My ds is entering the public school system in the fall, as he will have an IEP (special ed-- an Individualized Education Plan). ds is three. He can get services through the school district without attending school, and that's what we've been leaning toward. I've posted on here about my thoughts on why we need to do homeschooling.
I know I *definitely* don't want him to go to the schools now, with their usual curriculum. And we don't have any alternative choice except to keep him home because there are no charter schools in my state that accept kids starting at three when kids in special ed graduate from ISFPs to IEPs and enter the school system. And I definitely don't have money for a private school, and as I understand it if we went private he wouldn't have access to so many services anyway.
However, we have been (barely) considering sending him to school just two days a week for half days because honestly, we think he would like it as much as we don't want him to. Plus, I'd like him to have more of an opportunity to make some friends. We are new to this state, and we don't know anybody.
Anyway, I just read that there is an effort to start new charter schools in high needs areas of our state (MA), including my city. This is a state-wide and federal cooperative effort, with funding to back it up.
I truly believe in Montessori. AND I believe in the value of public schools!
I have a vision of a diverse, urban public Montessori school for kids in preK-1st (traditional Montessori 3-6 classroom) or 3rd grade, with the goal to expand into upper grades once the school has been established (expand one grade per year).
I have just reached out for some info on this...and I think I am going to pursue it!
I am predicting that my biggest challenge may be that I've just moved here, and it will be difficult for me to mobilize enough support for this to get a group of founding parents. But I believe if I can gather a group of founding parents, this can really happen!
On the other hand, I am overwhelmed at the idea in general and just curious if others have done this and have any tips...
I know I *definitely* don't want him to go to the schools now, with their usual curriculum. And we don't have any alternative choice except to keep him home because there are no charter schools in my state that accept kids starting at three when kids in special ed graduate from ISFPs to IEPs and enter the school system. And I definitely don't have money for a private school, and as I understand it if we went private he wouldn't have access to so many services anyway.
However, we have been (barely) considering sending him to school just two days a week for half days because honestly, we think he would like it as much as we don't want him to. Plus, I'd like him to have more of an opportunity to make some friends. We are new to this state, and we don't know anybody.
Anyway, I just read that there is an effort to start new charter schools in high needs areas of our state (MA), including my city. This is a state-wide and federal cooperative effort, with funding to back it up.
I truly believe in Montessori. AND I believe in the value of public schools!
I have a vision of a diverse, urban public Montessori school for kids in preK-1st (traditional Montessori 3-6 classroom) or 3rd grade, with the goal to expand into upper grades once the school has been established (expand one grade per year).
I have just reached out for some info on this...and I think I am going to pursue it!
I am predicting that my biggest challenge may be that I've just moved here, and it will be difficult for me to mobilize enough support for this to get a group of founding parents. But I believe if I can gather a group of founding parents, this can really happen!
On the other hand, I am overwhelmed at the idea in general and just curious if others have done this and have any tips...
We live in MA too! Where are you located?
