To school or not to school?

I have been researching like crazy to determine what will occur this fall for Jack. Obviously, like any parents, Matt and I want to make the absolute best decision for him regarding his education, much like anything else. The thing is, we NEVER planned on homeschooling, we just sort of FELL into it. Mainly because being a teacher is in my blood, and I just couldn't give up this part of me if I tried! (Not that I wanted too... I like it). In any event, the district in which we currently reside is going through a serious transition, (budget cuts, schools closing, programs ending and GOOD teacher's being laid off) not something we think would be the best for our children's education. I scoured the internet doing all the research I could on local school districts that are established, with no signs of immediate, devastating change in the near future with homes for sale at reasonable prices... I was ASTONISHED to see which districts made the "grade" and which did not... Needless-to-say, no longer an option. With two option gone: (a) local public school (b) moving to receive a public education elsewhere We were left to explore other options: (a) local private schools (b) continuing to home-school To me, there are clear benefits to both of these options, and I needed to sit with each one and really own it. I took Jack's to look at one school, VERY close to home... Unfortunately - It too is currently undergoing a transitional period... (recent merger with another school 3rd principal in 3 years and staff and parent upheaval). So I looked a bit further away and nearly ALL the private schools within a FIFTEEN mile radius were booked solid WITH waiting lists!!! Except ONE school...so I scheduled a visit for the three of us to go and look... Part of me is glad we did, and part of me is terrified. The school is fantastic... I like the combination of Faith in Education - I AM thrilled the private schools system are freed from the public schools’ restriction regarding the separation of church and state—both private. It allows for the opportunities for prayer and worship are incorporated into the school day. I AM thrilled that holidays, traditions, and rituals are practiced, discussed, and included with other school activities and functions, just like we were at home.... Class Size Another area in which homeschoolers may find themselves with a similar view to private schools is in ideas about class size. Private schools may choose to operate with a small class size as one of their distinguishing features, separating them from the too often overcrowded classrooms of public schools. In either case, the child has both socialization opportunities, but also the benefits of a great deal of teacher attention. And of course, the opportunity for the teacher to get to know each student is increased when there are fewer students in the class. Special Curriculum Private schools and homeschools take advantage of some of the same curriculum products and services. The differences between home-schooling & private schooling. Instructors in private schools more often have professional teacher training than home-schoolers, EXCEPT, when the mom (like me), is a certified teacher, with several years of experience...AND licensing requirements for faculty at private schools are different and less stringent than the requirements for public schools. The private schools generally have more extensive resources—including buildings, supplies, books, materials, and equipment—than we, like most home-schools can afford. Other Areas Private schools with small class sizes may be able to have extremely flexible schedules, and more flexibility about location (because of smaller costs and less planning required) than public schools, but homeschools—when funding is not an issue—are still likely to have more flexibility in both areas. And private schools are likely to offer more opportunities for large group activities (even if the large group is smaller than what you would find in a public school) than homeschools can, due to larger enrollment. Looked at a different way, homeschools may be able to offer many of the benefits of private school without what are in some cases tuition charges. Private school tuition can run up to $40,000, and for far less than that, one could have an absolutely fabulous homeschool experience, provided one has the commitment and ability to do so. In fact, by taking advantage of free or low-cost resources, both those available for the community at large and specialized resources, supplemented (if desired/necessary/affordable) by private tutoring, lessons, and activities, one can create an exceptional homeschooling experience for far less than $40,000 per year. Of course, if a parent is forgoing work in order to homeschool, that is an important cost to factor in. And in the end, the choice between private school and homeschool is a very personal one, that will depend on the factors mentioned here, and others that are particular to your family situation and your particular child’s needs. So.... we decided.... HE is enrolled. We plan to home-school through this summer, and most likely all the summers in the future... Take vacations at will, and pick up ANY slack left in the school educational system. We also plan on sending him to Sunday School and some other programs offered in the area to maximize the ease of transition and allow him to make more friendships.