When you know, you know

there are sometimes in your life, lots of times actually, when you have to go against the grain, swim upstream, be one of those kids from sesame street "doing their own thing".  set yourself apart.  it's never easy and can be really isolating.  it can even make you second guess why it is that you just can't go along with group, live less intently, just blend.

but i'm firmly convinced that when you stand up to the status quo, that isn't working in the first place, amazing things happen.  most of the time, i think we just traverse through life following the others in front of us almost in a coma like state, just assuming that their way works and that it's the best way.  i have never been more conscious of this unconscious state of living than now.

i am passionate about my children's education.  i'm passionate about how their worldviews are shaped and what lenses they look at the world and others through.  i'm passionate about where they spend 7 or so hours a day outside of this home.  i am passionate about the fruit and lack of fruit i see produced from the system we have just assumed works.

kids are less motivated than ever, more obese, more stressed and unhappier than they ever have been.  of course, the majority of this has to do with their parents and home life.  but let's face it.  our education system is, for the most part, barring any really cutting edge philosophy, just "fine".  not spectacular.  not inspiring.  not really set apart.  we send our kids off without really thinking outside the box.

of course, there are those educators that know this system has to change.  we're being constantly surpassed by other countries and cultures, as if that's a gauge that we should initiate change by.  but there's something to the fact that we are way behind in rethinking our children's education.  we are hearing more and more of charter schools, with specifically defined philosophies that are changing the face of education.  more and more resources for people choosing to do part-time cottage schools that are centered around the idea that children learn best in the home.  and of course, homeschooling is growing leaps and bounds each year.

we have been on a 7,000 student waiting list for a public charter school for some time now and have just received word that we're in.  olivia this year, the boys the following.  and the younger ones are guaranteed a spot in the future.  it is a school that is based on building virtuous character through educational excellence.  they use the trivium approach of classical learning:  grammar, logic and rhetoric, each developed through a core curriculum.  the kids read socrates!  they debate!  they have intertwined the trivium with a charlotte mason style atmosphere that is characterized by hands on learning.  they read what are called "living books", that is the classics, not popular fiction in the classroom.  they take latin from the 5th grade on, foreign languages, celebrate the arts, are encouraged to work on spiritual development during the ever respected family time and have minimal homework ('cause they get done what they need to get done during their "work" day).

liv will be repeating kindergarten because the cut off for this school is much later than the regular district schools.  she only made it by 15 days in the regular district.  i knew instinctively i should hold her back.  she does not have the same confidence the boys had going in.  she is more indecisive and tentative, but this settles that issue.  we are thrilled she'll be solid in knowledge and confidence for her first grade year.  and get this!  they actually don't believe in all day kindergarten.  only half day.  that's almost unheard of nowadays.  we (and audge) are so happy to have her home.

the school is half the size, has half the class sizes, twice the teacher ratio and because it's a district school it has all the same opportunities plus more:  chess club (not in our regular school), fellowship of christian athletes (definitely not in our regular school), golf (not in our regular school).  they start later in august, they end the same time in may, they've been rated the #5 high school in colorado.  it is an answer to prayer.  we know several other families there, have talked their ears off and have been really happy with what we've heard. opinions/advice/counseling-it's all the more valuable when based on true experience and life wisdom.

so, i'll be driving more.  and that means a time committment.  and dragging two little ones with me.  but i do my best to be as green as i can in other areas, so i hope you'll forgive my increased use of fuel.  i'd drive the world over to see my children spend so much of their childhood in an atmosphere like this.  it does mean more change for the boys later on, but i have faith that this is the place for them to excel and flourish.  to be that kid doing their own thing.