As I gently rocked my infant daughter to sleep, tears streamed down my face. I mourned for all those affected by the tragedy at STEM Highlands Ranch—students, parents, teachers, and families. I wept for the children who now grow up believing that school shootings are just part of life.
Another day, another senseless shooting, all because we can’t seem to enact stricter gun laws to safeguard our children. This particular incident struck a nerve, as it was merely a 20-minute drive from my home. We know several families whose kids attend that school, and we anxiously waited for updates to learn that they were safe. The dread of uncertainty was palpable, and I never want to experience that as a parent.
Although my eldest child isn’t yet school-aged, with two years left before kindergarten, I find myself faced with a monumental choice. Just last week, I was excited to consider STEM Highlands Ranch for my son, who thrives on building and science projects. Now, however, the thought of sending my children to any school—public or private—fills me with dread. The terrifying prospect of not knowing if they’ll return home at the end of the day is simply unfathomable.
Homeschooling was never on my radar until recently. In the past, schools felt like safe havens; I remember my own experience during the Columbine lockdown, watching the events unfold on TV. Back then, the idea of a mass shooting in a place meant for children seemed unimaginable. Now, it seems as if no one and no place is exempt from such violence.
I feel powerless to influence government action on gun control or school safety. I’ve reached out to my local representatives and Congress, pleading for change. Yet, my cries go unheard. As a result, homeschooling has become my only viable option for ensuring my children’s safety from the threat of school violence. Many parents share this sentiment, feeling lost and desperate for solutions.
Homeschooling is not an easy path nor the one I had hoped for. However, it would alleviate the anxiety my children feel each day when they leave for school: the worry of whether they’ll see their family again. I refuse to live in fear that a goodbye could be the last. Sadly, homeschooling appears to be my only recourse at this point.
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In summary, the rise in school shootings has forced many parents like me to reconsider their children’s education, often leading to the choice of homeschooling as a means of ensuring safety. The emotional toll of worrying about school violence weighs heavily on families, prompting a search for alternatives in an increasingly uncertain world.