Before every new school year I like to ask my boys if they would like to continue homeschooling or try traditional school. I like to ask them, because I want them to experience choice in their education, and I’m a supporter of homeschooling and going to a more traditional style school with multiple classrooms and students. My husband has attended Christian schools, private schools, and public schools growing up in a military family. I attended public schools from pre-k to 12th grade. I am someone who loved going off to school. I had so much fun through the years and had some really great teachers. When I first decided to homeschool our children I began with the idea of homeschooling up to 3rd grade and then placing them into a local school. Each year though, they would express how they wanted to continue homeschooling, so that’s what we did! Then at the start of last school year my middle child said, “Mom I think I want to try traditional school next school year”.


I was excited initially then was like, Aw my baby….in typical Mommy fashion. Then I went into prep mode! I thought to myself, our homeschool is very different from a traditional school, and I need to prepare him for the transition. Some things I did to prep him was doing longer school days, going over classroom manners and expectations, and increased his independent learning activities.


I knew I wanted to send him to a private school and preferably a Christian private school. My husband who has experienced so many schools shared how much he enjoyed his Christian private school and I thought that would be a great transition for our son. I wanted a school that focused more on the whole child and not just test scores. I wanted smaller class sizes, and a great science curriculum. I also wanted him to be in a diverse school. My husband and I both know what it’s like to be the only black kid in a class, and I didn’t want that for him. I had quite the list of hopes and expectations. My son’s main hope was to meet more kids and make more friends. I wanted that for him and his brothers.


As time got closer to the next school year I was searching all around for the perfect school. My husband and I then thought it would be cool to find a hybrid school, because that would make his transition that much smoother. Hybrid school is just like hybrid work, some days at home, some days on location. When our eldest heard about hybrid schooling he decided he wanted to try too! I was so excited that they could go to school together, happy Mommy!


I know Florida is known for so many crazy things, and all the Florida Man stories crack me up as well! I must say though, what Florida gets right, is education! Florida has a great support system for homeschool families, with so many programs and groups. There is also so many great school choices for whatever your religion, area of interest, or even the school hours you want! I looked at so many schools and right before this school year began I found the perfect school for our boys.


I found a Christian Hybrid School for Homeschoolers! Look at God! The school is diverse, they do amazing science experiments, they focus on the whole student, and the class sizes are perfect! Now all we had to do was apply. When applying they only had 2 spots left! One in my middle son’s grade, and one in my eldest son’s grade. I was like great, it’s theirs! Faith! Now you do know private schools come with private school prices 👀 Faith! They got accepted and we were so thrilled. As time got closer though my youngest son seemed to get sad at the idea of his brothers being off at another school while he was at home. I told him we would take Mommy and Me field trips, but I could tell he was gonna really miss his brothers. The day of school orientation I asked God, before walking into the school, if He could make a way for our youngest to attend the school. I knew we were already stretched financially, but I told God, If you open the door, then I know you will provide. Faith! At orientation I was speaking with one of the founders and she told me 2 spots just opened up in the classroom that would be for my youngest son. I asked her, “If he checks out the room and decides he would like to attend, can he?” She told me to just fill out that application and pay the fees and he’s in! Y’all my baby checked out that classroom and met the teacher and said, “Mommy I want to go here”. Faith!


The boys have now been attending their hybrid homeschool for a month and it has been wonderful. The school meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. They offer different packages, and we have the boys in the Science and Social Studies classes. They have morning social play time before school starts, they have snack and gym class break between classes and they also have morning devotional time. The teachers all come from education backgrounds and make learning so much fun for the kids. The boys run to go inside and run out after to tell me all the cool things they did in the day. I love that I now have help covering 2 subjects, my kids are learning from great teachers, and my boys are making friends.


Earlier this week the school hosted a Mom2Mom night. It’s where the moms and teachers come together to discuss tools, methods, wisdom, hopes, fears, and everything in between when it comes to homeschooling. It inspired me to share more about our homeschool life online, because I want more people to get encouragement along the way in their homeschool journey. So whether you’re looking to fully homeschool, find a hybrid school, or simply want to take on a bigger role in your child’s education, I’m here to share insight, ideas, and information. I am also here to cheer you on! Let’s have the best school year yet!


Love,
Vyse ❤️

I’ve been officially homeschooling my children since 2017. Through the years friends, family, and even strangers have asked me so many questions about homeschooling. I love sharing lessons, materials, and activity ideas. While in conversation with others, my favorite thing to hear is, “I’m thinking about homeschooling”. I’m quick to say Yes, Go with it, Do it! So, if you’ve been going back and forth within yourself wondering if homeschooling is right for you, this blog is for you!


First let’s address some of the fears and concerns you may have.


Is it hard?


I feel the most difficult part with homeschooling is the pressure we put on ourselves wondering if we are making the right decision. Many, including myself, feel the pressure to make sure our kids are on the right track with state standards and that they are not missing out on things they must learn for their grade. Homeschooling itself is quite easy. What makes it easy, is you have the luxury of deciding how and when your children learn. Some parents like using curriculums or programs that do all the lesson plans for you. Some parents believe in using only real world experiences to teach, and some like to do something completely different. You have options, and you get to choose what schedule, and what way works best for you and your kids. 


Is it expensive?


Homeschooling fits every budget. Some curriculums cost more than others, but all have budget friendly options. I’ve found amazing materials at Dollar Tree and Five Below. I also like to create my own materials that is cost effective and allows me to personalize the materials needed for what the kids are learning.


Will Homeschooling affect my kids socially?


Yes, but not how you think. Through the years I’ve met many homeschool kids, and let me tell you: They have the best social skills! Whether at the playground, at summer camp, or at a kid event, I’ve found that the kids that were most social and vocal have been homeschool children. My kids love meeting new people and do very well in social settings. I think friendships are important and because their classmates are their brothers, they’re already friends lol So, I like to find kid community events to take them to and enroll them in extracurricular activities such as sports, taekwondo, and music lessons. 


I don’t think I have the patience for it.


Listen, you are a parent, you will have days where your patience is low. I have this thing I do with my boys when I’m running low on patience, I tell them, “Hey, my patience is at about 20%”. It’s a great way for me to communicate with them how I’m feeling and how I need them to behave in that moment. The great thing about homeschooling is you already know your students, and they know you. You know each other’s likes, dislikes, and buttons! Homeschooling is completely customizable to fit your lifestyle. If you know you can only handle 30min of teaching, then teach for 30min, take a nice break, and get back at it! Make this experience fun for the children and you.




Now let me share a few of my favorite benefits of homeschooling.




Homeschooling permits a flexible schedule.


Not only can you decide how much time you spend guiding lessons, you also can pick the time of day, and which days! My kids go to school year-round. That does not mean they never have school breaks, it just means their breaks are throughout the year instead of one long summer break. We have weeks off at a time and give them breaks for holidays, birthdays, and fun random family travel! Depending on the work week we may have a 3 or 4 day school week as well. Somedays we have school in the morning, somedays we have evening school, some days we have one school session in the afternoon; it all depends on the demands of the day. For example, my husband has taken on teaching the boys science class once a week, he teaches them later in the evening after he gets home from work. They look forward to science class, because they know they will be doing a fun science experiment with their dad! 


Homeschooling permits more family time.


I love teaching my boys, because it becomes our time together. We get to laugh and talk and play fun games together, all while they are learning about life, reading, or mathematics. I also think it’s a great idea to involve other family members to teach a lesson or go on a field trip with your kids. The boys love having school time with their grandparents! Most schools run about 8hrs. That’s 8hrs away from my kids most of the year, homeschooling gives me more time with them before they enter a more traditional school and eventually go off to college and live their adult lives. I cherish these moments, and you will too. 


Homeschooling permits parent involvement and influence.


I’ve worked with children for almost three decades, and I cannot tell you how many times a parent has come to me surprised about something they heard their child was doing or struggling to do. When you homeschool your child you’re made aware of what they excel in and what areas they need help with. You are able to see first hand the wants and needs of your child. You are also able to instill good morals and values in them. I remember when more and more schools decided teaching Black History was no longer necessary or priority. Well here at our homeschool, Black History is not limited to a month or 1 book report on the same 3 well known Black activist! We get to teach our kids about history and culture that is so often missed out on, and as a Christian household, we can also teach bible lessons about life and God’s love for humanity. 


Homeschooling permits student attention and engagement. 


You can have a class of 10 students, and they each can learn differently! Not only will those students learn differently, they will also learn at a different pace. In traditional school settings it is very difficult for a teacher to give each student individual learning time. While homeschooling you are able to pinpoint how your child learns and what is the best way to get them engaged and ready to reach higher levels of development. You are able to not just tell them if the answer is wrong, you can sit there with them while they learn to correct their mistakes. There have been times I have been teaching a concept and one son caught on quickly, while his brother needed more time. I was able to allow for one to move on to the next concept, and spend more time expanding on the lesson for the other child. Homeschooling really does set your child up for success!




Before leaving you to think on whether or not to homeschool, I want to let you know I support your decision. Even though I homeschool, I am a product of a great public school education. I loved going to school and I have had some of the most amazing teachers this country has to offer. I don’t believe in one school route being better than the other, I believe in being secure and at peace with your decision. I love to learn and I love to teach. I think school should be fun, safe, educational, and an experience that should fill your heart with joyous memories. Education is necessary, it’s up to you as the parent where you feel your child will best succeed.


So I ask you…are you thinking about homeschooling? 


If so, comment below or DM me any more questions you may have.
Also, feel free to share this blog with anyone you know has been considering homeschooling.


Love you, you got this,
Vyse ❤️