Thinking about home schooling my son?

Question

My son is going to have to repeat the 8th grade. He scored in the high 90th percentile in science on standardized tests, is an excellent speller, and maybe a little below average in Math(50-60 percentile on standardized tests). He passed the state constitution test and flag test required for social studies, and was getting an A in Keyboarding before he was suspended near the end of the year. He was failing math and science, is why they say he must repeat 8th grade. He is extremely intelligent, but extremely un-motivated and sometimes a discipline problem for the public school system. I am wondering if it would be a good idea to home school him, and if so, what are the requirements for him to have this education recognized by the high school. I really think public school is good, but my son is not preforming up to his potential at all and cites not liking his teachers, or doing homework as why he doesn't do better in school.

Answer 1

Hate to tell you - if you can't ensure that your son does his homework today in the 8th grade, what is to say you can make him sit and study with you all day long, AND do homework afterwards??

Have you told him home schooling might be the option if he doesn't smarten up and do his homework and go to class? Try using a tutor.

Also you are a little late but he could have made up grades in summer school ready for next fall.

Check online at your state/province school board for regulations around home schooling.

Answer 2

States have different laws regarding home schooling. Some require specific curriculum to be used and for the parents to have certain training. Others just basically say "go for it" and you are on your own! The local school district in your area might have a home schooling office (mine does). I would recommend that you call them and find out exactly what needs to be done. They can let you know what the requirements are. Then, if or when your son is ready to re-enter the public school system, his credits will all be accepted.

I want to applaud you for taking the time out of your life to make sure that your son is going to get the education he needs. You recognize that the school may have done what they could for him, and that he is just not taking advantage of it. That takes a very big person. As a middle school guidance counselor, I have seen way too many parents who refuse to allow their child to take the blame for anything and make excuse after excuse. You are definitely not one of those parents.  Your son is very lucky to have a parent who is willing to give him a second chance the way you are. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 3

Why dont you get him like a work book start out easy then keep getting harder and harder then your son will do great in school you should pick a few days to do these like I make my children do them every monday, wednsday and friday then when he masters workbooks start printing mulitplication division subtraction and addition facts off the computer and he should be pretty normal do this in the summer to trust me my kid got held back three times then when I started doing this he skipped 7th grade. Trust me it really works.

Answer 4

Homeschooling is a great solution.  

I would join the Homeschooling Legal Defense, and use their resources, because HSing High School is different than grade school.  

You can use Keystone Acadamy, or something similar if you want a  structured, accredited program.  

It won't be easy to HS the older child, but it will (probably) be very rewarding.  

Join a support group to get all the help and advice you can.  I would be sure to go with a structured program, rather than unschooling.

Answer 5

I would suggest you and your son read Genius Denied.

It's a great book for gifted students/parents. He sounds bored and distracted by public school. Homeschooling may or may not work-but it's worth a shot.

He may be bored with the busy work and the thought of sitting in classes for upwards of 6 hour a day. From my experience, boys need to move.

I would look into a program where he can work independently. Boys at this age don't do well with their mommies being in charge of their education. Try http://www.k12.com for an online virtual school. Many of these are free because they are public schools.

Don't give up! Keep looking until you find solutions for your son. Some people even think military school is a good option for some kids.

Best of Luck!

jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 6

Being able to teach my children at the level they were actually at and not subjecting them to a "cookie cutter" education has kept my kids from being bored. For instance, my daughter is great at reading so she is working on an advanced level and she is average at math so she is at "normal" grade level.

A lot of homeschool programs offer a grading system and a diploma so you don't have to be concerned with his high school recognizing his education.