I am writing to share our family’s journey navigating the challenges of traditional public education, particularly in supporting the unique needs of our 10 year-old daughter, Everley. Over the past year, she has struggled deeply with anxiety, and despite our best efforts to make traditional public school work, it became more than our family could handle. We made the difficult decision to withdraw her from public education in search of an environment that could better meet her needs.
Initially, we were hopeful, when we found a Christian Academy that seemed like a perfect fit. However, we were disheartened to learn that their faith-based beliefs excluded members of our faith. Faced with limited options, we decided to homeschool Everley and her younger sibling, understanding that this would allow us to provide the personalized education and emotional support they need.
As a two-parent working household, homeschooling has been a challenge, but we know it is the best choice for our family at this time. Both of our older children graduated from public school, though our oldest son, Ryder, who has ADHD and anxiety, faced significant challenges within the traditional system. Ryder ultimately found success in an alternative high school, but I wish more tailored options had been available to support his academic and mental health needs during those difficult years.
Having the opportunity to receive funding for our children’s education would open doors to so many additional experiences and opportunities. With such support, we could invest in tailored homeschool curriculums and even explore hybrid schooling options that combine the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure of a classroom environment.
Every child deserves access to an education that meets their unique needs, and for families like ours, financial assistance would make a world of difference in ensuring our children thrive. We are committed to providing Everley and her siblings with the best education possible, and we are grateful for any opportunity to make that a reality.
