Public, Private, or Home Schooling?

[Justsmurfin]

I was homeschooled from 8th grade through 12th. For me and my family it was wonderful! I really cherish those years and I got a great education. My mom was the toughest teacher I ever had! She knew what I was capable of and didn't cut me any slack. I had a lot of chances to do some neat stuff. I was a lot healthier than I would have been otherwise. Not to mention I hated public school with a passion.

Homeschooling depends greatly on the parent and child. It worked wonderful for my mom and me....however my mom and my brother would have killed eachother. I know some families who have tried and it just didn't work for them. I know others like mine where it worked for one child and not the other and I know families where it has worked for every child in the family

 

[Jane]

Emily, How old are you kids?
I am not a fan of homeschooling either. My kids both attend public school in the disctrict where I teach. Josh is a sophomore in my high school. We have a 504 for both which includes attendence issues, like not being penalized for absences, and having work modified. Please PM me about other questions.

<b>1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?</b>

For several years, my kids had their clean-outs scheduled around vacations so they didn't miss too much school. For the past few years they have been sicker and hospitalized more often. We get a tutor and work very closely with the teachers to get work made up in a timely way. Some teachers are easier to deal with than others.

<b>2. Are there any cases where school takes longer? </b>

I'm not sure if you mean needing more years to graduate or needing more time to make up work. With us, the school has been very accomodating (even without the legal 504) and have allowed the boys to make up work over the summer and drop classes when necessary. At this point Josh has the proper amount of credits he needs to stay on track for graduation, but that may not be the case later.

<b>3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF? </b>

Ask every one you know with kids. Families from this forum had some ideas.

<b>4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)? </b>

Create a 504 and then check in with the school OFTEN to make sure it is being followed. We are upfront about our kids' needs and send letters to everyone they work with (coaches, teachers, scout leaders etc). They have been treated well by everyone so far. The only problem with telling people right off, is that then there is a pre-conceived idea of what to except from the child. We've found its easier this way than having to explain the CF related issues later.

<b>5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)? </b>

My kids are now in the same public school system, but when my younger son started school, we had him in a Montessori school. This decision was not related to CF.

You can also search the forum for info related to 504s. Lots of good ideas!

 

[Jane]

Emily, How old are you kids?
I am not a fan of homeschooling either. My kids both attend public school in the disctrict where I teach. Josh is a sophomore in my high school. We have a 504 for both which includes attendence issues, like not being penalized for absences, and having work modified. Please PM me about other questions.

<b>1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?</b>

For several years, my kids had their clean-outs scheduled around vacations so they didn't miss too much school. For the past few years they have been sicker and hospitalized more often. We get a tutor and work very closely with the teachers to get work made up in a timely way. Some teachers are easier to deal with than others.

<b>2. Are there any cases where school takes longer? </b>

I'm not sure if you mean needing more years to graduate or needing more time to make up work. With us, the school has been very accomodating (even without the legal 504) and have allowed the boys to make up work over the summer and drop classes when necessary. At this point Josh has the proper amount of credits he needs to stay on track for graduation, but that may not be the case later.

<b>3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF? </b>

Ask every one you know with kids. Families from this forum had some ideas.

<b>4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)? </b>

Create a 504 and then check in with the school OFTEN to make sure it is being followed. We are upfront about our kids' needs and send letters to everyone they work with (coaches, teachers, scout leaders etc). They have been treated well by everyone so far. The only problem with telling people right off, is that then there is a pre-conceived idea of what to except from the child. We've found its easier this way than having to explain the CF related issues later.

<b>5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)? </b>

My kids are now in the same public school system, but when my younger son started school, we had him in a Montessori school. This decision was not related to CF.

You can also search the forum for info related to 504s. Lots of good ideas!

 

[Jane]

Emily, How old are you kids?
I am not a fan of homeschooling either. My kids both attend public school in the disctrict where I teach. Josh is a sophomore in my high school. We have a 504 for both which includes attendence issues, like not being penalized for absences, and having work modified. Please PM me about other questions.

<b>1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?</b>

For several years, my kids had their clean-outs scheduled around vacations so they didn't miss too much school. For the past few years they have been sicker and hospitalized more often. We get a tutor and work very closely with the teachers to get work made up in a timely way. Some teachers are easier to deal with than others.

<b>2. Are there any cases where school takes longer? </b>

I'm not sure if you mean needing more years to graduate or needing more time to make up work. With us, the school has been very accomodating (even without the legal 504) and have allowed the boys to make up work over the summer and drop classes when necessary. At this point Josh has the proper amount of credits he needs to stay on track for graduation, but that may not be the case later.

<b>3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF? </b>

Ask every one you know with kids. Families from this forum had some ideas.

<b>4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)? </b>

Create a 504 and then check in with the school OFTEN to make sure it is being followed. We are upfront about our kids' needs and send letters to everyone they work with (coaches, teachers, scout leaders etc). They have been treated well by everyone so far. The only problem with telling people right off, is that then there is a pre-conceived idea of what to except from the child. We've found its easier this way than having to explain the CF related issues later.

<b>5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)? </b>

My kids are now in the same public school system, but when my younger son started school, we had him in a Montessori school. This decision was not related to CF.

You can also search the forum for info related to 504s. Lots of good ideas!

 

[Foody]

Emily,

With our oldest (now 7) we struggled with what felt best for her and after looking at public, private (montessori and waldorf), and home education, we opted for the latter. If you had talked to me when I first had her it would never have entered my mind. After making the choice, we had Ben and now we feel it was meant to be.

It has been the most satisfying thing I've ever done. There are so many choices, programs, groups to join, and options for how you go about it. It so customizable to the child and his/her needs and unique learning style. I have learned so much along the way and as a stay-at-home mom, it satisfies my need for learning, logic, creativity (tons of that), writing, and it has really rejuvenated my love of our local area. I really can't say enough. Any misperceptions I carried with me about it have been blown out of the water.

Some great books that helped me along the way were "School As a Journey" by Finser, "Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self Discovery" by Albert, anything by John Taylor Gatto or John Holt, "Teach Your Own" (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)">http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)</a> has been enlightening. There really is a flavor for everyone. We tend to be eclectic, a little unschooling with a walrdorf twist, sprinkled with Charlotte Mason, topped with my very own ideas.

Each state is different, but it necessary to know what the requirements for notification and assessment are in yours. We have an organization here that tracks and does meetings on what the laws are and how to work with the local school district. For us we simply submit a petition for exusion from compulsary attendence for the school year. We submit an outline of intended curriculum, touching on the required areas of study required by our state; then we get a letter approving us. At the end of the year we do a portfolio review with a certified teacher to discuss her progress ect. That letter is sent in with next years submission.

For me it is about my kids and their freedom to explore the world in their own way and in their own time. We plan to keep them in the decision-making process as time goes on and will do it as long as it works for everyone in our family. My daugher has friends in all types of education styles and tells me she is glad we do our work at home. She likes that she can choose what we study and explore.

It is a very personal choice and I am sure we will bump up against obstacles as we go along, but this is true no matter what ;-) PM me if you'd like more resources.

 

[Foody]

Emily,

With our oldest (now 7) we struggled with what felt best for her and after looking at public, private (montessori and waldorf), and home education, we opted for the latter. If you had talked to me when I first had her it would never have entered my mind. After making the choice, we had Ben and now we feel it was meant to be.

It has been the most satisfying thing I've ever done. There are so many choices, programs, groups to join, and options for how you go about it. It so customizable to the child and his/her needs and unique learning style. I have learned so much along the way and as a stay-at-home mom, it satisfies my need for learning, logic, creativity (tons of that), writing, and it has really rejuvenated my love of our local area. I really can't say enough. Any misperceptions I carried with me about it have been blown out of the water.

Some great books that helped me along the way were "School As a Journey" by Finser, "Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self Discovery" by Albert, anything by John Taylor Gatto or John Holt, "Teach Your Own" (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)">http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)</a> has been enlightening. There really is a flavor for everyone. We tend to be eclectic, a little unschooling with a walrdorf twist, sprinkled with Charlotte Mason, topped with my very own ideas.

Each state is different, but it necessary to know what the requirements for notification and assessment are in yours. We have an organization here that tracks and does meetings on what the laws are and how to work with the local school district. For us we simply submit a petition for exusion from compulsary attendence for the school year. We submit an outline of intended curriculum, touching on the required areas of study required by our state; then we get a letter approving us. At the end of the year we do a portfolio review with a certified teacher to discuss her progress ect. That letter is sent in with next years submission.

For me it is about my kids and their freedom to explore the world in their own way and in their own time. We plan to keep them in the decision-making process as time goes on and will do it as long as it works for everyone in our family. My daugher has friends in all types of education styles and tells me she is glad we do our work at home. She likes that she can choose what we study and explore.

It is a very personal choice and I am sure we will bump up against obstacles as we go along, but this is true no matter what ;-) PM me if you'd like more resources.

 

[Foody]

Emily,

With our oldest (now 7) we struggled with what felt best for her and after looking at public, private (montessori and waldorf), and home education, we opted for the latter. If you had talked to me when I first had her it would never have entered my mind. After making the choice, we had Ben and now we feel it was meant to be.

It has been the most satisfying thing I've ever done. There are so many choices, programs, groups to join, and options for how you go about it. It so customizable to the child and his/her needs and unique learning style. I have learned so much along the way and as a stay-at-home mom, it satisfies my need for learning, logic, creativity (tons of that), writing, and it has really rejuvenated my love of our local area. I really can't say enough. Any misperceptions I carried with me about it have been blown out of the water.

Some great books that helped me along the way were "School As a Journey" by Finser, "Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self Discovery" by Albert, anything by John Taylor Gatto or John Holt, "Teach Your Own" (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)">http://www.holtgws.com/index.html)</a> has been enlightening. There really is a flavor for everyone. We tend to be eclectic, a little unschooling with a walrdorf twist, sprinkled with Charlotte Mason, topped with my very own ideas.

Each state is different, but it necessary to know what the requirements for notification and assessment are in yours. We have an organization here that tracks and does meetings on what the laws are and how to work with the local school district. For us we simply submit a petition for exusion from compulsary attendence for the school year. We submit an outline of intended curriculum, touching on the required areas of study required by our state; then we get a letter approving us. At the end of the year we do a portfolio review with a certified teacher to discuss her progress ect. That letter is sent in with next years submission.

For me it is about my kids and their freedom to explore the world in their own way and in their own time. We plan to keep them in the decision-making process as time goes on and will do it as long as it works for everyone in our family. My daugher has friends in all types of education styles and tells me she is glad we do our work at home. She likes that she can choose what we study and explore.

It is a very personal choice and I am sure we will bump up against obstacles as we go along, but this is true no matter what ;-) PM me if you'd like more resources.

 

[Rebjane]

Emily,

my daughter started nursery school this year, when she turned 3 1/2 and loves it. She did get sick more often, than when she went to activities when i was there and supervising all the time but Maggie loves school so that's how things are going to stay. She only goes 2 times a week in the morning. It is a small class, about 16 children with 3 teachers. She will go there next year too for 3 days a week. then the year after is full day kindergarten. I worry how things will go but I've learned alot about CF you have to be flexible and play it by ear. We do Maggie's treatments before and after school so all the teachers do is give her enzymes for snack, they also let her have more drink breaks(she gets VERY thirsty from playing) I went in before school started and spoke with the teachers about CF. they try to be very careful of germs, there is Purell there and they wipe down the toys etc. i feel it is important to let my child with CF do the same things as my child without CF. My child without CF thrived at the same nursery school my daughter with CF goes to. Sammy(no CF) goes to public school and is doing very well and I hope Maggie will go there too. I'm sure there will be times when she misses school but we will work it out. Also, we do alot of teaching at home, not homeschooling but both my children love to learn. maggie already sits at the kitchen table and writes her letters and has a preschool work book, while my son does his homework she "does hers". So I want her to get a head start if pehaps she gets sick and can not attend school for a few weeks she won's have a problem catching up. Just because we don't homeschool doesn't mean learning isn't going on. Children learn by example. I know I'm rambling but school is more than just getting an education, children learn social skills and how to cope with people who are different from them. A hard thing about Cf is you can't plan everything, of course I'm a planner.

 

[Rebjane]

Emily,

my daughter started nursery school this year, when she turned 3 1/2 and loves it. She did get sick more often, than when she went to activities when i was there and supervising all the time but Maggie loves school so that's how things are going to stay. She only goes 2 times a week in the morning. It is a small class, about 16 children with 3 teachers. She will go there next year too for 3 days a week. then the year after is full day kindergarten. I worry how things will go but I've learned alot about CF you have to be flexible and play it by ear. We do Maggie's treatments before and after school so all the teachers do is give her enzymes for snack, they also let her have more drink breaks(she gets VERY thirsty from playing) I went in before school started and spoke with the teachers about CF. they try to be very careful of germs, there is Purell there and they wipe down the toys etc. i feel it is important to let my child with CF do the same things as my child without CF. My child without CF thrived at the same nursery school my daughter with CF goes to. Sammy(no CF) goes to public school and is doing very well and I hope Maggie will go there too. I'm sure there will be times when she misses school but we will work it out. Also, we do alot of teaching at home, not homeschooling but both my children love to learn. maggie already sits at the kitchen table and writes her letters and has a preschool work book, while my son does his homework she "does hers". So I want her to get a head start if pehaps she gets sick and can not attend school for a few weeks she won's have a problem catching up. Just because we don't homeschool doesn't mean learning isn't going on. Children learn by example. I know I'm rambling but school is more than just getting an education, children learn social skills and how to cope with people who are different from them. A hard thing about Cf is you can't plan everything, of course I'm a planner.

 

[Rebjane]

Emily,

my daughter started nursery school this year, when she turned 3 1/2 and loves it. She did get sick more often, than when she went to activities when i was there and supervising all the time but Maggie loves school so that's how things are going to stay. She only goes 2 times a week in the morning. It is a small class, about 16 children with 3 teachers. She will go there next year too for 3 days a week. then the year after is full day kindergarten. I worry how things will go but I've learned alot about CF you have to be flexible and play it by ear. We do Maggie's treatments before and after school so all the teachers do is give her enzymes for snack, they also let her have more drink breaks(she gets VERY thirsty from playing) I went in before school started and spoke with the teachers about CF. they try to be very careful of germs, there is Purell there and they wipe down the toys etc. i feel it is important to let my child with CF do the same things as my child without CF. My child without CF thrived at the same nursery school my daughter with CF goes to. Sammy(no CF) goes to public school and is doing very well and I hope Maggie will go there too. I'm sure there will be times when she misses school but we will work it out. Also, we do alot of teaching at home, not homeschooling but both my children love to learn. maggie already sits at the kitchen table and writes her letters and has a preschool work book, while my son does his homework she "does hers". So I want her to get a head start if pehaps she gets sick and can not attend school for a few weeks she won's have a problem catching up. Just because we don't homeschool doesn't mean learning isn't going on. Children learn by example. I know I'm rambling but school is more than just getting an education, children learn social skills and how to cope with people who are different from them. A hard thing about Cf is you can't plan everything, of course I'm a planner.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I agree with Lori that you have tons of time to figure this out.

Anyway, don't let the CF be your deciding factor in you daughter's education. If you chose to home school her because of it then she would probably end up feeling like a freak that has to be hidden away. That may sound harsh but when you're a kid that stuff is a big deal. If you have a religious or moral issue with public education then its a different story.

I attended public school and I never had a problem. If I was sick for a long time than a friend or one of my parents would bring me my homework and I could always call the teacher with questions if I needed to. I went to a very small school through 9th grade so there was never any issue with being able to go to the bathroom whenever I needed to or being able to eat and drink in class. When we moved and I went to a large high school I got a 504 form. Its just a form that indicated what my needs were, and also ensured that frequent absences would not be an issue with me passing classes and graduating. As long as I made the grades it didn't matter how much time I missed.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I agree with Lori that you have tons of time to figure this out.

Anyway, don't let the CF be your deciding factor in you daughter's education. If you chose to home school her because of it then she would probably end up feeling like a freak that has to be hidden away. That may sound harsh but when you're a kid that stuff is a big deal. If you have a religious or moral issue with public education then its a different story.

I attended public school and I never had a problem. If I was sick for a long time than a friend or one of my parents would bring me my homework and I could always call the teacher with questions if I needed to. I went to a very small school through 9th grade so there was never any issue with being able to go to the bathroom whenever I needed to or being able to eat and drink in class. When we moved and I went to a large high school I got a 504 form. Its just a form that indicated what my needs were, and also ensured that frequent absences would not be an issue with me passing classes and graduating. As long as I made the grades it didn't matter how much time I missed.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I agree with Lori that you have tons of time to figure this out.

Anyway, don't let the CF be your deciding factor in you daughter's education. If you chose to home school her because of it then she would probably end up feeling like a freak that has to be hidden away. That may sound harsh but when you're a kid that stuff is a big deal. If you have a religious or moral issue with public education then its a different story.

I attended public school and I never had a problem. If I was sick for a long time than a friend or one of my parents would bring me my homework and I could always call the teacher with questions if I needed to. I went to a very small school through 9th grade so there was never any issue with being able to go to the bathroom whenever I needed to or being able to eat and drink in class. When we moved and I went to a large high school I got a 504 form. Its just a form that indicated what my needs were, and also ensured that frequent absences would not be an issue with me passing classes and graduating. As long as I made the grades it didn't matter how much time I missed.

 

[Justsmurfin]

I wanted to add. I did fine in elementary school. Even missing a ton of school. My teachers were wonderful, I was able to keep up etc.

Middle school though....I started to fall behind. I felt like my teachers were picking on me. I had one teacher in 7th grade who made my life a living hell! Funny thing is that she was absent more than I was.

I was on homebound at the first of 8th grade and my homebound teacher didn't show up 75% of the time. That was when my parents pulled me out to homeschool. I tried going back to school for 9th grade on a homebound program where if I missed school it wasn't counted against me and I was provided a teacher to help me catch up. They couldn't find a homebound teacher! My english teacher wanted to fail me because of the amount of school I missed. Once again ended up homeschooling.

All this time my brother stayed in and thrived in public school. During middle school he went to a private school while I was in a public elementary school. We were so different that it made sense that we needed to be treated like individuals when it came to schooling.

Honestly I think it depends on the school, the school district etc. My school district is horrible as far as dealing with chronically ill kids. I know quite a few instances like mine.

 

[Justsmurfin]

I wanted to add. I did fine in elementary school. Even missing a ton of school. My teachers were wonderful, I was able to keep up etc.

Middle school though....I started to fall behind. I felt like my teachers were picking on me. I had one teacher in 7th grade who made my life a living hell! Funny thing is that she was absent more than I was.

I was on homebound at the first of 8th grade and my homebound teacher didn't show up 75% of the time. That was when my parents pulled me out to homeschool. I tried going back to school for 9th grade on a homebound program where if I missed school it wasn't counted against me and I was provided a teacher to help me catch up. They couldn't find a homebound teacher! My english teacher wanted to fail me because of the amount of school I missed. Once again ended up homeschooling.

All this time my brother stayed in and thrived in public school. During middle school he went to a private school while I was in a public elementary school. We were so different that it made sense that we needed to be treated like individuals when it came to schooling.

Honestly I think it depends on the school, the school district etc. My school district is horrible as far as dealing with chronically ill kids. I know quite a few instances like mine.

 

[Justsmurfin]

I wanted to add. I did fine in elementary school. Even missing a ton of school. My teachers were wonderful, I was able to keep up etc.

Middle school though....I started to fall behind. I felt like my teachers were picking on me. I had one teacher in 7th grade who made my life a living hell! Funny thing is that she was absent more than I was.

I was on homebound at the first of 8th grade and my homebound teacher didn't show up 75% of the time. That was when my parents pulled me out to homeschool. I tried going back to school for 9th grade on a homebound program where if I missed school it wasn't counted against me and I was provided a teacher to help me catch up. They couldn't find a homebound teacher! My english teacher wanted to fail me because of the amount of school I missed. Once again ended up homeschooling.

All this time my brother stayed in and thrived in public school. During middle school he went to a private school while I was in a public elementary school. We were so different that it made sense that we needed to be treated like individuals when it came to schooling.

Honestly I think it depends on the school, the school district etc. My school district is horrible as far as dealing with chronically ill kids. I know quite a few instances like mine.

 

[lemonstolemonade]

Thank you all for your insight. There appears to be no "one good way" to go about planning for our girls' education.

I'm especially greatful to those who have CF who reminised about their schooling. Knowing that as long as CF isn't made the issue, that my Abby can come away unscathed except for the typical school junk, then I'm totally cool.

Planning is just something I do in my spare time. I'm glad to know that there are benefits in each educational scenario.

All food for thought! Thanks again! Keep your comments coming!

Emily

 

[lemonstolemonade]

Thank you all for your insight. There appears to be no "one good way" to go about planning for our girls' education.

I'm especially greatful to those who have CF who reminised about their schooling. Knowing that as long as CF isn't made the issue, that my Abby can come away unscathed except for the typical school junk, then I'm totally cool.

Planning is just something I do in my spare time. I'm glad to know that there are benefits in each educational scenario.

All food for thought! Thanks again! Keep your comments coming!

Emily

 

[lemonstolemonade]

Thank you all for your insight. There appears to be no "one good way" to go about planning for our girls' education.

I'm especially greatful to those who have CF who reminised about their schooling. Knowing that as long as CF isn't made the issue, that my Abby can come away unscathed except for the typical school junk, then I'm totally cool.

Planning is just something I do in my spare time. I'm glad to know that there are benefits in each educational scenario.

All food for thought! Thanks again! Keep your comments coming!

Emily

 

[AnD]

Keep in mind, too, that if you decide on homeschooling, there are varying degrees of social interaction-some homeschooling groups are in name only, some have a huge opportunity for meeting people and making friends, going on field trips (like zoo, Children's Theater, symphony, etc), weekly meetings for adults and children, keep up transcripts for you, having a prom, joining church or community sponsered sports teams, tutoring, etc. It takes a lot of research, but IMHO, it is worth it if you are considering it.

I am considering it for my noncf daughter because 1) she won't be bringing me home a new disease every week, like most of the kids I know around here (2 I have 2 friends who homeschool (one who now lives in my state, but was in another, the other lives out of state) and their children are doing really well with it and 3) it gives me more time with her, to get to know her.

I went to public school, and to tell you the truth, I liked it until about 4th grade or so, then I hated it (digestive problems don't make you very popular, let's say- kids are mean).

One of my friends just took her baby out of daycare, because he caught something there and had to be hospitalized. I went through school and didn't have any problems until I was in highschool. But I know homeschooling would not have worked for me and my mom<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, even if it was a thought at the time.

If it was my child who had cf instead of me, and if I couldn't homeschool, I would probably choose a small private school that was willing to work with me. It all just depends on you and your child. Like the others have said, you do have time.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> We are going to give homeschooling a trial run this spring/summer and see how it goes. Since my daughter's b'day is in Oct., we can do a whole year's worth of homeschooling before she can even go to 4 year old preschool. I also have a homeschoolers' support group at church, and they belong to different homeschool associations, use different curriculm, so I am getting a chance to see a lot of different options.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">