Charter Schools

We just found out yesterday, that my kids have been accepted to a charter school! Yeah! The best way to describe a charter school is that it's a public school that is run like a private school.

I've been thinking about the move for a couple of years now. In fact, probably two years ago I seriously looked into it, but talked myself out of it.

My reasons for a charter school are many. It's not that I'm unhappy with the public school my kids go to now, but I've always been vaguely unsatisfied. I know that they can't keep up with Regan, but I knew that the accelerated program (ALPS) was not for her. She's smart enough, but not disapplined enough. So I just stayed where we were.

We have loved the year round thing up until this year. Before the beginning of the school year they did a major shuffle of the tracks (and plan on doing that every two years) and Regan got the unfortunate end of the stick and all her close friends were put on a different track. So we've been struggling with that this year. Also, when Regan goes into Jr. High School, she will be on a traditional school year and the rest will be on year round. Not really fun. So, I was thinking about putting Hali, Porter and Zoey in a charter school when Regan goes into Jr. High, so they would be on the same schedule. But that's not for another year.

I got into a conversation with another mom at Hali's dance last week and somehow we got onto the subject of schools. Her kids are in a private school, but her husband has been sick and they were looking for other alternatives. She had just gotten them accepted at a new charter school that will open next year. She encouraged me to apply now, rather than later, because it's a lot easier to get in when they are trying to fill an entire school than when they already have their core students and only have a few openings. Charter school's go by a lottery system. So, they will get a ton of applications and just draw a name out. You could even have only one child chosen because that may be all they have an opening for. But once your in, your in and any other children starting new in Kindergarten will have priority enrollment.

So, Scott and I decided to go for it. I'm actually surprised that my kids are excited to go. Regan is thrilled to be able to start over, Hali is excited that at least she'll know her dance friend, and Porter is just happy to be able to go to school with his sisters!

The school is not that much farther from my home and the kids will have to wear a school uniform. The curriculum is what I'm excited about. I think that my kids will get a better education there. The school goes through 9th grade, so Regan will be able to stay at that school until High School. Which is another reason for the charter school, I have heard not good things about the jr. high she would go to. Gang problems and drug busts. I know you get that everywhere, but if I can shield them a little longer, I will.

Anyway, we are excited and looking forward to next year!