Back to. . .A New School

 Well, this year we are sending Olivia to a private Christian school.  So many reasons went into our decision.  She had a really rough freshman year at her public school.  Her friends have really dwindled down over the years ( you learn who is truly a friend and who is not.)  Her best friend is Miriam whom she met in 5th grade.  It was so hard to decide to switch to a private school and leave Miriam.  But, they live close by and are determined to still remain close even if they no longer go to the same school.  Her other close friend is Charlie who she met in 2nd grade.  Last year, he switched over to this private school named Freedom Preparatory Academy and really wanted Olivia to come with him.  But, we were really hesitant to switch.  After seeing Charlie's amazing transformation, we felt that this might be the best place for Olivia as well.  Charlie has dyslexia and ADHD and has thrived at Freedom Prep.  

This past year, Olivia has struggled with anxiety and depression.  The kids at school made some not so nice comments.  Her teachers would have the odd number of students get into partners, leaving Olivia without a partner.  Her self esteem lowered even more.  She is not even the same person anymore.  She has really clammed up and doesn't even talk around people she doesn't know.  When she does talk, it's so quiet people can barely hear her.  Olivia used to be quite the jabber jaw.  

I've always heard private schools don't follow IEPs.  Well, this particular private school has a director that was a former special Ed teacher.  Charlie has an IEP and he has thrived.  It does worry me, however to be honest, because Olivia took her core classes in the special Ed classrooms and they don't have those at Freedom Prep.  But we had to make a decision about whether to worry more about her academics or her mental health.  And we couldn't watch her mental health worsen and worsen.  I am pretty confident that this will also be what is best academically as well.  At least that is my prayer.

Please please pray about this and that this will be a place where Olivia can grow and thrive!!  I don't want her to just get by, I want her to be her happy and joyful self again!  Change is really hard for Olivia so you know she must have been hurting pretty badly for us to make this big change.  Please keep my sweet girl in your prayers!!   

First day of pic schools coming up later this week!