Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Could I Possibly Have A Child Old Enough for Kindergarten?

It has always felt like it would be forever until I would have to make a decision about sending Amelia to school.  That forever has flown by me in a blur and is now right before me.  


Jason and I talked about it in the past, back when it seemed hypothetical.  We pretty much decided it would be public school for our family.  This decision came from the following conclusions: we could never afford private school for three kids, even if we could there isn't one anywhere close to where we live, and finally, I would NEVER homeschool my children.  

Again, this was back when it seemed hypothetical.  In the meantime, I subbed for a friend's maternity leave at this community school where they go to school twice a week and were "home-schooled" three days a week.  At the time, I still didn't think it was right for our family, mostly because of the drive.

Then, Amelia's preschool started exploring the possibility of starting a school of a similar model.  There would be a pretty good possibility that I could teach there twice a week, and send all three of my children to school while I worked.  At the same time, I could have a very hands on roll in what and how she was learning. Seeing as working with reading curriculum is what I do professionally, there is something very appealing to me about this.  On top of all that, sending her to a school where Christian values were taught and practiced would be a major bonus.  I mean, I know that's our job as parents, but reinforcement at school could not hurt.  I am all about sheltering her a little bit longer if at all possible.  I don't think she needs to experience everything the world has to offer at age 5.  

So what's the big dilemma?

I went and met with the assistant principal at the public school down the road from us today.  I don't know what I was expecting but I guess I just thought it would solidify the thought of sending her to this Christian/Home school.  But it didn't.  It just made me that much more unsure of what I want to do.  I LOVED the school.  I just know that Amelia would love the school.  The assistant principal seems great-we were so eye to eye on curriculum.  I had a great meeting with him and feel like we bonded in just that short time.  I feel like just after our short meeting I wouldn't have to worry about which teacher Amelia would get.  He already asked me to be on the SAC committee, for goodness sakes!  He knows I'm going to be an involved parent.  Plus, I think one day down the road, there could be the possibility to work there with reading remediation, just like I've always said I would love.  

I don't know!  I will just continue to pray about it and hope that it becomes more clear to Jason and I as the time draws near.    There are a lot of open and closed doors that could make this decision a lot easier.  Maybe it will end up being a no-brainer.  At the moment it seems a little overwhelming.

I cannot even believe Amelia is old enough to go to Kindergarten.





1 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't believe Amelia is old enough for school, either!
As far as school choices goes I figure if you are in a good school zone where you feel the leadership is going in a direction you feel good about then why PAY for her to go to school. You're paying for that public school in taxes already.
As far as the Christian aspect, giving her that at home is way more important than what she'll ever get from a school OR a church. That's coming from one that works at a school like that, don't forget.
Plus, there's something to be said for arming your children with information and then allowing them to be in the real world where they can spread that information to others.
Where's the world going to be if all the Christians hide out in private schools?