Part of it was simply the fact that our eldest was on the precipice of being a high school freshman—admittedly a small amount of mad panic was unleashed—and I was really trying to keep my helicopter parked as intended, but the propellers had begun to rotate ever so slightly. Were we not supposed to be compelled to at least look at options? Well, my mama instincts were telling me to simply take that look around. So, I sent for several high-school applications. Those websites and brochures--the virtual and actual calling cards for what kind of experience one might expect at an institution—unleashed both fear and excitement; hope and panic, but I would be exploring further.

Ultimately, for our family, only one application inspired enough as a potential fit worthy of a change…so we only followed up on this alternate option. Another interesting twist, this time was that the kids were now of an age that they actually had a voice in the matter… hmmmmm. I respect that we had tried to raise them as independent thinkers, but it was a bit difficult to share such an important decision. However, as the parents, we were aware that we were to always hold the trump card, but we had truly given a considerable amount of weight to the teen/tween opinions.

And of course, during this contemplation, I phoned, coffeed, and lunched with several of my fellow parent-and-education-related friends and probably wore them out with inquiries on their thoughts of other schools and what they thought they’d do about possibly changing schools. I met with the head of the old & new middle school, went to several school open houses… surfed internet websites and blogs… attended new school events. Remember, the “What to expect…” books ended with the Toddler years, and last I checked, that was 10 years ago—so I would have to write my own guidebook for these tween/teen years!

Then, when it had come to that final weekend of contemplation, with so many pros for both places…the overwhelming feeling was that a fresh take on the academic environment would be the right thing to do. So wrenching to move them further from their comfort and friends (some really cool kids, too—but I had to trust that the world wide web, would make their continued connect much more facile.) If high school should truly be the launching pad to college, then hopefully the move will prove to be a great avenue for this exploration!?!

So far, the new place has been very impressive from all tours taken, and seems to have the right balance of nurture and academic structure with enough sports and creativity included… so our fingers and toes will be crossed that the fit is good for their learning/social/environment styles—and that the mission statement is walked actual and equivalent to the talk… and so far, though it’s only November, so good.

Overall, here’s hoping the “mad mama helicopter” stays parked, unless urgently required! And that we can remain open and connected enough to keep flexible about the experience. So, please keep your fingers crossed for me, and to the many other parents exploring similar contemplations, I am wishing your family the most positive experience!

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