The 2020-2021 school year was one that we didn’t expect. Who would’ve thought that we would actually experience a pandemic. We’ve learned about them in history classes and have even watched movies over the years. But never did I think we would actually become a part of history.

Here in Florida, students/families were allowed to choose between three options for the first half of the school year. Option 1: Students could attend fully in person. Option 2: Students could attend online but remain in their school’s classes. And Option 3: Students take classes all online via FLVS. We chose option two just to stay safe. I was still going to work full time as I also work in a school. I did not want both of us taking the chance of getting the virus. Also, we thought having teachers that she knew and an actual school schedule would be better than fully online. First semester went well with option two so we decided to do the same for the second semester. The second semester had a bit more work, but I am very proud of how strong she finished. All students should be proud of how they have navigated this school year. Trying to manage academics, mental health, physical activities, and anything we would consider normal was a task.

Even with all the hassles of school during a pandemic, we did learn some very exciting news. So my daughter just finished her sophomore year of high school. She started taking high school classes during 8th grade and has taken a class online with FLVS over the past two summers. After a meeting with her college counselor (highly recommended for all high school students), we learned that she is 4.5 credits away from graduation. WHOA! So we sat down and had a discussion of what to do next. She’s very mature but also young. We have to make a decision by mid-July so we’ll review the following:

1. Graduate a year early and apply to college
2. Hold a class back and graduate with her actual class
3. Graduate a year early but use her true senior year as a gap year with purpose

I’m so very proud of her. Each option is a positive one. We just need to choose what will be the best fit for our family.

She has some academic summer plans in addition to BIRTHDAY MONTH! Well it’s actually birthday month for both of us. After that, we’ll be fully immersed in the college planning process. If you have children that will be doing the same thing, please feel free to join us. I’ll be sharing tips for searching colleges, making a list based on dreams vs. reality, visiting campuses, and so much more.

Until then, you can view a previous post about the college planning process I wrote. If you enjoy this please come back to see step-by-step details. Congratulations on finishing what was a wild and unexpected school year! Let’s enjoy summer now.