Hello. I’m looking for some school advice for middle school. Our son (my only) is 11, 5th grade, diagnosed mild ASD and severe anxiety about a year ago. We are currently debating between staying at his current school (he’s been there since K), which is very costly, or homeschooling for the next three years. I am a credentialed teacher and able to homeschool him myself. His current school is okay, he’s made a couple close friends, and generally people are kind and supportive. But he also doesn’t really “fit” the mold there. Most of the kids are from wealthy families, and the vast majority of the boys (and some girls) are very involved in sports. Our son hates team sports, but has discovered theater and music. He has chronic absenteeism, missing about a third of the school year each year due to various ailments and general fatigue. Furthermore, there’s about to be a big changeover in students starting next year as many families are going elsewhere for grades 6-8. There will be new kids coming in. So what’s better for him from a social perspective - staying at a somewhat familiar, small, school with basically kind people but he feels he doesn't fit? Or homeschool - where he’s the only child in our home so his interactions with other kids will be very limited to his extracurricular activities which likely will be a few hours per week. Academically we’re not concerned, we can make it work either way. We’re also okay with the cost if it’s the best fit for him. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Posted by mimijune at 2025-03-14 21:41:39 UTC