The BIG Move {From Private to Public School}

Two years ago, we {our family} made the decision to move our oldest daughter from a small private school to our neighborhood public school. The results? AMAZING!

After seven years, Morgan was antsy. So many things in her life had changed, yet this school had always stayed the same. Her constant and her safe place. She trusted the teachers and administration. She loved her environment, but something didn’t quite fit right anymore. Nothing bad happened, Morgan was just out growing the space she had inhabited for so long. After some discussion, we toured the neighborhood middle school and on the way home I asked how she felt. “It’s too big, Momma.” It is much larger than her current school with an average of 300 kids in her grade. Where she comes from? 80 kids. Going into the sixth grade, she decided to not switch schools.  She stayed busy, and life stayed just as hectic, yet normal, as it had been all the years before.

Something changed

Again, at the end of sixth grade, she showed interest in changing to public school. Her friend base was evolving as well as her interests outside of school. I entertained it. I spoke to parents that had made the move and to parents that had been in the public school system for years. We talked and prayed and did research. Where would this move put her for high school? Would it provide her with the same education? Would it satisfy her need for growth? Would she get lost in the shuffle of a larger environment?

Here we go!

Finally, we made the decision to move. Morgan would start the seventh grade at our neighborhood public school. On to bigger things!!!! Literally … so much bigger. I’ll be honest, I was nervous. Let me reword that. I was scared. There are so many kids and the campus is huge! “Dear God, please don’t let her get lost!”

Morgan walked to school for the first time EVER. She and 2 other girl friends gathered their things, the paparazzi (ME) not far behind, and headed off to seventh grade. That day was soooo long for me. To hear her voice at 4pm was the greatest sound in the world. “MOM!!!!! This was the greatest day ever!!!! I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!” I cried. She didn’t understand why – I’m thankful she didn’t make fun of me.

In addition to staying on her select soccer team, she would tryout for the school volleyball team. She didn’t make it. TRIAL # 1! She was inducted into Jr. Beta Club, TRIUMPH! She made new friends and some friendships suffered. It wasn’t all good stuff but it wasn’t holding her back either. The Lafayette Parish Public School System has an amazing Gifted and Talented program that Morgan was able to be a part of. She auditioned for the talented/theatre program and was accepted. This allowed her to expand her love for the arts beyond her theatre elective.

Eighth grade was nothing short of awesome. Volleyball, track, school soccer, theatre, talented theatre, Beta …. you should see our calendar! We wouldn’t have it any other way. She has completely immersed herself into her school. She takes pride in being a Trojan as an athlete and a student. It’s so amazing to witness.

How is it over already?

Two years later, it’s all over. A literal BLUR. It just goes by so dang fast! I can say with out a doubt that this move did provide her with the same caliber of education. She’s excelled so much in her academic work, and she has most certainly grown in all areas of her life. As for the size of the campus and student body? Miss social butterfly hasn’t missed a beat. The end of eighth grade is a strange time. More mature now, but still a child; with not a clue what is to come over the next 4 years. High school will knock her socks off. I’m sure of it.

LHS, here she comes!!!!! She’s ready. Are you!?!? GO LIONS!