HS Enrichment Program and the cost of gas

[tazmom]

There's this really cool Homeschool Enrichment program that's on the other side of town. I currently have T signed up for the fall for one day a week. She would be taking art, science, music, pe, computers, and literature. We have another family that is interested in carpooling, but I'm starting to get the feeling they may be looking for alternatives.

Today I figured out the cost of gas to get there. If we carpool, it would be ~$60/month. If we don't (and I take dh's car) it would be ~$80/month.

I'm starting to wonder if it's worth the time and cost. On the one hand, I could put T into dance or gymnastics classes once a month for that kind of money. OTOH, she would be getting at least 3-4 classes that she wants, plus a couple I want.

Thoughts?

[Grover]

Everytime I go to the home education group it costs me £15 [at least] in bus fares+ £5 in group fees.Althoug-h I am taking 3 kids along with me .Thats about the £20 -[ $35 ] each trip. With me packing lunches to eat at the bus station .

Its a great group- very informal,child directed.There is a dodgeball ,craft classes,support [the mums all sit around chatting] the kids are free to participate ..or not.

If I looked at the whole term- there is no way I would feel able to do it.Most weeks its decided on "a what can we afford in the budget this week ?"descision.
The group organisers is aware of our struggles.Especially in light of DH's recent work situation.So if we can not get there one week or several weeks - then they understand .



Is this group dependent on you getting there every week?

Would the group help you- by way of car sharing or lifts if they knew your need?

[tazmom]

It's offered by the school district across town. It does require weekly commitment and will not help with transportation.

I keep thinking that I could pay for the dance class she wants with that money, but then she wouldn't get music, art, and computers that she wants to do.

I'm feeling really torn.

[heartofjoy]

How long are these classes? 6 classes at an hour each is a long day. Will T be okay with that long of a day? If you think she'll love it and thrive, then the price seems well worth it! That's a great price for all those different classes.

If you think the classes will be poor quality (or mostly classroom management) or that she won't enjoy them to the fullest, then I'd opt for the dance or gymnastics class. At 8, she's the perfect age for starting both of those.

[tazmom]

Dh, T, and I talked about it over dinner tonight. T wants to take the classes, but is feeling nervous about going to "school" once a week. I could really use some time a few hours a week without all the kids with me.

We decided that if our friends still want to carpool, she will go. If they decide to drop the program, we will too. T has to try it for a full month before she can decide if she likes it or not. If she hates it, we will pull her out.

[NovelMama]

We're in the same boat, except the problem for us is the fact that it's a nearly 40 minute drive, and our one and only car is not in the best of shape. I'd sacrifice the gas, but it's the wear and tear on the car that has me more concerned. We decided not to do it, and it's killing me, because AJ wants to go so badly. But to log that many more miles on the car every week, when we're already adding my commute to school in the fall, just seems like we're tempting fate. We can't afford another car right now.

[heartofjoy]

Originally Posted by tazmom

Dh, T, and I talked about it over dinner tonight. T wants to take the classes, but is feeling nervous about going to "school" once a week. I could really use some time a few hours a week without all the kids with me.

We decided that if our friends still want to carpool, she will go. If they decide to drop the program, we will too. T has to try it for a full month before she can decide if she likes it or not. If she hates it, we will pull her out.

Sounds like a good plan!

Originally Posted by NovelMama

We're in the same boat, except the problem for us is the fact that it's a nearly 40 minute drive, and our one and only car is not in the best of shape. I'd sacrifice the gas, but it's the wear and tear on the car that has me more concerned. We decided not to do it, and it's killing me, because AJ wants to go so badly. But to log that many more miles on the car every week, when we're already adding my commute to school in the fall, just seems like we're tempting fate. We can't afford another car right now.

I'm sorry. It's so hard to want to give our kids things that we really can't afford.