Posted in Lifestyle of Learning

Well, I am a real homeschooler now, at least in the eyes of the state. (Though I am still a one-quarter homeschooler.  See Homeschool "Fractions" http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JewelSea/130640/ .) Since my eldest was in the third grade we have been enrolled the district's "alternative learning experience" program (district support for homeschoolers). I know many "true" homeschoolers would have considered that government meddling, but it worked for us. I found resources, support, and other homeschoolers there. And I was still the teacher and all our learning was done at home. And we were allowed quite a bit of latitude in curriculum choice, etc.

All that has changed now, though. First the state began tightening up requirements (and drove out many Christian families) and then last spring the district axed the program altogether. It's so odd! At a time in our state when many other districts are expanding their alternative programs, ours cuts it completely! Anyway, we were left high and dry just as my younger daughter was to begin high school. She had been attending middle school part-time, but none of us were comfortable with enrolling her fulltime.

So that means she will be attending high school part-time (they have this strange rotating schedule, so that she will be going every other day) and the rest of the time she will be at-home, a real "honest-to-goodness" homeschooler, because this will be the first time I have ever had to submit our state's Intent to Homeschool declaration!  To be honest, I find it a bit exciting!

So now we are "honest" homeschoolers! At least half the time!!