Constitution Bowl

This school year I wanted L-13 to be a part of a commonwealth school. A commonwealth school is a group of moms that pull together in order to fill a need for their scholar age (12-16 year old) children. Basically, it is a co-op that follows the educational philosophy of a Thomas Jefferson Education.

We have a large commonwealth school in our area that meets weekly for classes in a rented church. L-13 knows quite a few of the kids from our other activities and really wanted to participate. Unfortunately, the church only had so many classrooms and they were full to the brim so we had to go on a waiting list. When it was clear that this school year, MSA (Millennial Scholar Academy) still wouldn't have room, I, with the help of two wonderful ladies, started a co-op of our own. I will admit that it was a stretch for me! Completely out of my comfort zone! But the bottom line was, I wanted my child to have the kind of transformational experience that I knew would be available through the classes offered.

Usually in the homeschooling world, co-ops are formed by a group of like minded friends that want their children to have enrichment classes in a group environment. In our case, we didn't know any of the other kids at all! (In fact, we three moms didn't know each other either!) Our group consisted of the other kids that were on the waiting list for MSA and didn't want to wait any more. So together we became LSA~ Liberty Seekers Academy. I won't lie. It was tough. It took me a while to warm up and get to know the kids. But get to know them, I did. I am amazed at the transformation that took place in me, even though I was doing this for L-13.

As we end the school year, I can honestly say that I am privileged and blessed to know those kids. I am so utterly proud of their accomplishments this year. I certainly didn't do anything great to inspire them. They really did it themselves and I was just there to watch and enjoy. I have especially loved watching the kids in my Shakespeare class develop the unity that my friend Melanie told me would come if we put on a play together. You were right, Melanie. It did happen.

Tonight we joined with two other area commonwealth schools for a Constitution Bowl. The kids rotated tables and answered questions about the constitution and the founding of our country that I'll wager most adults couldn't answer. It was amazing and once again I am overwhelmed with what this generation is accomplishing. (And I will add, the Liberty Seekers Rocked The House!!!)

Next school year L-13 will be going to MSA and most of the other kids will be going to yet another new commonwealth school that has been created. Liberty Seekers fulfilled it's purpose for a season. I'll miss them but I'm grateful for the experiences that we had together as we all grew in spirit, character, intellect and friendship.