Wanting Info on Homeschooling.....Don't Know What to Do!

I would request a transfer to another school in the district as long as you can provide transportation. The principal should work with you since they he or she is aware of the situation.
E.

I wanted to let you know that there is an online school that is FREE! that would be perfect for your situation. Texas Virtual Academy. It is actually a Texas Public charter school, that is done online. They even provide the computer! Here is the website.

http://www.txva.org/

If she is not succeeding, try something different. I believe some kids just don't do well in the standard classroom/group setting. She may EXCEL when given the chance to relax a little.

hi B.--
first of all, let me say i'm sorry your daughter is going through such a bad time. it's hard enough being 12 without all that other stuff going on.

i don't know much about the logistics of homeschooling, but i can tell you that i know a lot of kids who were/are homeschooled, and they tend to be more confident, more curious, and a lot smarter than kids who go to traditional schools. my sister-in-law homeschooled her kids. one is now in public high school & at the top of his class, one daughter is a junior at baylor, and the 3rd just graduated from baylor and is applying to masters programs in art history. a good friend is homeschooling her kids--she works weekends as a labor nurse and is home with her boys all week, teaching them--and they are both very advanced. i used to work in the admissions office at a small elite school, and the homeschooled kids were some of the best applicants we ever saw.

socially you will have to make sure she gets out & is exposed to other kids her age. i think there are ways you can get her involved in school sports too, but i'm not sure how that works.

a good resource is a guide called something like "the ultimate book of homeschooling ideas". it's the one my friend uses to teach her boys. it's pretty cool.

my husband and i both work full-time so homeschooling isn't an option in our family, but i have tried to do homeschool-type projects with our kids whenever i can. they love it!

good luck!

I think you will do fine...remember...we are our children teacher's...that is our job in being parent's...you cannot ruin her by keeping her at home and homeschooling her...I know many parents that do this...and the outcome has always been a good one...I wish I was more strong willed like you...and do the same for my kids...although I do do it during summer time to prepare them for their next grade...but permenantly...it's a bit more complicated for me...but I think u will do great...there are many books that you can get at Mardel's and look into homeschooling online...there are many things out there...

I know that kid's are always going to be mean to other's...and many mom's are probably going to say...that u might do more harm by pulling her out of school and running away from the problems...well I think that if your child is being bullied and harrassed and you've done everything you can to stop this...and this is still getting worse.... the best thing to do is to teach her at home...to me school is ONLY important if the child is actually learning and having fun doing so...but if the child is miserable... and we as parent's have an opportunity to do this at home...why not...

Blessings to you and your daughter...I pray that whatever you decide to do...your daughter will know that you did it ALL just for her, because you love her

B.~
I would most definitely take her out!! I have been hsing ours for 4 years now-best decision we EVER made. Texas is a great state to homeschool in-very supportive. Spend some time over the holidays reading up on it and letting your daughter unwind. She does not need to be in that situation. Be forewarned---lots of people still buck the idea of homeschool and you may get some flack from the decision you make. But she's your daughter and you know what's best for her. If you would like to email me, I can give you some good titles to read. Blessings~
S.

Homeschooling in DFW is great. There are tons of homeschooling groups - you can check around and find one that is a good fit for you. There are classes for homeschoolers, especially the older kids! at TCC and some area churches.

This site has listings of support groups, that would be a good place to start - the moms you find will likely answer your questions even if you are still in the making the decision process :) http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/TexasSupport...

I've been homeschooling my 7 yo since last January & we love it.

B., I am sorry I do not have any info about homeschooling but wanted to reach to you. I can understand your pain. I had similar experience with my daughter though not upto this extent last year when she was in 5th grade. And I was very corcerned about her - so I looked into other schools rather than public. I got her into a charter school. They only have one 6th grade class and it only has 20 children. It's working out OK so far (touch wood !!).

I do not know whether you will able to get her in some other school right now but do look into it for next school year.

Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

My son is also a 7th grader and it is a tough road. I have given him the option before as well. Have you asked your daughter her thoughts? What about a charter or private school? Even some church based private schools get donations for tuitions so if you have thought of it and the thought of having to pay a tuition scares you, you might call around. You might be suprised to learn the options you have. Also, some school districts offer open enrollment where you can take them to another district. Frankly, just moving to a different district can make all the difference in the world-I know from experience.

There are people who are going to say you aren't teaching her right not to learn how to deal with others, but if you haven't been there with your child, you truly don't know. The differences in kids at different school districts is dramatic. We moved just for that reason.

I am not trying to down play homeschooling at all. Lots of people are very successful with it. Texas is a good state to homeschool in because you have a lot of freedom with how you do it. I know a lady that was telling me she has a program and her daughter does it all online. I have thought about it but my kids really enjoy the socialization they get at school too. There are lots of homeschool groups that do get together to play. I just don't feel I am disciplined enough...I procrastinate too much!

I would call around and talk to your child. Find a homeschool group in your area too. Call nearby school districts, churches and private school. I know lot of people who have their children in a private school and most all the tuition is donated or they attend free charter schools and love the small classes.

Just some thoughts...Good luck...

Hi B.,

I have a son that will be 12 at then end of this year. We were concerned about him going into Middle School because he was a bit of a slow learner and was in some resource classes. The school felt that he would be fine, so we gave it a try. His 5th grade year was pretty misrible! His teachers would tell me AFTER 3weeks of him laying his head on his desk, that he wasn't doing his work. We would do 2 to 3 hours each night to give him a head's up about what to expect in the coming chapters etc. He was a magnet for getting picked on the bus, so I drove 15 minutes each way twice a day. (another hour gone). He needed AD/HD meds to calm down enough to make it through the long day. We did a trial run the summer after 5th with homeschooling. He seriously jumped a grade and a half in math and was much, much happier. I've found a way to manage his AD/HD with diet (pulled the dairy & the wheat) and frequent exercise breaks (10 minutes between each subject). There is a homeschool group he meets with one day a week (10-2) he just loves! He makes friends, gets an art class, a hands on science and a history. It's a day I can have lunch with friends or just go to a DDS appt by myself. We've meet groups for field trips too.

It's so cute when people ask him how he likes H.Schooling. He says, "It's great, but my teacher(s) (dad takes 1 day a week) know exactly what I don't know, so it's a bit harder that what I had before!"

We do something called SAXON math. You can get a CD that comes with the book for just a bit extra. That program is what his resource teacher was using in public school anyway. That's one of the reason's why I was convienced it would be okay.

He asked me last year, "Why can't I just go to school and learn, why does it have to be all this other mess (kids being mean)?!"

Our plan is to get him up to grade level, then give him the option to have the high school experience or do H.S at home, then at 16 enter Alvin Community College. When most kids are getting their High School Diploma, he could be receiving his Associates with his confidence intact.

It is nice to have him in good spirits and curious about learning, rather that dreading it. Just last week, he wanted to know why some stars twinkled. So our science for that week was pulsars and the life cycle of a star. We work really hard from 9-noon, take a lunch break and do P.E. (usually a 3mile bike ride) then he has independent reading until his little sister gets home from 1st grade public school.

It works well for us. Right now, I'm taking one school year at a time. In May, we'll reasses. Family members have noticed how much happier and smarter he seems to be.

Good luck!

S.

B., I have three children and I have been homeschooling for three years. I love it and think its the best thing for my children. If you are able to teach her at home then go for it. I recommend a book called "Well Trained Mind" by Susan Baur and Jessie Wise. You can get it at Barnes and Noble or Books A Million. It will answer most questions you have and help you find a good cirriculium to follow. If you have any questions I would be happy to talk with you. I'll be praying that you and your daughter are able to find a solution to this. B.

Hi B.,

I am sorry to hear about all your troubles with your daughter's school, but I am here to provide you with some hope!
My son is only 11, but has also recently gone through a complete 180, in terms of his personality, due to some disconcerting events which occurred at school this year.
I made the somewhat informed decision to homeschool him just before the holidays, and he is now 'de-schooling'. The transition has been incredible. I have my baby boy back, with no negative influences and unnecessary situations to hold him back.
During the past few weeks, with the help of my sister, who just finished homeschooling her 3 kids, I have been reading up on curriculum, etc...or, homeschooling myself on the subject first! My sister's recommended 'bible', "The Well-Trained Mind", by Jessie Wise and [her daughter] Susan Wise Bauer has been all I needed, and more. With every new chapter, I am supported, reminded, and encouraged to do what I know is right for my son in taking charge of his education and emotional/ mental well-being.
If you just visit your local bookstore or library, please check out this book, if only to skim through and read a bit on your own. The beginning chapters, including the overview and prologue, will answer all your questions and doubts regarding this big step in both your, and your daughter's lives.
I may be just starting out, but I am confident that I have made the right decision for my son; if only because he is now a happy little boy again, and also because I know we can successfully do homeschooling together.
I hope this helps you...and please feel free to reach out to me if you need any more information otherwise! Just remember to trust your instincts! Whatever you choose to do, it certainly seems that you're already doing the right thing by your daughter by seeking out a solution for her needs, and yours! What a great mama you are!

Best Regards,

A.

I'm a homeschooling mom. For over ten years now with my eldest in college and another in tenth grade. Your daughter needs to get out of that environment soon. It sounds as if she has lost her self esteem and self worth to the point where it could lead to some emotional consequences. Homeschooling is not what it was known to be from yester-year. Today's technology and social networks can give your child much more that the school system has the time or money for! In Texas homeschooling is considered private school. I pulled my son out of the 5th grade during Christmas break. I had enough of seeing a bright boy who loved to learn and read; become emotionally withdrawn and hating to do schoolwork. In San Antonio we have numerous Homeschooling Network groups that get together. You have so many choices; you can use libraries; prepackaged curricullum or you can join a co-op where other parents teach classes for a fee. Find what works for you and your daughter. Network; check out the websites, read and share. You will not regret making a choice that is for the best for the child and family. It is easy to write a letter and withdraw the child from school. Don't be afraid when the time comes to take that step forward. It's a committment; but ever so rewarding to see your child grow in the right environment and reach for their full potential. Start off with the website www.thsc.org This is the TX homeschool coalition. Their site gives some basics on withdrawing from school; legal issues and resources to guide you. There are numerous sites that could keep you busy reading for hours and days. Homeschooling is not limited to certain religious groups or economic classes. We were active duty Military when we started and we connected with their groups as well. Many of my friends are school teachers shunned me at first; but, now have seen what homeschooling has done for my children and have nothing negative to say. By homeschooling; the child learns at their pace; learn your family values, and she'll socialize with all age groups of people of similar values that you choose. They become strong; well-adjusted, extremely self-confident and have the courage to handle the negative confrontations surrounding their lives. This is something that is so flexible and can fit into most any schedule. Spend the holidays researching and asking lots of questions. You can contact me at ____@____.com and I am sure you will receive numerous feedback from other families that also have been in your situation and thrived ....Good luck; I know you will make the right decision that works for you and your daughter; after all, know one knows best than mom....

I have been homeschooling for almost 8 years. My oldest daughter, who is a seventh grader, has been to headstart, preK, and part of kindergarten. My youngest daughter, 3rd grade, has never been to school, and I'm certain that the baby in the oven right now will be the same way. First of all, you are lucky to be starting late, because your daughter can already read and study independently. There is so much available to you to use for curriculum, or you may opt to use no curriculum at all. We have discovered that we love the Charlotte Mason method, which is not curriculum, but a very old method of educating that is working like magic for my girls. I recently borrowed a book from the library called A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. It gives you details on how to teach every subject, gently and effectively. You won't ruin her, though she might get a little spoiled with all of the individual attention that you will be giving her. I do advise you to get her active in after school activities. My family is very active in Girl Scouts, which will keep your homeschool busy all day long if you want it to. We also do baton twirling, and children's activities at two different churches. Utilize all of the free opportunities that can find in your area such as concerts, art displays, community events, etc. This will be so wonderful for you and your daughter. I have a friend who took her seventh grade boy out of school because he had some serious health issues, AND he was being mistreated by teachers and other students. He was also giving up and telling his mother that he was just "so miserable". After only two weeks of homeschooling, she said that his health had already taken a dramatic turn for the better, and that he was already starting to act like a happy child again. Only time will tell what this will mean for him in the college or working world, but there are so many options out there now, that it shouldn't even worry you. More and more universities and employers are accepting homeschoolers with open arms, so I expect that by the time our seventh graders graduate, there will be even more acceptance of them. Just be patient and get busy. It will be so great for both of you. Good luck and bless you for whatever decision you make.

L.

WOW. I thought the law said that schools/professionals had to take harassment seriously. I would call a local news agency. You know, like Saul Garcia who could investigate and find out what the heck is going on. Maybe take your complaints to a school board member OR a Senator/Congressperson... you may get more as a taxpayer from them.
Texas, like many other states, has homeschool associations. You can homeschool with other children, go on field trips, many places offer art and other classes for homeschoolers.
Please get your daughter some counseling. Bless her heart! That is so sad. And DEFINITELY tell us what school so we can be forewarned.
Hugs,
E.

I would transfer her to another school and like someone else said do not take no for a answer. You have more power than you might think in a case like this.

The students have to be able to manage through tough people at school. They are learning skills for later in life. It is not fair. Hitting should not be tolerated and if harrassment reaches a certain point, the police need to be involved.

We got a letter from our principal last week because a student said he was going to kill everybody. Needless to say, that student is no longer at the school. It is not tolerated at our school.

My 12 yr old daughter is in 7th grade. Last year a 14yr old 6th grader (BIG girl) attacked her in PE because my daughter won some sort of race. PISD rules are automatic suspension if you hit someone, even in self defense. My daughter is aware of the rule because she is a black belt and capable of hurting someone very badly. You would never know by looking at her that she is a black belt. We have always told her that we support self defense and if she is suspended from school because she protected herself, we would take action.

The attacker, was furious because my daughter did not hit back BUT she blocked every hit.

I was called in to the school becuase my daughter was "involved" in a dispute. We involved the police and you have 2 yrs to file charges.... The girl's friends started harrassing my daughter because per the police, the girl could not be around my daughter. All it took from the school was 1 visit from the police liason and principal to the group of girls and we never had another problem. The attacker is in another school now.

Your daughter needs to know you support her. It sounds like you do support her and you are looking out for her best interest. If possible, get your daughter into a program like martial arts that will boost her confidence and make her stronger.

I hope everything works out positively for you. I'm sorry be being so long winded.

Susan

As a former teacher I have to say that this does not seem like a good place for you daughter to attend school. I hate to hear what a horrible time she is having kids can be so cruel. Have you thought of just transferring her to another school? This might be a way for her to start over and make new friends. I don't know where you live, but most districts have transfers you can apply for go talk with someone at the adminstration building tell them your concerns and tranfer her. Don't take no for an answer tell them you are moving her to another school and that is final. I strongly believe you should try this first before pulling her out of school all together. I am sure homeschooling is great, but I truly feel like she can make it in public school she just needs a fresh start. Just really think and pray about it before you make a decision.

Sorry to hear about your situation. I homeschool but my kids are younder. There are several great resources you might want to check out.
CTHE yahoo group-support group for home educators for Cross Timbers areas, Denton, Corinth, Highland Village etc This group has many ladies with older kids and meets twice a month for MNO and suppot.
Denton County Homeschool Association is great too.

Not sure where you live, but there is a homeschooling program in Watauga, off of Watauga road. There website is creativeartsinaction.com It looks like it's geared for older kids, like your daughter.

Home-schooling is made easy when you enroll through Texas Tech.

Yes, it costs money, but it sounds worth it in your case. I do just one class through them, Alg 2, for my son and my son still goes to high-school, it just wasn't working out for him to take it at regular school. Texas Tech has been the best thing for him.

Texas Tech has the entire program done and it's easy to follow. Granted, you may need a tutor if you don't know some of the subjects (I have one come once a week for Alg 2), but most of 7th grade should be easy for you to help your daughter with.

The bad news is what do you do next year? Do you keep home-schooling or what? You certainly can homeschool through high-school with Texas Tech, it's just the socialization someone else mentioned. You need to think about that.

And I would take your daughter to a counsellor. She needs to talk to someone and learn to deal with this kind of stuff mentally. You're a good mom for worrying.

Here's Texas Techs info. Call them too, they are very helpful (not so much the operator who usually mis-directs me but everyone else is great.)

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ode/ec2k/Heading.asp?heading_id=223

I guess you have to ask yourself: Will homeschooling her help her with dealing with this sort of problem in the long run?
What's the basis of this harassment?
Why doesn't she knock the crap out of her bully (ies)? Or something to make her feel empowered.

We are have the same problem...our daughter is 10 we just moved her to public school this year from a private christian school...most of the kids she gets along w/ great...but there are 2 girls that have hit her in the face a few times...i did was i supposed to as a parent/the hitting has subsided for now...but the harassment has not...needless to say she had perfect attendance until last week...come down with a horrible virus/was absent for 2 days...the teacher had the gall to say something to the class about her absence and to her when she returned...i called the school those two days/my husband picked up her worked and talked w/the teacher...plus sent a note when she went back...she received 2 check marks the next day for unfinished work...WHAT!!!...if it isnt for the kids apparently itll be the teachers....no luck w/talking to the teacher or principal about any of it...i am up in the air also...we have shed many tears over this....i pray for a good outcome for us and your family

I completely understand what you're feeling but think about the long run effects of this. What does this teach her about coping with people? What happens when she's a grown woman in the working world and encounters someone hateful? Her instinct is going to be to run. There is ALWAYS going to be someone in the world that you don't get along with or that you don't like. It's really hard as a parent, but you've got to teach her to build up a little bit of a callous to the jerks of the world. Teach her how to defend herself or laugh it off, but I think removing her would ultimately be a bad idea.

B.,

I work for a public school district in the Truancy office. If you are planning on homeschooling, I think that is great. Some students just fit better in homeschooling. No you are not ruining her. Ask her what she thinks about it. You may be surprized. You need to search the internet for curriculum, find a local homeschooling group and then just make sure that she is getting all of her credits in core subjects in order to graduate. She may excel without all the pressure of other teens around. If you are willing to take on the job, be prepared and informed before you withdraw her from school. Because of the law you need to make sure that she is not missing "school time" or you could be in danger of being filed on for Truancy. I applaud parents that take time to homeschool their children, its the ones who say they are and then don't that really makes me mad. This is about our kids future and we want to give them the best start possible. Also know that if she/you want her to return to school when she is older, she will have to test to re-enter public school and then be placed what level she is at. She may be ahead of the game if you do it right. Sit down and weigh the options after you have investigated homeschooling and then make time to really talk to her about what she thinks. Communication is the KEY. Good luck with your decision. V. N.

I did home school from 7th grade on for different reasons, I graduated a year early and went to college when I was 17. I did my home school through a local high school where a teacher came out every month to take my paperwork and give me more assignments and grades. The program had field trips and we were allowed to go to the school for prom even if we wanted to since alot of people knew the kids in school. Even if your local schools don't provide for home schooling there are other methods to do it although I am not sure how. There are still plenty of other people that home school their children and I'm sure there are online groups that will help you with get togethers so that the children can have social interaction if that is what might concern you. I hope this is helpful and good luck with everything.

I can understand what you are feeling. My son was having problems his freshman year in high school,with other things like dress code, some teachers.He also was not learning much.So I decided to home school him.It turned out to be the best thing for him. H e got through his schooling alot faster,with an A overall average.In 2007 got his deploma and is now atting collage in Houston Texas.I loved homeschooling him and he liked it too.It give us a closer bond together.He learned alot.He has a 3.5GPA. He is doing very well now.So, yes I think you should homeschool.Good luck with whatever you choose to do.God bless you and your child.

B.,

Can you share the name of the school your daughter attends so other moms on here can make sure to avoid it?

Thank you!!