Yes I am starting THAT decussion.

What do you think?

You first...........

okay, I see you are not signed on so I'll go first even though I am so shy.

My state allows for partial homeschooling. After working well with the school for over a year, DH and I have determined both girls should have time during their school day to work at their own pace.

Currently DD8 leaves for a portion of the day. We are not doing this for DD6 yet, but probably will at some point going forward. It's working our better than expected.

I feel that both girls would benefit greatly from a totally individualized curriculum. That said, what child wouldn't?

Both girls love their school and want to be there, so we respect that. Additionally, I am afraid to totally cut the cord, so to speak. Yes, I realize I am extremely lame in this regard.

For me, the answer is "not homeschool", although early in the game I did consider it (along with every other perceivable option). My kids are covering a lot of ground in our public school, and while certainly not perfect...it's "good enough". They have personalities that thrive in that setting, and enjoy their friends and extra curricular activities as well.

I enjoy participating from a peripheral place, helping in their classrooms/schools and "after schooling" where there might still be a need. I also think they benefit greatly from a very large talent pool of many bright kids.

We are blessed to live in an area where GT kids are plentiful, and where the public schools are safe and engaging. For our varied LOG household, the only need that's really not being met is DS's math need, and I'm content beefing that up a bit on my own. After reading many other stories, I realize we are very fortunate.

Neato,
I don't see this as lame in the slightest! Why rush into any decision? There will never be a final perfect answer - so use the building blocks at your disposal.

I'm working 8-5, and while I know that homeschooling can be done on evenings and weekends, I don't think I would have the stamina for it...but if a homeschool coop opened nearby, I think I would jump if I thought the folks 'got' my kid.

Online high school is always in the back of my mind...but for now, things seem to be working, so I'm grateful.

I don't really think that a debate HS v. Bricks and mortar School really fits for gifted families - I think it's more "try everything and see what combination of things work" yes?

If I get a learning environment that fits well for a whole year - I'm happy! I've had that twice, and never had more than that. I told DS12 to enjoy being the 8th grade big shot now, because although I'd love him to have the experience of being a high school senior someday, I wouldn't bet on it.

((shrugs)) and More ((shrugs))

Grinity

Absolutely, yes!

I'm with you both! Honestly, the only time I really enjoy a "debate" is when I'm ticked at DH, and winning, .

My above thoughts were just what's working well for us at the moment....as always, subject to change if needed!

At the moment we're giving public school a try. If it doesn't work out I have cyberschooling as my plan B. Either the public cyberschool charter run by K12 or Calvert Online.

That is so much our reality here, too! In fact we feel like we have exhausted what DS's current school can offer - after a year and 1/2 - and are moving on. The key to all of this is flexibility. Use what works when it works, and when it doesn't anymore, find something else.

No one can answer that question but you. That choice is very individual. I'm currently HSing my 3rd grader for the first time. I guess what you call a reluctant HSer. I'm not one of those that always thought I'd homeschool. WHile I was so sad when my son started K, I felt it is just the way things are and dealt with it plus I had another baby at home. But now, with the negative changes in his personality and the things he says about school, I felt I needed to try something radical. Plus my teacher friend said that this year would be focused on testing which would mean lots of review which I think would have put the nail in DS's love of learning coffin - so to speak.

Plus, where I live is the antithesis of a HSing hot-bed. We are a surburb of a large city which is still 1.5hrs away so I don't have access to museums, HS programs, all the things that make HSing fun and exciting. So our decision (well DS's since I left it up to him) came with a lot of trade-offs.