The End of an Era-- Time for a Party!

Boys and Mud...

Homeschool Day at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

For the last seven and a half years, I have been a Homeschooling Momma. My sons have been not only my favorite students, but also my most powerful teachers.  

My most important choices and considerations were for them:
What to teach, when, and how.  What works and what doesn't.  College lectures.  Field trips for science, history, writing, and art.  Homeschool classes.  Tutors.  Homeschool events at Fernbank, Atlanta History Center, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Stone Mountain.  Friends.  Playdates.  Swim Team.  Boyscouts.  Testing.  What hours can I work away from home without disrupting their education?

Much of that has now come to a quiet conclusion.  This year is the end of our homeschooling.  John Robert chose to leave homeschool and attend Morgan County High School in ninth grade. He is now going to be a senior!  Next year, Spencer will do the same.  John Robert will drive them both to school. 

John Robert and his girlfriend
at this year's academic awards ceremony.

Denver, always a social butterfly, will attend the Montessori School of Covington where he can hone his academic skills in a group setting.  These decisions happened quietly over the last few months, and yet it feels like a shock.

Denver dissecting a frog in vertebrate anatomy.

Success with his egg experiment
in LEAD high school Physics.

I feel both loss and relief.  It is time for the boys to move into bigger educational circles.  Spencer and Denver loved their classes at LEAD over the past three years, and they have become so independent that they rarely rely on me for daily assistance with academics.  

I am thrilled and grateful for all of the time we've had together over the years.  I have been witness to their marvelous discoveries, insights, and questions.  I already miss the teamwork of learning and discovering together.  

Megalodon shark jaws.

At the same time, I am excited for them to have their own adventures that they can come home and tell me about.  Maybe they will still need me to help with homework.  A little.  

Meanwhile, although a graduation ceremony in homeschool might be a little silly, I do think it's time for a party!  These guys deserve to celebrate their successes.

 

Stone Summit climbing walls.

Spencer reading to Denver.

Spencer programming his robot.

All three boys with a friend.  Programming.

If you are late to breakfast, your seat
may be taken.