No Sure About Homeschooling

Can you terach all the required subjects higher math and sciences Publix schools are the tpits in florida I' graduated from them graduated FSU and FAU and taught 20 years in them Red neck Georgia and Alabama are better by far. an you get a private tutor that ios a teacher?

If your son is only 2, then you don't need to worry just yet. Staying at home with you is the best thing for him in these early years. I also think that, having 2 older children who are both gifted, there are higher odds for your son to also be gifted. Giving him one-on-one attention can give him so much more than group settings at his age. You can teach him to read yourself, at home, well before school age, and begin math concepts, too. I did it with both my kids. You can teach at HIS pace... explore what HE is interested in... In school (daycare) he will have to operate on the same schedule as all the other kids. Why the rush to decide? Kindergarten doesn't start until age 5. You've got almost 3 years before then... In 3 years, you might feel differently about it. You might find it's more than you want "on your plate" at that time; or you might decide that it is something you CAN do and would enjoy. I don't really understand the pressure to make that decision right now. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but neither is public/private schooling...

If you feel that you are already homeschooling your 3 yr old by teaching him the things he can learn now, than I don't see why not. Everyone will have questions especially family because they care. but you need to do what you think is the right thing. Question your reasons why. If the reasons why not to outweigh the reasons why to, than by all means, you may need the break of putting your 3 yr old in VPK. I, as a fellow home schooling mom, promise to be more than supportive of the idea, as well as offer advice and resources. As far as your two daughters, they are around the age that some home schooled children decide that they want to try public school. Perhaps it would be the opposite for your girls. I have a 6 yr old going on 7 in August and I look forward to next year when she'll be more independent so she can help with the homeschooling of my preschooler or at least free me up to teach him more. I won't say it's easy. Everything has it's challenges. But even when I have the hardest day, my reasons for home schooling still out weigh my reasons not to. Let me know if you need anything. God bless your decision and your journey!
A.

Why will they have to go to a private high school?
I am from NY originally ( we moved here last year) - I was worried at first - however I have been impressed so far. I stay very involved in my kids academics.

So tell what your concerns are regarding high school for the girls so that I can fully give you my thoughts. Is that ok?

Hi C.!

I completely understand your thoughts. Public school isn't the best fit for our family either. I don't know where you live. I'm in Lake County, FL. Mother of 3 and home schooling all 3 of them. More focus on my oldets, 6 year old, going into 1st grade. This year we did a montessori style home school. I got together with other families who appreciate the montessori style of teaching (excellent!) and did school together a couple days a week. Great fit! If you are anywhere near us, I am making our plans for this coming year and my 2 year old turns 3 in Nov, so close in age to your youngest. Otherwise, check your area for a good home school co-op. There is so much support out there!
Great website for learning letter sounds all the way through to reading is www.starfall.com.
Watch your local newspaper for teachers selling their school supplies at the end of the year (garage sales, craigslist, etc.) You can get some real steals on supplies that way.
I also run a pre-school/kinder program 4 days a week in the mornings in a local gymnastics gym...physical fitness, education, crafts...the whole pre-school bit. Gets the kids around other kids too. The one thing they really miss by not being in a traditional school is other kids. So I do everything I can to make up for it.
I understand your concern with taking the responsibility for the kids all the time...I do too. You just make school part of your life. I schedule it in the same as any other appointment. And good thing at age 3, it's not that time consuming. They learn so much in little time.
Ok, I'm rambling. Hope I was helpful in some way.

I homeschool all 4 of my boys. It is one of the greatest gifts you will ever give to your children! WHO CARES what your family thinks! Look up statistics of homeschoolers etc. if you think it will help....
You have a few years to look into it since he's only 2/3. Don't rush him into school of any sort. Boys are SO different from girls and many need that extra time to mature.If you have more specific questions about homeschooling feel free to ask. Right now I am in the process of setting up a "Homeschool 101" class/meeting for ladies just like you to help you get started so I'd be happy to answer any questions you have! Blessings to you and your family! Welcome to Florida!

Homeschooling is a great option. It is becoming more and more popular and lots of benefits. Just chat with other moms that are already doing it which sounds like you are. If you are thinking about private school, did you know that the state of Florida offers scholarships for private school? You can google it. I'll see if I can remember the website I was given. Not sure where you live. We are in Pensacola, FL area and really want our kid to go to Trinitas. Incredible school! The test scores and college scholarships are high high high. They teach the kids 1 to 2 grade levels above the normal schools and the kids never know the difference.

You have already gotten a lot of responses and a lot to think about in regards to schooling. I wanted to address what you said about your family might not agree. I homeschool and have for 5 years. My parents were very supportive. Everyone else, my husband included, thought it was not going to work. At first I explained over and over what my reasons were for homeschooling. After awhile though, I just told them that it was what was currently best for them. Each year we evaluate, and decide again what is best. And I leave it at that. They either agree or they don't. Over the years as they've seen how my children are doing, they have become more supportive of my choice. And my husband fully supports me. So don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Figure out what is best, if it's homeschool, private school, or public school and just tell people that you've chosen what seems best.

Google your local homeschool support groups (i.e., "Broward Homeschoolers") and go to a support meeting. Many times they welcome prospective homeschoolers, and often offer "newbie" seminars.

There are also many activities for homeschoolers, so they do NOT have to be isolated to homeschool.

Gather as much information as you can about homeschooling, as well as private, public, and virtual schools - and make the best decision you can for your children/family. Good luck.

at 12 and 10, your children really need the socialization that school offers. You don't mention the public school you are near, but a gifted program tends to draw smarter, more goal-oriented children and teachers. However, there are so many home school groups that you will find several to attend and have your children interact with the others. Especially for the youngest - at this time.
I wish I had stuck with it; but finally got my youngest in a Montessori school - and thank god we could afford it. Check out the groups in your area, talk with the other parents. get a plan, i.e. the GED and then start checking out colleges. It's a lot of work, dear, so have your older children do the initial and follow up research. That's part of their education!
Blessings, S.

We're missing part of the story here. You said your daughters are in public school right now, so what are your reservations about sending him to public school???

Hi C.,

I see from your profile that you are in Ft. Lauderdale, but I don't know where so it is hard to give you concrete advice. I grew up in S. Florida and have been working in education for over 15 years now.

You have lots of options. First, for your older children, if you are not happy with the assigned public school, you can look at the Nova schools, which are public schools that do not have a district. You do not have to pay tuition to attend them, but you do have to apply and be accepted: http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/blancheforman/

Second, you can look at the magnet programs. These are also free public schools that you have to apply for admission. You can learn more here: http://www.browardschoolsmagnetprograms.com/

Third, you can explore charter schools. The City of Pembroke Pines has decided to use the charter school model in order to create the type of "neighborhood schools" many of us are accustomed to from our previous residences up north. You can find info on the charter schools here: http://www.browardschools.com/schools/charter.htm

I would NEVER decide to homeschool because you are afraid or concerned about the public schools. There are lots of options and you should explore them if you are using the homeschooling as a mistake. Homeschooling can be a wonderful and academically enriching experience, but it is a ton of work and doesn't work for everyone. You may want to reach out to some homeschooling families to get a better idea of the commitment that it requires.

I would be happy to answer questions if you want to message me back.

Cheers,
C.

Research is the key to everything!
So I invite you to please EXPLORE all of your options. Go vistit Magnet programs, Charter Schools.
Get involved at your daughters' school(s) & get to know the Gifted Chairperson. Is there a special part of the PTA (ie fundraising, involvememt, etc) for the Gifted Program? If not, look into starting one. You may just find there are other concerned parents, just like you.

Private high school? Have you investigated MAST Academy? DASH? there are some other EXCELLENT high schools such as Dr's Charter. Going to a Magnet or Charter may require a transportation commitment on your part, but from what you write, it seems that this would be worth it to you...

For your 3 year old, get involved in the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters )
program- it's FREE and it helps you 'homeschool' (teach him at home) him.
Tel: ###-###-#### or ###-###-####

you CAN do this, mama!
You might be very surprised at what you find, once you really delve into & explore ALL the possibilites available for your children :)