When Your Last Child Graduates...Homeschoolers No More

 There were no speeches, no cap and gowns, no standing in line waiting to receive a rolled up piece of paper--nothing like that. Today, my youngest's teacher declared school to be over. And just like that, a chapter in our lives came to an end...

A chapter that began twenty-four years ago, and ended on a brisk day in May.

Our homeschooling days are over.

What a ride!

I remember the conversations my wife and I had driving around the streets of Colorado Springs, Colorado. We discussed homeschooling and whether or not we were going to actually do it. Our first born was only a year old at the time...we had years to go to decide. When he got older, we returned to the topic and decided it was the right thing to do for our family.

Over the years my wife and I have discussed those first conversations and ultimately deciding to commit to homeschooling. At the time we had NO idea how much education in general would change from the last 1990s, or that the entire world would homeschool for a time during the pandemic. 

Four kids, over two decades later, that journey is complete. On Monday, we won't gather for school. It's such a strange thought to contemplate. 

My social media feeds have been packed with photos of friends, and children of friends graduating from the local universities. It's an amazing accomplishment. Some with continue their formal education while others will continue with other degrees. Our youngest is attending a trade school so he's not yet done with his education.

But, for my wife, who held class year after year, the last book has been read, the last lesson learned. Like all schools, we experienced budget concerns, teacher-student incidents, and students looking longingly for end of year breaks. And like all schools, we persevered. 

As May 5th, 2023, Taylor Academy has closed its doors.