Found Some Great Schools

We love learning! Books are all over the house, and my son says he wants to be a "good mad scientist" when he grows up (he wants to have a candy store, too--another passion of his life). I have been researching every school alternative since well before my kids were born . . . I'm sure my intense interest in education is what led me to choose it as a career.

Before we knew David's office would be moving to the south end of the Salt Lake Valley, we had a charter school picked out, and I was getting acquainted with the principal and governing parent board there. When we had an offer on the house, I gave up our seats there . . . but I've wished I had waited until the deal was signed, since it fell through and we stayed another year. Until now.

I found an awesome middle and high school program yesterday! Actually, it found us. I am on a high and a low at the same time. International Baccaularete Middle Years Program (IB/MYP) We got a postcard inviting us to an information meeting, and after researching it I believe it really is the best alternative to the mainstream public schools I have ever seen--and it is run as a magnet school, meaning it is part of the existing school district, open to all and free! I am so stoked! Also, if the student passes his/her exams as a 12th grader, they instantly have 30 credit hours of college under their belt. ALSO the requirements to graduate exceed the minimum required to get the Utah Regents grant--free money that pays 75% of tuition costs for the first 2 years the student attends a university. How could this get any better????

I mentioned a low . . . the only place the middle years program is offered is here in our current district, about 20 minutes away . . . that's not so bad, but if we actually move then we will not be able to take advantage of this amazing find. If I hated having David around, it would be an easy choice: "Well, hon, you can just commute 3 hours a day . . . we need this for the kids." Unfortunately (fortunately) the kids and I miss him when he's gone, and we need him around more than just the weekends. So, we're still on track for putting the sign in the front yard this spring . . . and we'll see what the Lord decides. Good thing there's a wiser being out there who knows better than us. At least now I know the standard I'm looking for. Maybe I can get involved and help create this program down south. Or find a place that is already working on it, and help out.

I guess I'd call this a sour pickle.