This picture is from a few years ago but I still find her sleeping with a book or something on her lap.
Hayley is in second grade this year.
She is very smart, has good grades, and often helps her classmates with their work.
But we feel that she is not being pushed to her full capacity in the classroom.
She says her work at school is easy.
Her teacher assigned homework each week is 3-4 worksheets that she finishes in less than 20 minutes.
I usually add on some additional work for her to do after school in reading, writing, science and/or math.
We tried to get her in the gifted and talented (GT) program at school but it’s a long process and after talking to the school principal we found out that the program is somewhat of a joke.
1-2 hours a week with a teacher (that was extremely rude to me) in a group setting. I have serious doubts about the GT program being effective.
John and I have been talking about making some type of change for the last year.
We want her to be pushed.
To be successful in life.
To have access to the path in life that we did not take.
So we have decided that for the next school year she will not be in public school.
We will homeschool her.
The decision has not been made yet whether it will be through an online school or if it will be traditional homeschooling.
Either way, she will be in an individualized setting where we can help her grow.
Teach her real life skills and about the world beyond textbooks.
It will be a struggle for all of us, especially in the beginning, as we adjust to our new life.
We hope it will be worth it.
We only want the best for our children.
They have always loved reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
We also only want the best in our martinis which is why we have an Orange Creamsicle Martini posted over at One Martini.
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Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
I think it’s great that you’ve decided to homeschool to maximize H’s potential. Our kids deserve the best from us.
Good luck!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..This Blog and I
Thank you Alison. We are fortunate enough that I can stay home so we want to do everything we can for our children.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Oh you, that is a big decision!
I so admire your dedication and commitment to your children.
When I was a teacher, I remember a mom explaining her questions away with, “I’m her only advocate.” I’ve always remembered that.
It seems you already know this.
(She’s lucky to have you.)
Galit Breen recently posted..I Didn’t Know
After many meetings with teachers, counselors, and the principal I have really learned that we are her only advocate. No one else seems to be taking charge. As parents, we do what we have to so that our kids can have the best.
I have no other experience but homeschooling my kids. I hope you find it to be positive overall.
Christine@TheAums recently posted..It’s Official!
Thank you Christine. There might be times when I question if this was the right decision but I have a strong gut feeling that it is.
Twitter: teamrasler
says:
As someone who teaches a once a week, 2-hour gifted program, I can back you up right away that it is NOT enough. It breaks my heart when some of my students tell me how they feel about their homerooms, how bored they are, how they look forward to Tuesday afternoon all week. (I mean, I’m happy they are challenged with me, but… you know what I mean.) If they have a great teacher who is trained in working with highly capable students, then they do well. But with public school you never know what teacher your child will get. I never thought I would homeschool or send my kids to private schools, but now I’m not so sure I won’t be writing a similar post in a year or two…
Good luck in your adjustment. I hope it ends up being a great fit for you and your family!
Jessica@Team Rasler recently posted..A moment in boyhood
It’s sad to see some kids not given the attention or the challenges they need in school. Fortunately we are in a situation where we can try homeschooling to see if that works better for our kids. I know not every family is able to do this.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I have had very similar conversations this week with Kurt about this too. I’m very torn how to handle next school year, as I don’t think Matthew is being pushed the way that he needs to be in school, but I’m not sure if homeschool is the best fit for him either. If it was 100% up to me, we would homeschool.
Good luck to you and Hayley! I’ll send martinis.
Kimberly recently posted..My Wish For You
I hope you figure out what needs to be done for him.
And I’ll take all the martinis I can get.
Twitter: applesndroses
says:
It saddens me to read that more and more parents are homeschooling their kids. That says something about the school system!
But you are absolutely right, I always think kids should be challenged. When they finish their work easily, it’s means they are not being challenged enough.
Good luck!
Mirjam recently posted..I am me
I was the same as Hayley when I was in school and no one ever pushed or challenged me so I always took the easy route. I don’t want her to do the same.
Twitter: skywaitress
says:
Good for you, doing what is right for your child. Homeschooling is not easy but as someone who was homeschooled I can tell you I had some extremely great experiences with it. It gave me a love of learning that I don’t think I would have gotten had I been bored in a traditional classroom setting.
Wishing you all the best in your new adventure.
Abigail recently posted..Thank you
Thank you for telling me that you had a great experience with homeschooling. I haven’t heard from anyone who had been homeschooled. You made me feel better about this decision.
If she is already at this level, you’ve already been homeschooling her.
Life is a struggle no matter what path we choose, but when you are choosing to build into the life of your child, it makes it easier.
You’re gonna do great.
Maggie S. recently posted..Bacon and God’s Abundance
That is true, we have already been working with her outside of school to learn more.
Thank you.
Twitter: supermomboots
says:
Big decision! All the best to all of you as you start this path in September. And I hope that you all benefit from it. That she gets challenged in the way you want her to be.
Stephanie recently posted..Lemon Chicken and a Birthday
Thank you Stephanie.
You have what’s best for her in mind and that is always the best decision.
and I forgot a lot of the useless crap we learned 
I for one could never homeschool because my patience is paper thin
All the best to you. I know that you are going to be an amazing teacher xoxo
Kimberly recently posted..Feelings And Flowers
My patience isn’t great either so I know it will be a struggle for us, at least in the beginning. Luckily my husband is good at helping her when I can’t so this will be a joint effort.
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
I cannot tell you how much I admire you for this, Jessica. You and I have a lot in common and the more I read your heartfelt posts, the more I feel virtually connected to you. You’re brilliant, understanding and honest. All perfect qualities for a teacher. You’re going to do great and Hayley will thrive because of it.
Good luck, babe! (even thought I know you don’t need it.)
Eve recently posted..4 Reasons To Start a Second Blog – Guest at MomComm
Thank you Eve.
It’s like we are sisters from another mister.
Twitter: OldTweener
says:
Wow, what an amazing adventure you are in for! I always think that we are the only ones who really “know” our kids…and if you think this is what she needs, then go for it! You will do great.
Sherri recently posted..Motherhood: The Show
I agree that we are the only ones who really know our kids. We spend the most time with them and can see what they can and can’t do. We have high hopes for this kid.
Twitter: adayinmollywood
says:
Good for you for recognizing what your daughter needs and acting on it!
molly recently posted..green
Thank you Molly. We have thought about this a lot over the last year.
Homeschooling is not for every child or for every parent. I think you’ve made a great decision. I wish you luck and courage and love of learning!
Kristin recently posted..Can’t Write, Busy Watching.
Thank you Kristin for your support and for the help you’ve already provided me.
That is a big decision! and it sounds like you are doing everything you can to advocate for & nurture her leaning. as a gt resource teacher, I know that my hour/week is not enough, which means that my efforts to consult & collaborate with home room teachers are just as important so that they can differentiate. Some do, some dont. As a mom, I am in the same boat with you, feeling like my daughter is not being pushed. For better or worse though, as much as I love her, she and I would not survive home schooling. I look forward to following your journey!
Elena recently posted..What I Have Learned About Working From Home
I wish the schools could do more for kids but the reality is that with budget cuts they are already doing what they can. I know that homeschooling will be a struggle for us in the beginning as I lack some patience but I hope that we are successful.
WOW, homeschooling, that’s huge! What a big decision! Best of luck with that!
Thanks Nicole. It is a big decision.
It’s so nice to see you able to do what’s best for your children. I’m sure H will excel, especially having such a strong, supportive and loving home environment.
Roxanne recently posted..Latest News: Interview at Magenta Scribe
I hope so. We are doing our best.
Twitter: elainea
says:
This is such a challenge with our kids today. My son is in the GT program here and I think it depends A LOT on the teacher you get, I know it has for us. Ours has been SO supportive and my son is NEVER bored. BUT, it’s different everywhere and I would probably homeschool too if I thought I was up for the task, but I am just not. Good for you though, my friend! And good luck!!
Elaine recently posted..PT stands for Pretty Tired.
I think school always depends on the teacher you get. My daughter had a great first grade teacher and her second grade teacher is okay but still there are other kids that need attention. I hope homeschooling works for us.
Twitter: juliefromotown
says:
you are so fortunate to have a child that is doing so well in school. It is unfortunate that there isn’t much of a challenge for her and it doesn’t seem like the school system is being much help. I think you are making the right choice. It is a large role to play, but You will be able to give her the one on one teaching that she needs and she will excel by leaps and bounds. great job momma- you know what is best for her and what she needs. ♥ oh and we love hungry Caterpillar too
julie recently posted..NO-TV Tuesday
I really hope the one on one learning helps her to go farther in life. We only want what is best for her.
The Hungry Caterpillar is such a great book.
I think it’s awesome that you’re taking the homeschooling route. I was homeschooled and loved it. I think the problem with many public schools is that they teach to the lowest common denominator. And, the result of this is that the smarter kids get pulled down. I know you’ll do great as her teacher. I look forward to following your journey as I’m considering doing the same with my girls!
I think you are right about the lowest common denominator. It’s sad that’s the case but it’s reality.
Twitter: SharonPfeiffer
says:
What a big decision .. sounds like it is the right one for your daughter! I hope it goes well … it will be a lot of work, but it will be so rewarding!!
P.S. That book is such a favorite in our house, we’ve had to replace our copy at least twice. Basically one for each kiddo … it just gets too much love!
Sharon {Grumpy, Sleepy, and Bashful} recently posted..Motherhood: The Plan
This is our second copy of the book too. The first one was destroyed from many readings.
Twitter: kpugs
says:
That is a big decision…but the fact that you are even discussing homeschooling to challenge your daughter only shows you are wanting the best for her.
I know a lot of homeschooled kids and they are so much more rounded individuals. I think it is the “real life” experiences that they are able to have outside the typical class room settings.
Good luck! I know you will all thrive with new discoveries!
Kelly recently posted..Needing Downtime
I’m really looking forward to teaching her with real life experiences. We try to do this now but by the end of the day when she is out of school we are all so tired. Hopefully having the day to learn will help.
Twitter: carribrown
says:
I went to public school and look at how awesome I am!
Carri recently posted..SurferWife’s Fashion Disasters – Better Than US Weekly
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
If I could have a favorite comment ever, this might be it.
I went to public school too.
We are leaning toward homeschool as well. Our education system is in serious need of attention. Yes, there are great schools and great teachers, but they ALL need to be great, not questionable or lax when it comes to our childrens education.
I just wrote about this as well last week; have you watched this documentary about education yet? Awesome! http://www.ilovechesterrific.com/2012/03/we-need-superman.html
I haven’t watched this movie yet but I will put it on our queue. Thank you.
I homeschooled and loved it. You are already doing extra work with her, it won’t take you that much longer. With our youngest child we got to use K-12- free in Colorado. You sign up and they send you 7 boxes full of stuff and a computer and a printer!!!! They have a great scheduling system so that if you want to make all day Monday about English and all day Tuesday about Math, etc., you can. The curriculum was similar to our charter school here, a step up for sure from regular public ed.
On the other hand, have a martini!!!
The online school we are looking at is very similar to what you explained. I think it will make the transition from public school to homeschooling easier.
I can’t say that I blame you at all. I hope that this turns out to be a rewarding and successful endeavor for you both.
Julie recently posted..Anecdotes from the Swamp, Part I
Thank you Julie. I hope so too.
Twitter: acctodenise
says:
You have to do what is best for the kids. Good luck putting together a program that pushes her and works for the family!
Denise recently posted..I Needed This Today
Thank you Denise.
Good for you guys!!! The thought has crossed my mind from time to time about homeschooling our kids, but I’m just not sure I can do it effectively. Also, I love their school right now.
Runnermom-jen recently posted..Learning to Ride
I’m glad to hear you love their school now. I don’t feel the same about my daughter’s current school which is what makes this decision easier.
We are going through the EXACT SAME THING! The difference, I guess, is that Gabi’s teacher is trying everything she can to challenge her, but with 30 other kids in the class it just doesn’t happen to the degree it should. I’d pull her out of school tomorrow, but I might be venturing back into the working world soon and there’s no point in making such a huge change, only to put her back into the system again. For now I just have to try and find ways to challenge her at home. I’m really looking forward to reading about your journey!
Laural Out Loud recently posted..Strep A, I Wish I Could Cut You
I hope you can find ways to challenge her at home. It’s hard when the teacher can’t give the extra attention that they want to because of overcrowded classrooms.
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
I’m proud of you for what you and John are doing for Hayley! As parents, I truly believe in listening to your gut & that little voice in the back of your head telling you something just isn’t going right. Good for you guys for taking the leap to do what you think is best for your family!
I think this plan should include a FaceTime life lesson every once and a while from Dub Wall-E (my nickname from my students).
We will need to schedule a weekly FaceTime session with Dub Wall-E. First Hayley can learn about debits, credits and crabs from you and then I can teach you about martinis.
Twitter: Twinisms
says:
Good luck! I’m sure it will be difficult at first, but in the end it will be worth it I’m sure:)
Bridget recently posted..The Hunger Games: Reality TV Edition
I hope so. Thanks Bridget.
Much luck to you!!!
Shell recently posted..Things They Can’t Say: Scary Mommy
Thanks Shell. I’m going to need all the luck and martinis I can get.
Twitter: suitcasetricks
says:
Wishing you all luck in your new endeavor!
Ali recently posted..WTF Wednesday – The "Good Self Esteem or Totally Delusional" Edition
Thank you Ali.
Twitter: gfunkified
says:
I don’t have what it takes to homeschool my kids, but it sounds like you’re already helping her beyond her school work anyway. That’s great that you’re giving it a shot to do what’s best for her!
Thanks Greta. We’ve been thinking about this for a year and for the longest time I’ve thought I don’t have what it takes but I’ll never know unless I try.
I love both of the pictures. She obviously wants to learn. you go girl for making the choice that is best for your family!
Caroline recently posted..Offering
Thank you. She does love to learn. Hopefully she will enjoy it when I am her teacher.
Yes, I hope that she does!
Caroline recently posted..Offering
Twitter: Amandaaustin
says:
GIRL best of luck to you! Seriously! Homeschooling is one of the best and hardest things you can do as a parent. Kudos to you guys for trying it!
Amanda Austin recently posted..Celebrity Roundup: Another day, another…
Thanks Amanda. I’m sure it will be tough but I always have my martinis.
Twitter: KoalaBearWriter
says:
Good luck as you embark on this adventure! I’m a homeschool graduate (completed grades 1-12 at home) and I’d do it all over again. I’ll likely homeschool my daughters, for many of the same reasons you mention – I want them to be pushed, to enjoy learning, and to have the kind of experience I can give them at home (like learning to cook, clean and grocery shop) that kids don’t learn at school (or at least some of my public-schooled friends didn’t). You’ll find there’s tons of resources available nowadays for homeschoolers and some great blogs.
Have fun!
Bonnie Way recently posted..Book Review: Zacchaeus by Patty Ntihemuka
I have found that a lot of my online friends homeschool so I know there are many people I can ask for help. That makes it a lot easier.
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
says:
Most moms I know homeschool. Education to me is first priority. It feels me with happiness to read about the path you have chosen. It is going to be great!
Stasha recently posted..Punch Bug
Thank you Stasha. I’m sure you will hear more about it as we embark on this journey.
As a homeschooler also in NV- I know what you are facing in the public school system. When just barely 50% of kids graduate in this state- clearly they are not getting what is needed. I had a public school teacher try to make me feel like I was doing the wrong thing for my kids. Then 10 min later she was talking about how one of her boys was in detention because he’s failing & the other can’t stay out of trouble & in class. If a public school teacher doesn’t care enough about her OWN kids to make sure they succeed- how on earth could she possibly care enough about my children to give them what they need & deserve. They spend more time on the playground than they do learning. The teachers here don’t care if they spend all their time on their phones playing games & texting each other. How do they learn anything that way? They don’t & the kids are suffering. I think you are doing the right thing. I would strongly urge you to not go with the Connections Academy online homeschool. It’s basically public school through the state- at home. The parent has no say in what they learn & they are still guided at the pace of a teacher watching over everything they do. This wasn’t an option for me when I started 9 years ago- so the thought of having someone tell me how I have to do it is not what I would like. I like to decide not only what they learn but how we go about doing it. What works for one, doesn’t for another & I love having the freedom to make that choice. Bottom line- the schools in NV are terrible. I love that you care enough about her education to take charge & advocate for her. Give me a call if you have questions about how it works here. Happy to help.
Gina recently posted..Project 52 ~ Details
We are considering doing Connections Academy for the first year to help us adjust to learning at home. We are talking about after that switching to traditional homeschooling. I just have no idea how to make the transition from regular school to traditional homeschooling by myself. If you have any resources you want to share, I would appreciate them. Thank you so much for your support.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
Wow, Jess, that’s a huge decision. Good for you. She’s so lucky to have you.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Minus One
Thank you Robin. I hope it works out for us.
This sounds like a win-win for you and for your daughter. She will get the challenge she yearns for and you will get to see her grasping new and exciting concepts first hand!
I am so excited for you!
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..April Fool’s Day Hat of Fruit
I hope so. Thank you!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
—That photo is a CLASSIC.
Several people I know Home-School.
If you decide to do so, it can be a VERY powerful, positive thing.
Kids MUST be challenged. Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..What Dies Inside
I am finding more and more people who homeschool their children and I hear a lot of positive feedback about it.
Twitter: take2mommy
says:
Such a big decision you’ve made, but it sounds like the right one for you and Hayley. I think it’s awesome that you’re going to homeschool her. Have you told her yet?
Jen {at} take2mommy recently posted..What Not to Name Your Business
We have told her that we will be doing something different for school next year and we have started putting her in some afterschool programs so that she can make friends outside of school in preparation for homeschooling.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
She is such a bright girl! I know that she will just thrive with more challenges. Good job momma!
Natalie recently posted..Out with March, and in with April!
Thank you Natalie.
Wow. Big decision. But such an important one. We have to, as parents maximize our childrens potential. Good luck.
Tonya recently posted..Golden Slumbers
Yes we do because really we are the only ones who will.
Wow. I’m so proud of you. I think it’s a great move for her. And I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Like Riding a Bike
Thanks Natalie. I’m sure I’ll be writing a lot more about this transition as we do it.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
You will rock this thing … and I will be your biggest cheerleader.
And of course we will do field trips across the country together
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Green Eggs and Ham, no, its Clomid and Spam
I like the idea of field trips. Then I can get more sparkly butt pictures.
Twitter: babspinfrance
says:
I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision but you are doing what is best for your family.
Barbara recently posted..American in Paris part deux
We have been talking about this for over a year now so it wasn’t easy but I feel it’s the right decision.
Twitter: thekircorner
says:
What an amazing thing to do, wow, I have so much respect for what you are doing for your daughter and family. I wish you lots of luck and look forward to all the advice and knowledge you’ll pass along.
Kir recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Bunny Boys Color the Eggs
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
says:
This is a late comment, but I’m just now catching up and had to write. Asher is in second grade and we are having very similar issues with his public school education. We discussed homeschooling, but he is apprehensive about the change and my work schedule makes it almost impossible to add another thing. I think we’ll have to start him in additional tutoring to keep him interested and challenged.
I envy you for being able to do this and look forward to reading about how Hayley adjusts and grows in the coming year.
Miss Marina Star recently posted..Five Days
I didnt realize you were doing homeschool this year until I saw iPPP today. I am horrible about keeping up with my blog reading. I just wanted to chime in that I was in a GT class growing up that was all subject GT (vs one day a week). I finished my weekly homework in less than 30 minutes too. I was so bored. After talking to my mom, we decided that unless the entire class (GT included) is at the same speed as your gifted child that there is no way they can be pushed to the level the naturally can accomplish. Because of this we are strongly advocating homeschool for Elena who is already proving herself very advanced in both language and critical thinking skills. I just hope we will get to the place financially where I can stay with her and Ethan at home to make it possible.
Denae @ New Mom Adventure recently posted..How we did baby led weaning.