My husband and I are blessed with five children. Our two biological children are grown and living on opposite coasts. Both are very successful in business and have full lives. It’s gratifying to see them thrive. Our three adopted children are equally amazing to watch as their personalities develop. Until recently, all three children were in public school.
As a K–12 educator I have to admit that I had a particular vision of education in my mind’s eye. I saw traditional brick-and-mortar schools. However, one of our children was not doing well in school. While he is very intelligent and on track academically, he is still working out some behavioral issues stemming from his early years before he came to us. One thing I learned as an adoptive parent is that every child is unique in how they experience similar events. Some children shed a negative event as if it never touched them, while other children hold on to the event for years.
After watching our son act out in disruptive and potentially dangerous ways, we decided to homeschool him. We are still hoping that this will be a temporary measure, and that we can reintroduce him to public school next September. The decision was painful to make. I could never have imagined that any of my children would be homeschooled. I am a K–12 educator through and through. I live and breathe brick-and-mortar schooling.
This past December, nine of us spent Christmas together (our children, our daughter-in-law and our soon-to-be-born granddaughter—Who’s a proud grandmother!?). Watching our children as they enjoyed each other’s company made me think of why we put so much emphasis on education. We want our children to grow up to be happy and productive people. The experience made me reconsider my angst regarding homeschooling our child. It also made me realize that we aren’t just preparing him for the next school year; we are preparing him for life! And since that is the case, why would it matter if he took a few months before being ready to return to a brick-and-mortar school?
After all the hand twisting and teeth gnashing as we made our decision, I am happy to report that homeschooling (for this particular child, at this particular time) has been just what the doctor ordered. I didn’t know how far virtual schools have come in the past decade. While I write at my desk, I can hear my husband and my son working together down the hall. I hear rich and interesting stories coming from the computer. I see our son participating in interactive activities and games. While he works, he asks my husband poignant questions, and without prompting explains how different concepts can be applied in other ways. The experiences are varied, challenging, far-reaching, and appropriate for his age.
Who knew that using a virtual school to educate our son would be such a rich experience? I began to realize that there has been another benefit too. I can see my husband and my son’s relationship growing. It’s beautiful to see my son grow as a student and as a person.
I still want him to return to public school in September. But that desire is based on the need for him to interact with other children on a daily basis, not for access to a “better” learning environment. The virtual school is a great learning environment. I have learned a great deal from this experience. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Victoria Pagonis
Founder and President
Standards Solution
Standards Solution
