Homeschooler Tries Public School

Homeschooling is precipitated by a mindset, a belief system, a worldview.  It is dedication times 100.

So, why then, are my kids going to public school this year?

To be honest, I'm asking myself the same thing, and I don't even have a concrete answer for myself. But, the reality is, this is what this season in our life entails.

Public School.

A nasty word.

Until it isn't.

Homeschooling has been-and very well may be again-the absolute best decision our family has ever made.  The relationships formed, the character growth, the academic successes, the irreplaceable memories-there is nothing like it.

Public School! They're Heeerrrre!

Excited and Soon-To-Be Public School Bound

Honestly, the kids are excited, and, no, not because they have lived isolated, unsocialized lives, yearning only to live 8 hours a day under fluorescent lights among a group of people of similar age, boxed in by concrete (see, I told you there is a mindset at hand for some of us).

I don't really see it that way.

Not now.  

Truth be told, in the two schools I visited, I met with interesting, caring individuals.  I met with people I'd like to get to know better. I met a counselor, vibrant with life, thrilled to suggest programs, activities, niches of educational opportunity-all of which I could not easily provide under my roof. The AP courses that cost so much online for homeschoolers?  Free now.  The hands-on experience with multiple sciences courses one teen seeks? Readily available now. Art courses? Music? Yeah, it's there.

And, I get the Common Core, and, more importantly, so do my kids. 

What I firmly believe is that, because of homeschooling, they are well prepared.  They are equipped with the mentality that learning is "cool", the mentality of "I don't have to follow that teen trend".  "I am my own self".  I see it so clearly, and it gives me peace of mind to see such strong character in my kids. I see two people who know who they are, are firm in their faith, are quirky, funny, intelligent, interesting, and uniquely their own selves.

They are ready.  

And, you know, I think I might be ready, too. The verdict is out on that last one, though.

Have you homeschooled and then public schooled?  How did it work?  Are you thinking about it? I'd love to hear your stories!