I've considered and am still considering homeschooling. DD8 isn't interested, but DD5 would love to partial homeschool. Our state mandates that you can partial HS and our principal was very supportive of the idea.
Has anyone done this?
If so, were the kids readily accepted by the other kids?
Were other parents open to it?
I had heard from one person, that the other kids weren't as open to playing with the partial hs'er because they only saw them at gum, music art, etc.

Neato

Neato-

One of my best friends just tried a hybrid experience with her son, age ten, who was watching some show about middle schoolers and became curious. He enrolled in a science class that piqued his interest, and took art class at the school too. I think he was at school 2-3 times a week, and he enjoyed it for a month or two, but grew weary of it by Christmas.

There were a few reasons that this was not a great solution. One is that the school had a weird rotating schedule, so it was hard for us to tell when B would be free and when he would be in school. So he missed some events with homeschooled friends. The other is that the school kids were not unkind, but he wasn't there enough time for them to truly accept him. He continued to be an oddity. It may be that if he stayed in those two classes all year, things would be different, but in those three months he did not form one friendship, and he is an outgoing kid. His little sister was forced to miss some homeschool stuff too, due to the pickup schedule. The Mom was relieved when B finally told her that he didn't want to go any more.


Another friend has a daughter who started distance learning high school when she was 12. She joined the high school soccer team and was a solid player. But the older girls were snobby and did not make her feel very welcome. They asked her pointedly why she was younger, why she homeschooled, why she wanted to join their team. I'm sure you can imagine the snotty tone of voice!

On the other hand, I met a boy several years ago, who was exclusively homeschooled yet was on the high school wrestling team. He was a very eloquent speaker, and he was actually the wrestling team captain! So the hybrid thing CAN work, but those I know personally who have tried it have not had the best experiences.

Thanks for the input Lorel. I'm hoping I'll hear about a few more success stories!

What a great mom B has, willing to let him investigate the school thing, I thing that's so great.

DD5 is in K right now. She has a religous ed. class and Girl Scouts after school with friends from school. I'm hoping she is young enough and involved in enough that the other kids will just accept her as someone who goes to school with them part of the time.

We haven't decided to do it for sure, but I am investigating it as an option for her.

'Neato,

It's worth looking into. When DS was in 2nd with only 3rd grade math, his only birthday party invite was from a boy in math that he only spent that hour a day with. I think if friends are drawn to each other, it won't matter that they aren't together all day, and this could cut down on the friends that are only friends because they are together all day...kwim?

I only know of one local case, and it's a middle school boy. DD13 knows who he is, but probably more for gender reasons doesn't really talk much about him. It's a novelty situation, but one that most kids don't really give much deeper thought too. I wish I knew the family better to get their perspective!

It's definitely worth considering. And it will definitely go smoother starting at such a young age. I think our math situation has gone so well in part because DS was so young when it started (2nd). The kids he met along the way see it as normal (compared to DD13 and her friends, LOL!)

I wish our schools would consider partial HS. This week has already been rough for DD9. They are in the middle of review for achievement tests, which includes tons of worksheets to drill the same material over and over again. DD got 100% on the pretest, but still has to complete worksheets. Teacher's response: Practice never hurt anyone!!!

Then today DD came home crying because a girl on her bus slapped her!! I was so furious that no adults intervened, as DD said they were waiting for a bus to come. This girl is assigned to sit next to DD and I can't imagine how she felt on the bus ride home today. DD asked me not to get involved, but I had to explain to her that this is a situation that adults need to handle. I feel so awful tonight as I think about this all.

Jen

That makes me so mad! Of course there is harm! And that harm might even lower test scores. Aurgh!

Best wishes with the bus situation...I agree, adults need to get involved. That one makes me want to cry, .

(((EM)))

Jen that's awful. You are right to feel you should intervene. The bus is the worst. I still rembember riding the bus there is absolutely no adult supervision and the naughty children especially know it.
Could you drive her back and forth?

Neato

Thanks for your concern for DD. I don't want to change subject of this thread, but I just needed to vent yesterday. This morning DD also told me that in the bus her hair was pulled and her head was pushed to the seat in front of her by the same child.

I sent a note to the bus driver and DD sat in front. I also called the school and they filed an incident report. DD will also speak with the school counselor. The bus company called me today and assured me the seat assignments would be changed.

It's hard to see a child this upset and for her to ask me what she did to deserve this... No child deserves this, but DD internalizes everything. Hopefully we can manage the rest of the school year without further incidents.

Jen

Jen-

I would be STEAMING over such an incident! I hope your dd wasn't overly traumatized by all this.

Jen,

Have you considered enrolling you dd in a martial arts program? I know it has helped my dd carry herself with confidence. This alone usually helps to keep bullies away. On the other hand, if anyone tried to pull her hair they would end up with a very hurt hand.