I just can't figure out how to tell my grandma I want to try public school!?

Question

I've been home-schooled since the 2nd half of 1st grade (long story), and one of my friends has recently given me some reasons why I should go to public school like meeting more friends, getting to see a boyfriend everyday. At first, of course, I tried arguing, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought that I might feel OK with going to public school. So I kind of want to try it, but I just don't know how to explain to my grandma, who is my home school teacher. Last I time I told her I wanted to go to public school, I thought she was going to cry! But now that I think about what my friend said, I want to at least TRY it. *sigh* Any ideas?

Answer 1

I personally think your reasons are pretty poor ones.

However, that said, you may want to research the ACADEMIC aspect of the school that you would be attending. Is it a good school? It is safe? How good are the student test scores. What are they teaching?

You have to understand that you are in school to LEARN! If you want to meet new friends, then go to the dances, or participate in group activities with your public school friend.

Do your research. Perhaps if you can argue your point with more substance than wanting to make new friends and be around your boyfriend, then your Grandmother will be willing to reconsider her stance. I would recommend that you keep an open mind and listen to her counter argument.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

If, after trying some of the great advice given throughout this thread , you still cannot get your grandmother to allow you to try public school, perhaps you could focus on dual enrollment at a local community college when you turn 16; if you have one nearby with such a program.  Maybe she would be more comfortable with you going to college rather than public school.

There are a couple of things you should keep in mind about your grandmother too.  She loves you and wants whats best for you and just like parents of schooled children, you may not be given a choice at all but find yourself having to "tough it out" so to speak....even if your reasons are justifiable.  Most adults whose children are public schooled do not give them a choice to home school if they are miserable in public school.  

I was schooled my entire childhood yet the only person from school I am still friends with, some twenty years later is my one true and best friend...everyone else amounts to people I was forced to spend my days with for thirteen years.  My twenty year class reunion is this August and I have no desire to attend it.  I did not hang around the majority of my classmates, most were like acquaintances, others were just plain ugly and used me.  I was in band, cheerleading, and played on our softball team but do not have fond and happy memories of my public schooled days.

You need to keep in mind that regardless of friends and boyfriends, not everyone in high school has fantastic school memories in which to reminisce upon...the majority are simply just doing it because they "have to".   There are children in school that are miserable and lonely and maybe only have one friend.  Although there are a lot of teenagers who LOVE the social atmosphere, not all do.    One persons great high school experience is another's mediocre or miserable experience.  KWIM?

Good luck to you.  Btw, you appear to be a very intelligent and well grounded young lady.  I don't blame you for wanting to try public school but if you can't go, just remember that in that aspect...you have A LOT in common with your public schooled counterparts as most parents make their children do what they (the parent) wants versus what their children want.

Answer 3

Write her a letter or show her this question and the answers.  You both need to sit down and talk.  Education is very important and just because a friend told you some things is no reason to go to public school.  You need to tour it and go for the right reasons.  Not just because a friend said so or you'd see your boyfriend more.

Answer 4

If your friend had never tried to convince you, would you have wanted to go? It just sounds like you are doing something, or wanting to do something, because a friend thinks 1) that your schooling situation isn't as good as hers and she's pitying you (do realize that--she's looking down on you!) and 2) that you want to do something just because somebody else told you that you should based one HER perceptions and experience (do you really believe that every public school students gets to see a boyfriend every day?). Think long and hard about how much you really want this.

I'd simply say to Grandma, "Grandma, when do you think would be a good year to try out public school, even for just a year?" Then talk about it.

Answer 5

There is a reason she is scared to allow you to attend public high school.  Is it violence? Lack of morality? Poor standards?  You need to combat her fears with facts.  

If she thinks you will get hurt, then find out how many violent acts were committed at the school.  More than likely, it is very low.  If she is afraid that you'll be exposed to alcohol, drugs, s*x, vulgarity, etc., reassure her that you won't participate in these things and that if you do, she can pull you out of the school.  If she thinks she can do a better job, present her with how many subjects are taught at an Honors, AP, or IB level and which ones you would like to take.  

You should be able to find most of the answers to these topics on the school's website.  If not, then call and talk to a guidance counselor.  If may seem like a lot of work, but it will show her you are serious.

Answer 6

just tell your grandma you love her and your getting older you cant live with your grandma forever you need to see the world by your self  if your grandma was not there for you

Answer 7

You should just sit her down and tell her how you like being home schooled but you would like a different experience. You want to be able to socilalize with more people and you get a higher chance to get a scholarship into a good university. I think you might want to leave the boyfriend bit out just in case.

You should also get some statistics. You should also explain you may find it harder to socialize in university with different teachers and classmates.