Hi there, I don't post here very often, but I have learned so much from this board in the past year. I started homeschooling my kids last year, they are currently 6 and 7. We were all prepared to continue homeschooling indefinitely, but now a wrench has been thrown into our plans. We got a call last week inviting my daughter to attend a magnet school nearby. Apparently, it's pretty hard to get into, and we didn't even technically apply, so it's sort of an honor to be "accepted." I feel sad at the thought of her going to school next year, especially because she and her brother will be separated (he will continue to homeschool). My favorite thing about homeschooling has been watching their relationship grow - they have become really close and it will not be the same here with her gone most of the day. Her best friend will be attending the school, and that is a definite motivating factor for her to want to try it out. So, we accepted the spot. I am hoping that she doesn't like it and comes back home.
I guess I'm looking for advice. I don't really want to send her to the school, but at the same time I am feeling pressure (though I'm sure it is just in my head) that it would be "crazy" to give up the spot. People in my neighborhood are clamoring for spots at this school. I feel like I "should" want her to go there. It has a heavy arts and sciences focus and offers electives to the kids like knitting and embroidery and violin - all things that I know she will love. It's also about 20 minutes away, so I would either have to put her on the bus (not likely) or drive her there and back every day. Not a huge deal, but we are so used to being on our own schedule. The other thing that gives me pause is that it is a "gifted and talented" school. I do worry that it might foster competitiveness, something that I'd just as soon stay out of our lives for as long as possible.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Has anyone had to make a similar decision? What was your thought process? What did you eventually decide to do and why?
I guess I'm looking for advice. I don't really want to send her to the school, but at the same time I am feeling pressure (though I'm sure it is just in my head) that it would be "crazy" to give up the spot. People in my neighborhood are clamoring for spots at this school. I feel like I "should" want her to go there. It has a heavy arts and sciences focus and offers electives to the kids like knitting and embroidery and violin - all things that I know she will love. It's also about 20 minutes away, so I would either have to put her on the bus (not likely) or drive her there and back every day. Not a huge deal, but we are so used to being on our own schedule. The other thing that gives me pause is that it is a "gifted and talented" school. I do worry that it might foster competitiveness, something that I'd just as soon stay out of our lives for as long as possible.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Has anyone had to make a similar decision? What was your thought process? What did you eventually decide to do and why?
