If you’ve missed my FB post, you’ve missed a pretty earth-shattering update from our corner of the world…

We did it.  After 5 years of homeschooling, we enrolled our girls in (public) school. {Cue music – Dan-dan-daaaaaannnnnnn!!!}

School started last Wednesday.  Today’s Friday.  I’m SO exhausted!

First, you’re probably wondering why they’re not in Catholic School.  Simple.  The closest Catholic School is a 45-minute drive – without traffic!  Considering I’m pregnant, due in November, AND the toddler just got potty-trained (Squee!!!), that’s too long a trip to make twice a day.

Second, what about this Common Core that I’ve mentioned dislike of?  Well with that, we’ll just wait and see.  I can always take them out and homeschool them again, right?

And third, WHY THE SWITCH from homeschool to traditional school?

Before I answer that, a little bit of cuteness…ta-da! The girls on their first day ever!

So anyway, we decided that now would be as good time as any to have the girls go to traditional school.

I’m overdue for a little break – especially with a 4th baby coming soon.  And our oldest, Clare, is in much need of some “SOCIAL SCHOOLING.”  As book smart as she is, I’m afraid she’s lacking in the “street smarts” department.

We wanted her to learn how to work with different types of people and handle different situations.  We’ve noticed that she’s not much of a real-world problem solver and would only do enough to move on.

Yes, I could’ve looked for and maybe joined some sort of homeschool group or club in order to socialize my kids.  But that is harder than it sounds around here.  There aren’t any groups in my city.  And joining another city would take up too much time than it’s worth.

So…off to 5th grade public school she went.  It’s still in a relatively safe, muted, controlled elementary environment.  Plus, she’s already got friends who go there.  So not a bad time to start, right?

As for Sophie, the Kindergartener, we know she loves having friends.  She is a sociable person and easily makes new friends.  We weren’t concerned at all for her social development.  It’s her advanced level we’re concerned about.

Sophie already reads at 3rd grade level and knows her basic math.  But, she isn’t mature enough to NOT be in Kindergarten.  No worries though.  I’ve already contacted her teacher and there’s a plan in place to meet her needs!

I feel so lucky to have such a professional Kindergarten teacher for Sophie – who is willing to listen to this {know-it-all} momma about her child’s educational needs!  But after all, I’m just being an advocate for my kid, right?

So there you have it.  No more homeschooling.  At least for this year.  Will that mean more blogging time?  Not sure about that.  The toddler is still at home, and soon, a newborn will demand my every minute too.

Stay tuned for more posts about my new adventures in sending the kids off to school!

How was your back to school experience this week?  Or in the past?  Or when do you guys start?