For the past four years, Christina has been attending an alternative school within the public school board. Alternative schools "usually feature a small student population, a commitment to innovative and experimental programs, and volunteer commitment from parents and other community members."
Christina's school ends at her current grade, which means that we've been on the search for a good school for her next year. That search ended this week.
The good news: She's in an alternative school for grades 7-8. It's an amazing school which is hard to get into, and we feel blessed that she's been accepted.
The bad news: It's the other side of the city. We will have to get used to the idea of her taking the subway clear across the city. And that will be a little bit hard.
Good thing we have half a year to get used to the idea. It's hard to let go of kids as they grow up!
What does the alternative shool offer Christina? Julia-Simone may be headed that way in grade 5 and would love to hear more.
I've found the quality of the teaching and the involvement of parents to be major strengths. The kids really seem to have thrived in this environment.
I'll see what else Charlene has to add.
glad that you guys have some time to get use to the idea...
but, it also gives christina a chance to become independent little young lady and an experience of what it is really like to do a little travel within city limits on her own....a brand new beginning for her with a new school and new friends that she will meet in her new school etc...
of course, you and charlene are always going to constantly worry about your kids for a lifetime - all parents that have kids will do exactly that....but look at it this way....it will be a whole new experience for all 3 of you at the present time.....
later on in your lives josiah in a few years time will also be going on with this same sort of phase as well....
wait till your kids both go to universities or colleges and their schooling is not in the same location that you both will like...then what will you guys do.....
don't worry be happy to both of you....christina, is going to be just fine....you'll see......