We toured both magnet schools we are looking at for Ava. Both were wonderful. The first one seems stronger academically, with arts accents. The second one seems stronger artistically (the kids learn through the arts, and there was a Dada installation the kids produced in the school gallery!) but not necessarily as focused on the academics. This, at least, is my impression. My inclination is to have her at the first school, and supplement with outside things like piano, or as a friend suggested maybe a stringed instrument as she would be part of a group. But I see her differences and see her doing well at the arts school too. A student we know who attends this school is incredibly smart and he is not being held back. I am not sure. PJ and I will have to talk about it, it's just a matter of making time. Time is short, too, as he will be leaving for a work trip to Indianapolis for a few days first thing Monday morning, and we will want to turn in the applications before we land right on the deadline of the 27th. Truly, I am just scared I will not make the right decision for Ava. I want to put her in an environment where she can not only succeed but excel. Either way she is likely to, it's just maybe in a different way. She is so special and smart. On the one hand, while I feel that at the first school she will be challenged and there are opportunities to learn in some non traditional ways that left me feeling so good after the tour, I know at the second school she will learn through art and music and dance as well as the traditional ways. Will that keep her attention more? She will still attend art and music and spanish at the first school, and have more outside playtime. But at the arts school she will dance and learn piano (in first grade!) and have opportunities for more classes that expand with each school year as they grow.
The other thing that doesn't help is that when I get it into my mind it should be one way, and I mention it to PJ, he seems to be thinking the other way. I suppose that is a good thing, making sure we are thinking this through clearly, and communicating it to each other, but sometimes I wish it would be both of us saying "OK, school choice #1 should be X, school choice #2 should be Y." But then again, life is not that easy, is it? However it ends up, I would feel grateful if she were accepted at either school. Both are unique and have a lot to offer. Wish us luck.
1 comment:
i envy your situation. we are told we have "choices" but in truth it's a lottery. so we get what we get, and you betcha i'm likely going to throw a fit.
i wish you had a third school to break the tie. another school that added exactly or close to what one of the first two offers so that you can say, "it's a sign! now let's go to X school because it's closer."
but with the deadline approaching, maybe you can give yourselves permission to take a day off from it. as cheesy as this sounds, write both names on a piece of paper at the beginning of the day off day. put the paper inside your bible (don't laugh!) and walk away from it for the rest of the day. then the next day, while PJ is packing for his trip, commit to decide. together. somewhere in that space of doing nothing, God (or the universe, if you prefer) will have done something. The rest will just be paperwork.
no matter what, you are giving her the very best and no matter where she goes she will always be as successful as her foundation is strong. you and PJ have done such a lovely job. you are both wonderful parents. she is a great kid. you won't know where or what deficit to accomidate until she gets there. so don't try too hard to read the tea leaves right now. and IF there is a deficit to make up for, you'll know. you'll recognize it. and you'll act accordingly.
so deep breath. wishing you luck. and wishing i was there.
me
Post a Comment