I homeschooled after school for years, OP, because we couldn't afford tutors. And then when we could afford them, we hired some. We have always prioritized education, and lived very frugal lives for years to place our kids in decent schools with decent supports.

I am sure, if you really think about it, that you CAN come up with solutions. It will mean sacrificing some comforts and wants, but if you really want to, you can do it.

My kid is in DCPS and loves it. The school is easy, lots of friends from elementary school, and rarely any homework at home, which means more time for whatever he chooses to do at home.
What's there not to love!
Just asked DC what the best part of school was and he said, 'friends' very fast. He likes his teachers also.
Op, you don't say anything about their friends.

Anonymous wrote:I just need to sit in my sadness.

We’re in a completely average public school. My kids are unhappy…behaviors, time outside, not being challenged.

There’s nothing we can do. I can’t homeschool, and on no planet can we afford private school. Those I know with kids in private schools, have grandparents paying. I desperately wish my kids could have a different experience.

We aren’t in the DMV.

Lady, my kids went to Stuyvesant and Bronx Science and senior year was brutal for everyone. It is truly Lord of the Flies when it comes to college competition. Their classmates who savvily chose to attend less rigorous NYC schools had an easier shot at the same colleges.
You are far better off in average public school with high performing children.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just need to sit in my sadness.

We’re in a completely average public school. My kids are unhappy…behaviors, time outside, not being challenged.

There’s nothing we can do. I can’t homeschool, and on no planet can we afford private school. Those I know with kids in private schools, have grandparents paying. I desperately wish my kids could have a different experience.

We aren’t in the DMV.

I am sorry OP but you can fix this.

Yes you can. You can read and read and read with your kids. You can talk to them every single night at the dinner table or breakfast or while driving them to activities.

Homeschooling is not the answer you are.

Weekends pick a weekend a month where you go to a free museam.

If you get snap or chip or Medicaid you can get into museums, theaters, symphony, ballet, gardens etc for $2

Having fun, feeling loved by parents, eating well, staying active, prioritizing sleep, reading books, learning to socialize with people of all ages is what makes kids wholesome and confident.

You need to change your mindset.

There are lots of kids that thrive in public schools. There are also kids that thrive in not great public schools. Work with teachers.

It’s ok.

Is there a cyber charter in your state? Or better yet, a cyber charter with blend of in school and out?
My kids got a private school education for $100 a year at the most amazing small brick and click.
There are options. Seek them out!

We are in McPS but still have issues with the kids having to deal with a lot of behaviors and not being challenged. We can provide any academic support they need want, but when school ranges from boring to unpleasant and it’s a huge part of their day it doesn’t feel good.

Focus on mental health of them and yourselves and promote learning not winning. If they are happy and love learning, success would come as a byproduct.

Uh, there is a lot you can do.


But tell us why the school is bad first.

Anonymous wrote:I just need to sit in my sadness.

We’re in a completely average public school. My kids are unhappy…behaviors, time outside, not being challenged.

There’s nothing we can do. I can’t homeschool, and on no planet can we afford private school. Those I know with kids in private schools, have grandparents paying. I desperately wish my kids could have a different experience.

We aren’t in the DMV.

From my experience of a top notch, uber competitive school district, kids are better off in average schools, less competition so better mental health and more opportunities to shine so better college admissions outcomes. You are providing them what you can, be proud of that.

Anonymous wrote:I just need to sit in my sadness.

We’re in a completely average public school. My kids are unhappy…behaviors, time outside, not being challenged.

There’s nothing we can do. I can’t homeschool, and on no planet can we afford private school. Those I know with kids in private schools, have grandparents paying. I desperately wish my kids could have a different experience.

We aren’t in the DMV.

I am sorry OP but you can fix this.

Yes you can. You can read and read and read with your kids. You can talk to them every single night at the dinner table or breakfast or while driving them to activities.

Homeschooling is not the answer you are.

Weekends pick a weekend a month where you go to a free museam.

Where do you find them online? Is any particular website better than another in terms of quality?

Get tutors. We use online tutors to supllement. $15 an hour and under.

I just need to sit in my sadness.

We’re in a completely average public school. My kids are unhappy…behaviors, time outside, not being challenged.

There’s nothing we can do. I can’t homeschool, and on no planet can we afford private school. Those I know with kids in private schools, have grandparents paying. I desperately wish my kids could have a different experience.

We aren’t in the DMV.