Kaiya's School Changes

Kaiya won't be going to school next year. She will be going to school but not actually GOING to school. I am putting her in a program called the K12 WAVA program (Washington Virtual Academics). It is a public school but taught at home. She will have a teacher assigned to her for daily check in/attendance, questions and to monitor her school work. The teacher will also put together her school work plan. The school year calendar is also much like it would be if she went to her current school. For example...she will still get a Christmas break and spring break. Why you ask? Well, I don't like the way the school is going. When she was there for Kindergarten it was great! But then 1st grade they opened up some new apartments next to the school. The apartments we thought were really nice but come to find out...they turned out to be low income/section 8 housing. The folks who live there aren't exactly greatest. It seems like the boundaries are mainly made up of low income housing. The dynamic of the school changed. It is definitely not the best crowd. I am sure it would be okay but the policy of the school seems to be if one kid is disruptive then punish the whole class. Plus with all the wasted time spent in school I just really weighed out some options for next year. Also, when I was in school I grew up with the same kids. We had fun and were close! Kaiya doesn't have that. She has some friends but they don't come over and she doesn't go to their house (unless its a birthday party). At dance however she has a lot of friends. I know the parents of the kids since we are always there and so are they. It is a good group of kids and they have fun. They spend a lot of hours a week together and they are forming some special friendships. That is why I don't feel too guilty taking her out of school. Since dance is pretty much everyday she will be able to still have a social life. There are also a bunch of kids at the dance studio that also do WAVA and absolutely love it. Cirdan talked to a mom last week and she told him that if we want Kaiya to excel...then do it. I still am scared. Every day is different. One morning I wake up super excited and feeling like this is the best decision for Kaiya. Then I wake up the next day and doubt myself and wonder if this really is the best decision. It has been a roller coaster. People keep reminding me that if it doesn't work out that she can be enrolled right back into school. Which is true. One thing that scares me is Kaiya almost being 9 years old. She is a sweet girl but becoming quite sassy. I hope that we can get along and not have issues. :) Ella will start preschool next year. She will go 3 days a week and during those times Kaiya and I will do school work. My mom said that she would also help out and take a day a week to work with Kaiya. Cirdan can make time schedule even though he always has sooo much to do managing his company. Kaiya's dad is supportive of her doing this program and can offer any help she needs. With all those factors I think we can do this. So, check for updates! I have already signed her up online and talked to an admin counselor. The next step is faxing over paperwork (immunization record, district release form etc) and we will be ready to go! We will receive all her books and such in August and her first day of class is September 6th!