We have an 8 yr. old, 7 yr. old, and 5 yr. old who are all homeschooled. We are planning to homeschool our 20 month old toddler as well.
Tell us about your current model of schooling and some of the reasons why you chose it:
We are classically educating with a bit of Charlotte Mason inspiration. We chose a classical education for its approach in using various subjects and studies to discern truth, beauty and wisdom. Charlotte Mason pairs nicely with classical in its rigorous and consistent method of training and educating the whole person.
Why do you feel this model of schooling best meets the needs of your children?How have you seen them grow and thrive in these environments?
My children are being influenced to develop their gifts, make connections from the past to the modern world, strengthen their memories, and form good habits early. This education has made their eyes light up with excitement when they make connections, recognizing artists or musical pieces from the past in today’s world. Creating art together has become a treasured family pastime. Their reading and comprehension ability has exploded in development. For my oldest child specifically, we’ve been able to set early achievement goals in her education that are amazing to see her accomplish. This educational model has fostered motivation and a desire to learn from all three of my school-age children.
How do you feel that living in Arizona and the school options you have in Arizona have helped your children in their academic and life pursuits?
Arizona celebrates freedom and uniqueness! Families are unique and children are unique even within families. Having so many school options in Arizona means that as our family has grown and changed, we’ve had the freedom and the resources to adapt and thrive. Arizona’s educational diversity means that our children, as racial minorities, don’t have to suffer lack of opportunities, resources, or one-on-one tutoring, which is a major concern for parents throughout the nation. And the support network in each type of school choice is vast! We have excellent support in our community.
What do you love the best about your current school environment for your kids? What advice do you have for other families considering this option?
We love the adventure and freedom of homeschooling! We spend a great deal of time working on character and use everyday life to teach values and life skills. My husband travels quite a bit within the country so homeschooling means that we are free to travel with him on many occasions and we don’t have to be separated. We make our travel trips educational. Homeschooling also means that we can run a business to help finance the kids’ education.
Anything else about your school or education decisions that you would like to share or mention? Any other questions we didn’t ask?
One other thing I love about the many school options available in Arizona is that I have friends with children in every form of educational system and we are a resource to each other. Our children socialize with each other. We are in a community of diverse needs, preferences, and learning styles and we’re all rooting for each other’s success!
