[Michelespreemies]

It is coming about time that my oldest son, Dominick, goes to Jr high... He will be in 6th grade next year and I want to make sure he is on track and emotionally set for this HUGE change.

I only homeschool through 5th grade.

I will still be homeschooling my younger son for a few more years.

I could use some suggestions for preparing the transition.

[ahermitt]

Do you still have one year left for homeschooling? If so, I would get as close to a public school curriculum as possible to at his grade level or higher to make sure he is on par in all areas. Perhaps using one of the (gasp) school-at-home programs to get him used to the discipline required to go into the public school. (of course I have no personal experience in this.)

[mcmama]

I see that you have him in martial arts, which is great. Does he have friends who will be in sixth grade with him, in the same school, at least? That helps when he sees friendly faces.

Is it possible to visit the school during the school year, when school is in session? I know with private schools, they encourage kids to spend a day in the classroom as part of the admissions process. Since there isn't an "admissions" process here, maybe he can visit a classroom with a friend for a morning? Attend the school field day as a spectator? participate as a home schooler in the district science fair? At least take a tour while school is in session? I got these by saying "we're not sure if we will go to public or private school and we want to compare and see how the kid reacts and what questions he has". Total eye opener for everyone involved.

Middle schools often have an orientation week because it is a transition for all kids. So find out from the principal what is involved with that as well.

Just a few ideas off the top of my head - not being a homeschooler or knowing what is available in your area, I don't have expert knowledge - but something to think about, maybe.

[Michelespreemies]

Yes he does have 1 more year. He just started his 5th grade year 1 month ago.

Thanks that is great advice!! He knows and will know many people in the school. Right now my daughter is in her last year of jr high, so we have alot to do with the school. He does know some of the teachers as well.. I think I will be taking him with me as I an highly involved with alot in the school...

I never have doubted him being socially ready. I am sure he is ready in that aspect. Just emotionally I'm not sure... They are really strict in this school and I have always been lax with schedule and such. I guess I have to buckle down and set the schedule and incorporate it in to the transition...


This school will not allow sit ins. They will however let us walk around extra at the open house and then again at the meet and greet and also the second open house after school starts... So i will take full advantage of that..

I am going to have my daughter (presently 8th grade honors) bring some stuff home from school since my 5th grader and her are actually on the same level.