When I married my husband, we had already decided that we wanted to have as many children as the Lord saw fit to bless us with and that we wanted to home school them. Through the years we have tried a number of options. We did workbook based education early on, then switched to a classical education program, then cyber school, and now we have finally landed at what I think is the best option we have attempted yet. Over the years, I have learned that there are some things which are important to consider when choosing schools and curriculum, and I have discovered what is most important to me and best for our children's happiness and academic success. I realize that our family has its unique challenges and preferences, so please do not assume that I think what works for our family is what will necessarily work for yours.
Our primary goals in teaching our children are to provide a good education, prepare our kids for college and life in general, raise children who can articulate their faith, and train our children in virtuous living. We have found that the things we have tried so far either produced an unrealistic time demand or left gaps in our kids' education. We discussed parochial school, but the costs are too high for our single income household. After praying and researching, we settled on a Catholic Home Study School. The school provides course materials, guidance, grading, testing, transcripts and an appropriate level of accountability. Tuition is very affordable. Lesson plans are very simple and lessons are written in a format which will allow a great deal of independence for the older children. The course work includes English, Math, History, Science, Religion, Music, Art, Health and Physical Education. High School Students have the option of taking electives and advanced level studies. We received the materials, and the more I previewed them, the more excited I became about the coming school year. Everything is perfectly organized. The school obviously wrote the materials with larger families in mind. Despite the simplicity of the lesson plans, the academic level of the materials is excellent. I am truly excited about introducing my children to the authors, scientists and historical figures they will encounter in their studies. Best of all, our precious faith is taught. My children will learn stories of the Bible. They will learn of the example set by the saints. They will receive the teachings of the Church. They will learn to pray. They will learn to praise God with their lips and with their actions. They will be able to connect faith to everyday life and articulate what they believe.
I know, also, that I will be able to keep our family on a schedule which establishes a regular routine for daily life and provides the stability children need. There will be ample time for activities in which my kids interact with other kids as well. As I finish preparations for the school year, I just keep finding ways in which our progress toward those primary goals we have is aided.
I hope all the parents who read my blog are feeling as positive about the coming school year as I am. If you are not, it is never too late to change what you are doing. We only get to raise our children once.
