Our Decision

My husband and I spent lots of time last evening discussing whether we should send Joy to the public Montessori school or keep homeschooling her. We talked with Joy and explained the decision we had to make. We asked her for input, but told her it was our decision. We listed the pros and cons of each. We prayed together, asking for guidance in the decision. We came to the understanding that Joy would probably thrive in either setting.

So what did we decide? We're going to homeschool.

It came down to what would help Joy continue to gain security, stability, academic progress, and character. See, Joy has had many changes in her young life; too many. She has absolutely thrived in the year+ that I have stayed home with her. A little more than a year ago, Joy was having multiple daily melt-downs, usually triggered by trying to fit "too much" into her day. These days, Joy goes days without a melt-down, as long as we don't try to cram too many scheduled things into her time. So, choosing to go to school would mean stopping most of her other activities: gymnastics, church youth group, piano, volunteering to help with MOPS at our church. Without school, these things are simply a part of our life, but in addition to school, they would be way too much!

Joy herself showed a bit of insight about this when we talked with her about the choices (before we made a decision). She said, "How long is school?" When I explained, she thought for a while and said, "Maybe it's too long." In considering where Joy would get the most benefit, it was clear to us that our current activities are ideal for her.

I spent some time researching the Montessori school yesterday, of course. One of the factors in our decision was their list of "Essential Outcomes for Kindergarten." Now, I know that the essential outcomes are the bare minimum expected, but there were none of these essential outcomes that Joy cannot already do! I know that the teachers would encourage her to continue her learning, but I also know that Joy doesn't like to try difficult things, so I could easily see her playing around all year. I don't want that to happen! The teachers will be focused on those students who haven't met the essential outcomes due to the pressures they receive about kids passing tests.

This morning, when we told Joy that we were going to continue to homeschool, she was quiet for a moment. Then she started listing all the things that she was going to continue to do: Y Kids' Care, gymnastics, etc. And she said, "Okay" and went on with her breakfast with a smile.

Good decision.