teachers at her school.  I didn’t want to believe this, but it seemed to be more and more apparent as the weeks went by.  My daughter’s attitude towards school got worse and she began behaving like a child that was being bullied in school.  I finally went to the school and spent three hours talking to the principal, vice principal and her guidance counselor to put a plan together on what needed to be done for her.  We got her a mentor, gave her an extra study hall, set up a schedule for her counselor to meet with her weekly, etc… I thought maybe things would take a turn for the positive.  Unfortunately, no.

Well, things blew up and turned into daily harassment of my daughter.  I had enough.  The school was hurting her more than it was helping her.  After discussion with her and talks with school administration that didn’t seem to be going anywhere, we made the choice to enroll her into a home schooling program.

WHAT AM I THINKING?!?! hahahaha  I am a single mom working full time.  This is a BIG DEAL!  Actually, I think this is the best for her at this point.  So, we enrolled her into Ohio Virtual Academy (K12).  In reality, she will actually probably do better because she will be able to work at her own pace and not get so bored like she does in classes.  My older children have agreed to help with this journey and my daughter understands what is required of her to do this.

I was concerned at first because I didn’t know a ton about home schooling, but I was really impressed with the way that they handled everything with us.  The enrollment process was easy and quick.  They supply her with a computer and materials.  She received her computer yesterday.  They even supply a $9.95 a month stipend towards internet service.  Best of all, it is TUITION FREE!  It is considered a public school in the state of Ohio.

I have found some Facebook groups for people doing home schooling in this area.  They have been wonderful and very helpful.  They schedule activities for the kids to do together and help with advice when you need it.

Additionally, I have found a home school ensemble band that my daughter can be involved with.  She can join softball through a recreational league.  There appears to be many options available for her to still do the things she was interested in doing.  Thanks goodness for Facebook where she can still stay in touch with her friends.  They have all been fabulous supporting her with her decision to go this way.

So, begins the journey of home schooling.  I will be sure to post updates on things we learn, pros and cons as we find them, and general thoughts on home schooling as an option.  I already have another post to put together sharing my thought process and concerns in making the decision.  I would love to hear from anyone else that has chosen home schooling as an option!  What are your thoughts on it?