Hybrid Homeschoolers

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 ❤️