BUM DEAL?

A few years ago Arkansas Department of education started a program that would allow children to attend public schools from their own home.  It became known as ARVA. Through last year I had been at two different doctors appointments and ran into families using the system and they really were greatly impressed with the program.  We also had a couple of friends (or friends of friends) who had been using the program.  So this year we looked into it. We found that through ARVA a child is allowed to go at their own pace, a teacher would not come into the home unless requested, they would pay for a 'PE' class, and some cost of internet. It seemed fantastic and a great possibility for us to keep our boys, especially Alex,  up in school.  So we signed up.  Because of the demand of the program and the fact there is only 500 places available, there is a lottery to place students. We originally were going to only enroll Alex, but at the last minute, decided that we should enroll Diego just in case something came up.  


Three days ago we got the call.  It was an automated call and the only thing it said was that our child was on the waiting list.  It did not tell us which child or what spot.  So I called around trying to find out what our status was and they told us that with in 48 hours we would receive a call with just that information.  How's that for SUSPENSE. Anyhow, today I found out that there were only 85 open spots of the 500 open for this year; Alex is number 47 on the waiting list and I was told his chances of getting a spot, even by the end of next year, is slim to none.  Diego, on the other hand is number 3.  We can't even switch their spots in line.  So it looks like we need to brace ourselves for another year of Bentonville Public schools (which would not be a bad thing for your average student or even your average special needs student). Who knows maybe its a blessing in disguise totally camouflaged beyond my imagination. We must wait and watch!!