Just wanted to chime in on the 11 hour school day. I am assuming your son goes to the extended day/after school program at his school? Have you looked into programs that offer after school care away from the school? For example, we have several martial arts studios that have a van that picks kids up from school, takes them back to the studio, and they do classes and homework until their parents pick them up around 6:00pm. It's a smaller group, and it's productive time with physical activity. Other places that have after school programs here (FL) are: rock-wall climbing center, dance studio, and gymnastics. These programs are usually comparable or only slightly more costly than the extended day program at the public/private schools. My friend was just telling me that for this school year she decided to do a gymnastics aftercare program (instead of the school program), and it's only $15 more per week. (I know an extra $60 a month isn't just pocket change, but may be worth it.) She's kicking herself for not doing it sooner b/c she she said her daughter is so much better after school now. Before, when her daughter was attending the after school program at school, she came home irritable, tired, and disrespectful. She is now very pleasant and feels great about herself for what she did at gymnastics. She's also forming good, positive relationships with her peers in a non-academic environment. It's just a thought; I don't know if you have programs like this available to you, but it might be worth checking out.
