Homeschooling Sammie

Okay, today has been a big day for us. You see we decided to homeschool Sammie, our almost 16 yr old daughter. Actually, I know very little about homeschooling. My brief stint of homeschooling included Matthew's Freshman year in high school using A Beka Academy (DVD curriculum). When Matthew decided to attend the public high school his sophmore year, our school district refused to accept the year of homeschooling. After a couple of years (and experience with Matthew) the "new" principal agreed in his case to accept the non-religion course work (PTL!). Fair enough. I thought we were done with homeschooling. No doing, though.

Some background is in order. All three kids attended a private Christian school through 8th grade. Unfortunately, in our area, there really isn't a Christian high school alternative. Thus our "homeschooling" Matthew for his first year of high school. Since that time, all three kids have attended the public high school. It's been a BIG adjustment (I could write bunches here, but that's another post!)

Unfortunately for Sammie, it hasn't been an easy experience. Sammie suffers from periodic severe migraines. Last year she was hospitalized three times in Children's Hospital in St. Louis for migraines. Her disability causes her to miss class frequently. The public school does NOT like this, even though her make-up work is of superior quality. We've talked to EVERYONE in any authority--principal, superintendent, school board. . as well as disability attorneys and the State of Illinois. It's been a very complicated venture--one that has NOT benefited Sammie and in fact has done immeasurable damage to her self-concept.

Thus, after much prayer and consideration (and crying out to the LORD) we've decided to home school Sammie for the remainder of high school. While I'm generally not in favor of homeschooling during the high school years, it's clear that this is where the LORD is leading us. I'm not sure what curriculum we'll use or how we'll approach it. I just know that the DECISION was made today!

So, we really covet your prayers right now. We're stepping out in faith on this one, folks. And, if you have experience homeschooling, I'd love to hear from you. This is all new territory for us. I know, however, that God has a plan for Sammie. We're just trying to be obedient and follow his lead. In the meantime would you please, please, please pray for us??