What is the best way to do this with only 9 weeks remaining in the year? Should I just keep him on track with what he was studying in public school or start him on a new curriculum? We live in McKinney and this is my first experience with homeschooling. Is there anyone out there that can answer some questions and help this be a smooth transition?
Thank you all for your responses. My reasons for pulling him out now are somewhat complicated. To make a long story short.... he is young for a freshman... not hit puberty yet...He is is all AP/GT classes..but can't seem to catch a break socially. He is daily harassed, threatened, injured and emotionally abused by other students. This has been brought to the schools attention and they have failed to help us. It has got to the point that he does not want to go back.
He is a self motivated kid that volunteers with special needs kids on the weekends, leads bible studies at church and is in the leadership program at church youth group. He has been in school with these same kids since Kindergarten and is not really leaving any great friends behind.
I was wondering "why" you want to do this now... with only 9 weeks remaining in the year??
Or maybe I am just dense and asking a numb question... sorry if I don't get it.
I am not against homeschooling... but just wondering about the timing to segue into this...
Al the best,
Susan
There are a bunch of articles on this and related things (like de-schooling and transitions and college entry and curriculum) on this site that you might like to pour through :) Note: MOST of the useful links are on the left side of the page, and the links to articles in the center... while the advertising is to the right (and center, in between every 3 or 4 articles).
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/directory/Beginning.htm
And here are 3 more really useful sites:
http://www.homeschooldiner.com/ for general info & philosophies (which lead to curriculum choices)
http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/ for the best prices on (non-free) curriculum out there ((there are tons and tons of free curriculums))
http://groups.yahoo.com/ try searching the groups for "homeschool college bound" or "homeschool high school" or "homeschool texas". You do have to have a yahooID (free), and it typically takes about a day or two for the moderators to accept new members onto the boards... but as soon as that's completed you have thousands of homeschoolers at your fingertips for support/ q's/ community/ teacher's-lounge-type/ ideas/ etc. 24/7.
R
I pulled my then 8th grader out of public school last year right after the Christmas break. We used a online curriculum called Global Student Network. I really liked it for several reasons. 1. It's a year subscription and you can take as many classes in that year as you want. So if you finish sophomore English and want to move on, you can. 2. It has online grading and tracking abilities, plus you can leave explanations for your child on errors they make. 3. They have a lot of offerings. What I didn't like about it: 1. When she was taking the test, she could go back and copy sentences out of the text to use for her answers. On the one hand she had to have read it or she wouldn't know where to go get the answer, but it seemed a little too much like cheating to me. 2. It doesn't provide a transcript. If it's even a remote possibility that you might put him back into school at a later time, then you'll need a transcript and he'll have to take the TAKS exams that he would have taken.
Texas actually has an online school that you can register for and since you are making this decision now, you might be able to get registered for it for the fall. It's through K12.com (I believe). I can't remember the name of it off the top of my head, but you should be able to get to it from TEA or K12 website. If you are able to register for the online Texas school, then you will receive a transcript and he will have to take the TAKS test, which keeps your options open.
The only issue that you would have as far as pulling your son out now is if you think that you might put him back into public school later. For an older child, it is a big change. My daughter thought that she would really enjoy being away from all the drama, but discovered that a little drama is nice (or at least not boring). You may want to get involved with the local homeschool group. McKinney and Frisco have really good groups that have sports teams, dances, etc. You can pick up classes at McKinney Christian and even the public school for certain subjects if you feel it's beyond your expertise or if he would like limited social contact.
There is a school that is set up more like a university that a friend of mine sends her kids to; she homeschooled them up to the high school level. This might be a good option for you, too.
You said that you are in McKinney. Did you know that you can transfer to Prosper for a fee (I think it's $65)? We actually moved to Prosper from McKinney, and so my daughter is attending Prosper High School and LOVES it. This is the 1st year since 5th grade that she hasn't begged us to transfer her, homeschool her, or something. She hated school in McKinney. She knows several students who transferred to Prosper and still live in McKinney. So that might be an option for you depending on why you are wanting to homeschool him. They have a brand-new high school that is beautiful and we have really been impressed with the staff there. My daughter has a lot of health issues and they have worked with us on her absences and we just really feel like they care vs. she's just another number.
This is difficult decision. You know your child best. I know lots of families with homeschooled kids and they are not weird or anti-social or backward. If your child tends to be a loner, you'll need to find some interaction for him so that he doesn't close himself off too much, but there are things you can do to get him out and about.
If you have other questions, please feel free to email me and good luck.
Hi K.! I think it is great that you are involved enough in your son's life to consider all options and what would be best for him, rather than assuming one way is the only way. I have homeschooled my children for 12 years and have graduated two of them (who are now members of honor societies at their colleges and do quite well socially for all those who hold on to the myth that homeschooling stunts kids socially). You would be pulling him out of school and INTO society (not the other way around). The world is your classroom and what a better way to learn reality. As far as the when, it really depends on your reasoning for wanting to pull him out. You could use the remaining 9 weeks to prepare for next year. On the other hand, if there is something going on that has you deeply concerned, then I wouldn't wait. I once pulled my son out of public school in April because the situation warranted me not to wait it out.
I live in Plano, so not too far from you. If you have any questions about homeschooling high school, getting into college, etc. I will be glad to help. My 19 year old daughter graduated high school with 34 college credits that she earned through dual enrollment at CCCC and is now at Texas Tech.
M.
I pulled my daughter over February Vacation from 3rd grade because they simply were missing some very critical basics. Best decision I ever made.
PS - I use Singapore Math, Discovery Channel's learning for home schoolers, BrainQuest text books and LOADS of free online programs. Some reading ones even have the tests for the major works of literature that you can download.
Wat r the reasons for moving him? In HS I feel that the social aspects come into play. Will you be isolating him? Have u considered McKinney Christian Academy?
Let him finish out his last 9 weeks... it's only 9 weeks. I find it interesting that you decided to home school him starting his Sophmore year. I think it would be a good idea to discuss this huge change with him at a crucial time in his life. Make sure he has a clear understanding and is totally on board. I know homeschooling is not total seclusion from society because there are dances and group gatherings available through homeschooling as well. I knew a family who home schooled their children, but they were home schooled since kindergarten. Good Luck!
With society being as difficult as it is on many levels, I believe that you should discuss your beliefs, opinions, and work with him on school work and social issues. However, pulling him out of society and home schooling him may just shield him from life experiences, that he really should learn to handle and adapt to. School is hard, and when they are becoming young adults, social interaction is very important in developing who they will become as adults. Experiencing the situations they do in high school is also a learning tool. Being involved in their lives is very very important while in school so you can assist in the decision making if your help is needed. I truly believe that sheilding them with home school from "potential moral situations" may make a young person rebell harder and even possbily get themselves into negative situations when they actually go out and hang out with friends.
I'm sorry about that! Have you spoken to the House Principal, the counselor & the principal of the school about the concerns? My impression is that the staff is very overwhelmed by daily problems in the classroom to the point that they ignore these bigger issues. What I have done in the past with MHS is send the email explaining my concerns to the first person, then if or when it is not addressed, copy it and move on to the next higher up and continue the process. You will have to explain the exact circumstances, provide dates, & names and perhaps offer to meet in person to discuss the situation in greater detail. Have you asked the GT teacher about any of this b/c I'd bet they have the best understanding of the situation. Let the school know you will pull your son if the situation is not resolved.... You are aware that McKinney North school will have open enrollment for McKinney high schoolers? I really hope this helps! Kids can be so hurtful to one another. Take Care!
