I always felt that I would eventually put Harts younger siblings in MacPherson when they were in the 9th or 10 grades and I was not really into homeschooling myself. I was very resistant about enrolling a 6th grader and a 7th grader but I knew what it was like to enroll a high school student. Van was in the 7th grade but we had held him back a year in kindergarten because his teachers said he was too distracted in the class of 35. Arbella was in the 6th grade accelerated classes.

My son and daughter had complained often about the bullies at School and my son on several occasions heard kids talking about getting drugs and getting high as well as other subjects beyond 7th grade. He really did not like it. This really concerned me and I tried to just give him advice to avoid those kids.

The last straw was a comment from my son’s math teacher at Woodford Middle School. Van wanted so bad to really understand Algebra and he just was not getting it. Van told me that the teacher would not take time to help him and that the classroom was so noisy that by the time the class was settled the teacher had no time to help him. I called and spoke to the teacher. His reply was that Van has so many questions and he has so many students that he cannot take time to stop to help him. I knew that a change must happen or Van would do horrible in high school.

Arbella loved learning, loved to read and had started picking her fingernails from nerves at school. She said the teachers are always screaming to get the kids to shut up. She has been in the gifted program always and till the 6th grade she had always loved school but now it was a big dread. Her grades were falling and since she knew about MacPherson she begged me to take her there. I took Van and Arbella out for a day to visit MacPherson. When I picked them up they were full of joy. They both said “The teachers really love to teach, please let us stay”.

That was it we did not return to Woodford Middle School and now my 6th & 7th grader are taking 9th grade curriculum. Van loves algebra because he understands it. In fact the Algebra teacher has told me that he is actually a gifted mathematician. The teachers at McPherson are all about wanting your child to understand what they are learning and to enjoy learning. They do not have to stop a class to get control of an unruly classroom. There are no bullies. I want my children to have every opportunity to reach their potential. I could not settle for what they were getting. These are not the same times that my generation was raised in. I loved my children enough to make a change that has already changed their lives and future. They can excel at their own rate even if that means faster and they are not prevented from excelling from lack of personal attention.

We found that the teachers and staff were excelllent; going above and beyond basic requirements to educate the students.  We liked the class set-up, lots of feedback and the relationship between parents, students and teachers.  I volunteered at the school as head of the parent committee and a parent consultant. The parent committee helped new families integrate into the program and we planned activities such as picnics, Fall Festivals, Valentine Dances, Awards Nights, Proms and Graduations. Even though I don't have a student in the school now, I still am on the parent committee.  I want to make sure the school lasts and is there for my grandchildren when they need it.

Jack Jr. graduated June 7, 2005 after finishing the KY Dept of Education Pre-college Curricula and being in The National Beta Club.  He now attends Maysville Community College and works full-time at Brett construction.  We would like to say to all parents who are struggling and to all students who are struggling, never be afraid to contact the teachers or staff for any questions or help. They are dedicated to helping you succeed.