Savannah has completed her second year at West Chester Friends School. She enjoyed her time there and I enjoyed the small size and family-like feel. Savannah has grown academically, but more importantly, has become a strong and confident girl. Don't worry, she is still very quiet and reserved. In fact, she holds the record for not getting in trouble once in her two years there. I think her classmates were waiting for the day Miss Savannah would be removed from circle to sit at a table for talking. It just never happened.
Somehow, this school environment helped Savannah find her footing while at the same time allowing her to stay true to her quiet self. While we give WCFS the credit for breaking Savannah's shell and helping her emerge, we were not satisfied on all fronts. Namely, the rigor. Savannah is very bright girl that functions above grade level in almost all areas. She still has some work to do with ball skills but when it comes to reading and math, the girl is solid. It became apparent that the school wasn't going to meet Savannah on her level and push her forward, and instead, was going to devote more time for the struggle students and their need to catch up. I believe in both and wish there was a balance in the teaching.
This, in conjunction with Savannah wishing to spread her wings, has driven us to try public school. Our local public school is said to be wonderful, a school that meets all students on their level. We shall see. We may be running back to WCFS the following year when Lila begins Kindergarten there. But next year, we have decided to try public. We hope Savannah is pushed a little harder, and finds making new friends successful. Being that there is only one class per grade at WCFS, students don't have great opportunities to meet new friends. Who you start Kindergarten with is who you will start First Grade with. By the end of this year, it felt a bit too small in the friend department.
We look forward to the three minute commute that will replace a 25 minute commute. We also are excited to begin laying roots in our local community. There is also the Adeline factor. Miss Adeline will go to this public school for their services. Savannah will somewhat pave the way which will make Adeline's Kindergarten year a smooth transition for our family.
I have spent hours, possibly days if you add them all up, agonizing over this decision. We finally put it in front of Savannah and let her decide. It is official now and I can stop worrying about it. . . at least until September!
Goodbye West Chester Friends. We have loved you and will miss you! Don't worry, we will be back in year with Miss Lila.
