An Ordinary Mom's Musings

I really thought I had another year before I had to deal with the issue of deciding which middle school to choose again. My daughter is in 4th grade this year and her Elementary school goes through 5th grade.

The local middle school my kids are supposed to attend, got rid of all of their arts programs last year. This year, they are trying to lose the library, I’m told. My children will never attend a school without a library if I can help it! So as you might guess, this school isn’t my first choice of schools for my children.

Washington State allows you to “choice” your children into any public school you want.

I spent time last year researching the various options in our school district. I decided that “D” wasn’t ready for full-blown middle school this year. (I’m so glad, I did because I was right). I found a K-8 school in our district that I believed would be a better fit for him. It’s a hybrid of Elementary and Middle School. But I didn’t really want “R” going there. I don’t have any complaints about the school, I love it and the staff. The school doesn’t have much in the way of the Arts, or clubs and they have an Elementary PE schedule. “R” lives for the Arts and enjoys sports, and she can’t wait for clubs!

I had honed in on two schools for her, favoring one over the other. I hadn’t put much thought into it though because she still needs to go to 5th grade.

This year’s revelation was that neither of the Middle Schools I liked would be accepting “Choiced” in students for 6th grade. They already have enough students coming from the various Elementary schools that are supposed to matriculate there. Down went my plan for her to go to those schools for 6th grade…

Middle School and 5th grade?

One of them happens to have a program that starts in 5th grade that still has room in it. I find myself scrambling and working to get her into that school this year instead of next. I’m not a fan of 6th grade being in middle school, let alone 5th grade. After touring the school and talking with the teachers I was much more comfortable. I learned 5th graders stay in their own area except for things like music, sports, and lunch.

My kids will be in schools on complete opposite ends of town next year and likely will be for the next 3 years… The coming years’ school drop-offs are going to be fun! (I say sarcastically.) But I believe it will be best for her. Which in turn will make it best for me, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the short-term.