Horse + Boy + School

Well, I guess I had it coming. 


What was I thinking: trying to raise my son to be free, to think for himself, and feel like he could do anything he put his heart and mind to? Is this what comes of nurturing his self-esteem, supplying him with lots of raw materials and supporting his dreams? 


When one thinks of teenage rebellion, the picture of a kid demanding to go from unschooling to a public high school probably isn't what pops into most people's head first - or ever. 


It was entirely his idea. And, like most acts of rebellion, it was a big surprise. I sure didn't see it coming.   


One day we are all merrily sleeping till 10 and staying up till 2 because my husband works nights. My son reading books or drawing, riding horses or exploring outdoors all day. Doing plays (and even a film as an extra), recording lightsaber choreography, making swords or making music all night... working hard, playing harder and learning all the time.

Next thing I know he is commuting across state lines from our rural western Wisconsin home to downtown Saint Paul to a performing arts public charter school. 


Whoa.

Did I miss the part where aliens abducted my son and left a changeling in his place? Or did I simply choose to ignore the signs that he is hearing the call to join a larger band of gypsies? He is searching for his tribe out there... he found something that spoke to him in theatre, and now he wants more.

Yes, it does look like a fairy tale castle.
But it's still school...

In the past ten years we have gone from Waldorf school to homeschool to unschool and now, literally, back to school. 


What have I learned in the last ten years when it comes to schooling? Expect the unexpected. 


And, what have I repeatedly NOT learned in the last ten years regarding schooling? 
How to "fit in" with other people, and how to navigate remaining true to my self while not being a hypocrite. School always feels as though it's forcing these lessons on me. These are some of the reasons I don't like school. But that's me.


The only real lesson here? 
That this is my son's journey, not mine.


(I just realized - I'm sort of out of a job here. Oh well, it didn't pay worth a damn anyway... but I liked the hours and I sure loved the company.)