More children or private school

[leonie]

states with school voucher programs.

ncsl.org/documents/educ/StateByStateVoucherComparison.pdf

federationforchildren.org/facts

 

[CroCatholic]

Will you home-school right through to their last year at school, or to what point?

Homeschooling is one of those things that requires constant prayer and discerning. Like a pp mentioned, nothing is set in stone. We have homeschooling co-ops that will teach older students all their subjects (certified teachers) and send them home with their work for the next few days. There are also programs like Seton or Kolbe homeschool that give you access to experts if you come across difficulties with certain subjects. We have friends who sent their girls to a public school for (grade 11 and 12) English and literature only. Because they are engineers, they could manage high school math and sciences but couldn’t teach their children English because it’s not their native language. I was one of those people who thought “I take my hat off to anyone who home schools but it’s just not for me.” Never say never. After much prayer and discerning, homeschool is the best option for us right now…

 

[tafan]

OP,
I haven’t read the entire thread, but several thoughts come to mind regarding your understandable concerns.
You keep referring to “private” catholic schools. I do not think it appropriate to call your typical parish school “private”, as they are intended to provide catholic education for all parishioners children . Now, there are catholic schools, often run by religious orders, which do seem more private in nature: ie they are more selective with students and tupically cost much more. If you are referring to the latter, you local parish school migt solve your problems. Our, for example, provides reduced rates for each child, down to zero for the 4th. Also financial Sid programs are often in place, many pastors take the attitude that no one should be turned away because of money.

Finally, your kids are young. It’s good to plan ahead, but trust God. Jesus taught us to pray " give us this day…", not “give us this year/decade…” I have always thought it best to take the attitude, if I can afford another kid now, I will figure it out by the time the real expenses kick in. Having several kids to provide for and educate is a heck if a motivation for a husband.

 

[12kidslater]

That is a difficult decision because we put such a high value on education in America, and it is most certainly a gift. I think the question to ask is, “What is my purpose here one earth?” The answer I always give to my kids is, “To know, love and serve God in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” That is our ultimate goal. So, I guess you and your husband would have to ask which option would best serve this goal…only the two of you can decide that, but know that God will always meet your needs, without fail, if you put him first. Remember this though, your children can not take their educations to heaven with them, but they can be together forever in heaven.