Yesterday was Alyssa's first day of public high school. Although I have loved homeschooling her the last few years, and spending time with her at home, I really felt like she was just becoming to comfortable with her surroundings and not applying herself to her schoolwork. I think she was beginning to feel bored with school, and life. She really is my social butterfly and she was starting to feel caged in.
We found a unique kind of High School. It is very small. They only allow no more than 20 students per grade level, so no more that 80 students for the whole high school. It is called a "Big Picture School" and what they do is try to focus on what the child is interested in and incorporates their learning around that. They are able to take on internships two day a week as part of their learning experience. And really get more one on one time with their teacher and mentors. It sounds like a great way to learn about a lot of different things, and a fun approach to school. So far she really seems to be enjoying it. She said everyone has been really nice and welcoming, and that's what any mother would hope for for her child in a new school.
It is sometimes is hard to make choices about what is best for our children. Life is adventurous sometimes, and constantly full of changes. So begins another journey....