Having been through this twice -- at the elementary and magnet levels -- can I just say that it's really too early to return on the basis of missing friends. It's only been a little more than 1 quarter. It's normal to still miss friends, because new friendships haven't really been solidly formed yet.

I would advise to try to build bonds with the HGC students. Try to do "playdates" even though they are in 4th now. Build on the holiday season by inviting small groups of kids to do fun stuff w/ down/talking time (like pizza night, movie afternoon, holiday cookie making, museum visists, whatever).

The new friendships my child built at the center are still critical for her. Those kids "got" each other in a way that their friends at the home school never did. I don't think my daughter realized that until the end of her first year.

Also, I tried to emphasize that friendships wax and wane our whole lives. No one stays the same or in the same place anymore. Try to emphasize that the circle is expanding and has more shades of friendship now.

My child seems to keep in touch nicely with neighborhood friends....through scouts, playdates, attending events at our home school. They are still her best friends..she has just added to her group.

My son is now in high school and we know several kids (maybe a half-dozen?) who left the HCG because they missed their friends from their homeschool.

We're considering returning. DC doing well in school but misses friends alot.

There is at least one child that I know of at my son's school who went to the HGC @ Barnsley for one year and then returned to our home school for 5th grade. I don't know the particulars and have been meaning to talk to this mom. I also heard at the HGC info night in October that it almost never happens, but there is a case right here at our own school.

Just curious why..

I know this isn't what you asked, but unless circumstances are really exigent, I hope you try to stick it out for a little while longer. It can be a big adjustment but the rewards are great.

We are, yes.

Someone asked how many kids end up back at their homeschool after trying a HGC at the open house. We were told that virtually no one leaves. The current princiapl had 1 child go back due to a change in family situation and other than that it was just due to moves. Based on that info, you may not find too many people to respond. Are you considering it?

If you've returned to home school, how was the return? How is your kid doing?