Why Our Family Chose Alternative Schooling

Why Our Family Chose Alternative Schooling

Our family’s journey with education has always been outside the traditional classroom. From the start, we prioritized an approach to learning that emphasizes exploration and creativity, allowing our daughters to grow through hands-on experiences rather than a rigid structure.

For preschool, we specifically sought a program that highlighted discovery and imagination. Our oldest daughter’s preschool had a unique approach: students learned through play, gardening, and art. Instead of sitting down with workbooks, she explored the world with her hands and curiosity. She spent time in the school garden, learning to plant eggplants, tomatoes, and other veggies—a skill she’s carried with her and still loves today. Her early introduction to learning through creativity was invaluable, from painting her name on an easel to problem-solving with gentle guidance from her teachers. This foundation influenced our decision to continue with alternative education.

After a year of homeschooling on our own, we chose to enroll in a cyber school for a blend of flexibility, support, and social opportunities. Cyber school allows us to follow a structured curriculum with the freedom to adapt it. Although classes are live, they’re not mandatory, giving us the option to structure our day around family outings, museum visits, and interactive learning experiences. As their learning coach, I can integrate trips to local art museums and cultural centers, bringing their studies to life. The option for additional online support in subjects like reading and math is also helpful, providing a balance of independence and guidance.

Social interaction was another key factor in our decision to go with cyber school. While many people wonder if homeschool or cyber school children might miss out on social experiences, we’ve found the opposite. Our daughters have virtual interactions with their peers and attend regular field trips and meet-ups in our area, allowing them to make close friends and participate in memorable experiences. From picking sweet potatoes in the fall to visiting amusement parks, these moments bring their education beyond the screen and into real life.

For our family, alternative schooling offers the perfect balance: our girls receive a supportive, flexible learning environment that prioritizes hands-on discovery, creativity, and friendships. And as a mompreneur, having a curriculum with built-in support makes a big difference in our daily life, allowing me to balance work and homeschooling more effectively.

Thank you for reading about our family’s education journey! Choosing the right schooling path is a personal decision, and we’re grateful to have found one that allows our girls to thrive in their own unique ways.

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