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Home > Support > Family Life > My 8th grade son has had trouble in public school all year...
 
 
Question: My 8th grade son has had trouble all year. He went 1 quarter to public school, next 2 quarters to Charter school and has now been suspended with 6 weeks left of the year. They won't allow him to graduate without discriminatory conditions that I'm not sure I want him subjected to. I'm at a loss and have been investigating homeschooling. My question is, is it possible to only homeschool one quarter to allow my son to be promoted to high school? How does that work with curriculum? I haven't decided what to do about high school yet and thought maybe homeschooling the next couple of months might let me know if it would be an option for high school. I'm in the dark about any of this. I appreciate your help.
Answer:

Dear Mom,

Thank you for your question as it raises issues that I believe are pertinent to the discipline issue as well as the homeschooling issues that many parents may be facing.

After prayer, I am inclined to ask you if you have spoken candidly with the school officials to determine the exact nature of the challenges that your son is facing. I would arrange a meeting with the principal and the teachers involved to discuss this issue and to listen to their input on the matter. Many times we receive mixed messages from all sides and it is only when we meet with everyone involved that we are able to get a clearer picture of the situation. I would definitely set the appointment at a time that would make it possible for your husband or another supportive person to go with you. The logic here of course is that two heads in the listening are better than one.

While it is certainly within reason to pursue educating your son through the homeschool for 1 quarter and then allowing him to graduate to the high school level, I feel that the issue you are facing is far deeper in nature than just obtaining a diploma. I believe that it is vitally important that you ascertain why your son is struggling with public school. There may be issues that have not as of yet surfaced and need to be explored in order to begin educating your son to the fullest degree of his ability.

You have not detailed the nature of the disciplinary measures that the school wants to implement however I think that that is secondary to the issue. Why does the school feel the need to discipline your son in this manner?

I would give the school the benefit of the doubt until I have heard all the information fully and without guile or anger. Could it possibly be that the discipline fits the offense? It may be that following the course of action that the school determines would be best is the better solution? Could it be that once the challenges are addressed properly your experience in the homeschool will not only be more fruitful but more peaceful?

I would suggest that you pray about this matter and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you move within this challenge so as to understand more completely what you and your son are facing, before I would begin homeschooling at this point. Any issues that are unresolved are issues that will most certainly interfere with the success of homeschooling. Face those issues and determine the best course of action. The last thing you want to convey to your son is that homeschooling is a way to outrun the consequences of poor choices or hurtful behavior.

Let us pray together a Hail Mary at this time for parents who find themselves in similar situations at this time of year. Lord, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to accept the teachings of the Holy Spirit as we trust in His desire to guide and direct our actions for the honor and glory of the Lord. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn

   
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