Trying to decide what to do with DS4 next year. Our current options, along with my thoughts, are:
1. Continue with his Montessori preschool. It will be his third year there. He's been complaining of boredom, which is why I had him tested. I like the theory of being able to differentiate the education to the child's needs, but that hasn't happened so far. Now that they know, he's still doing too much repetition. I do feel some guilt over not completing the "three year cycle" by pulling him out now. I wonder how much he'd benefit from the extended day curriculum and being the big kid in the class. The cost is a downside, but it's doable.
2. Homeschooling. This was my first thought, as he showed signs of being a VSL and I'm reading that VSLs tend to not do so well in school. He definitely hasn't been overachieving. I'm gifted myself and have some teaching experience and also a willingness/eagerness to learn about teaching him to find the right methods for him. In my fantasy, I can sort of help him hack his brain and focus deeply on things he's interested in. There seems to be a large local homeschooling community and I'm dipping my toe in the water. In reality, I know that this is hard work. He's currently very resistive of anything that has to do with "learning" even if it's presented in a fun way. We also have a toddler who will be 18 months in the fall. I can "homeschool" her a bit too, but it's a juggling act.
3. Public kindergarten. Never been a huge fan in general, but I visited the school and was surprised by what I saw. Academics looked OK, but I also noticed some of the things that we don't get as much of in the Montessori environment -- creative things like music and art. DS is not yet reading, so that could be good, but he does know all his letters/sounds fairly well and I know he'll be at least 2 grade levels ahead in math. The school provides no formal gifted program.
He's generally pretty easygoing and I think he'd do "just fine" in any environment. But I want him to really thrive.
Thoughts?
