From Defeated to Grateful

by Amy Manring, Parent

From the time our son was born, he has been in learning environments, a structured home life, consistent daycare, preschool, elementary, and various sports or elective involvement. Indeed, it does take a village to raise and teach well rounded children, as the old saying goes. We were so used to just succumbing to district placement and school led courses in a cookie cutter way. Now, Baker Web Academy (BWA) is a part of our village, teaching outside the box. We feel secure in their support and educating goals. Yet, we have choice and involvement to every lesson taught with ability to customize specifically to our child.

Timberdoodle Curriculum is just one of the many textbook options offered to our K-8 students.

Our son’s prior history in attending public school made an unexpected switch, in 3rd grade. He began struggling in groups and the constant push for unquestioned speedy results, even with 28 other classmates. We were united and involved in our child's support, routine, homework and public school engagements and conferences. However, when he began to exhibit frustrated behaviors in acting out, it led to sudden disinterest in class and sudden negative attention from teachers. We knew something had changed and had to be investigated. The final straw was when his teacher said, "The school doesn’t have resources to keep on with your child and this kind of behavior outburst and unpredictability. We have 28 other kids to consider." (Our son never had been expelled or had hurt anyone, this seemed dramatic and confusing.)

We were told to consider “therapy” for Mason’s anger. We felt defeated and placed in a troubled category to figure out, alone. This all improved once we began enrollment with BWA and focused our attention to his learning needs contributing to behavior/ anger. His drive and excitement to learn and apply learning had returned. He just needed to ask his questions, to be heard, and a chance to show his capabilities. BWA gave us that chance. When we were referred to Baker Web Academy, the opportunity was carefully evaluated and confirmed as beneficial each step of the way.

Though new to alternative learning options, we discovered it to be a good choice to accommodate our child’s learning needs; putting the teaching influence back into our parental hands. For a single income family, struggling to make ends meet, the transition was made seamless at the start of 4th grade. The options in free curriculum choice were easy to follow, plan, and customize for each subject. The help from our teacher advisor, Ellery, has been invaluable to the learning process, pace, questions and flexibility needs.

“Both parent and child, can see the pathway, grow, and be in the know alongside every staff for goals, strategy and guidance.”

— Amy Manring

Most families would be surprised to discover how simple homeschooling can be, with a little reflection, support, planning and dedication. A bounty of benefit comes from close involvement in curriculum choice, teaching, and renewed learning that parents also get, by walking thru scripted lessons, self guided activities, and even fun field trip plans with other BWA families! Evaluation and testing are handled by BWA staff and progress is shared for continued growth. Both, parent and child, can see the pathway, grow, and be in the know alongside every staff for goals, strategy and guidance. We are so happy to be part of Baker Web Academy and their efforts to make us feel important with endless support. With deepest gratitude, Amy Manring and Family