I didn't go to middle school but moved to a new town before i started Grade 7. I left all my friends and classmates I'd grown up with. I think that is difficult on all children with or without TS. I think the social aspect of school is important. I wasn't treated any differently from my siblings in my home so it helped me build confidance to walk out on my own and form my own relationships. I didn't feel "different" because of TS. Some kids did make the odd comment but I was able to see they were just being mean and rude and they didn't really know me. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Your daughter sounds allot like me growing up. I had maybe one kinda friend. I wasn't shy or anything, and people didn't tease me about my tuner's. Or really my height, they didn't know, and I wasn't that short. But like you said by 5-6 grade people are in clicks and if your not already friends your more then likely won't be later on. It didn't help that it was a very small school, not allot of friend options. Most people if not everyone went to the same high school as well. I was so glad that my parents got divorced and couldn't afford to send me to the private high school that my siblings went to. It was so nice to go to public and nobody had any preconceived notions about me. It was a blank slate. I did make a friend and liked the school but I had to leave in 10 grad because of a move. Didn't really like the second school. But in all honestly I would really have liked being home schooled the whole way. I really didn't miss all that much. I wish when I was growing up being Home schooled was even possible. As long as she has friends in the area and a sport she can make friends in as well as girl scouts troops. She should be fine. My parent's didn't do that for me. If it's doable money wise there are Tuner summer camps! it would be great for her to be friends with another tuner girl. That is going to be so important for her. Regardless if you send her to regular school if she has friends from other places like summer camps, sports, troops. It will help her. It really should be her decision. However she could try it and see if she likes it. And if she doesn't like the school you can always home school her. Sorry if this is long but I just feel that not everyone get's a whole lot out of going to school, in the social sense. I've known kids who were home schooled and there just fine. Some travel live abroad etc. I hope this helped a little. I'm here if I can help anymore.

I went to public school and was also mainstreamed except for math.i would say its going to be hard for her socially it was for me because i felt different and sometimes would here comments from other people. I think she is going to do ok.

I totally don't go with home-schooling as a way to cope with the possibility of bullying or isolation. Your daughter will always have to face a multitude of different people, and actively removing her from people and their positive and negative company will only teach her to fear this contact. Fear of the unknown is the worst fear of all, and I know that parents just want to protect their little ones, but ultimately, you can't shield her. How many friends will she make if she stays home with you? How will she know what to expect from her adult life if she has little social basis now? What will encourage her to grow socially, if not the place where most people form their first real friends?

If private school is going to be too much of a financial burden, don't push yourself into it. If you stress to pay for it, your daughter will pick up on this, and guilt could make her self esteem even worse.

Middle school will give her an excellent opportunity to reinvent herself and gain confidence. Before the new term, HAVE FUN helping her adopt a new look, be it a change of hairstyle, new clothes, age-appropriate of make-up (think little lip balms or clear mascara), whatever takes her fancy. This will build excitement for the new term, and will give her the chance to mirror her peers with her choices, to allow her to feel more like she fits in. Allow her to use these as crutches for a while, give her the confidence to make new connections.

I did this for myself at the age of 11 going into secondary school (I am Irish, so we don't have middle school). I sun-lightened my hair, got a bag similar to the ones that I saw the bigger, popular girls carrying and got cute new glasses, ready for my big new school. These objects didn't change me, but they gave me the tools neccessary to bolster my own confidence and change my fate. I made fabulous, clever friends, and my confidence skyrocketed. I became chatty, popular and vibrant overnight. These days, I am part of so many clubs, societies and such thay it is dizzying! :D I adore my university and have lots of very dear friends who love me for me. Don't let your daughter miss this opportunity to make a change and be brave. Good luck in your decision. XxX

Thanks everyone for your insight. I believe she does need to be in some kind of social situation. Whether private school or regular school, I don't know yet. But I appreciate everyone's advice; it has helped me to see all sides of the situation.

Hey Shannon, I hope your daughter is doing well. Going to a public school can be difficult, but see what your daughter wants. Both home schooling and public school has its positives and negatives. Every public school differs, and the student in each school as well. I went to public school, and it benefitedme the most. I got the chance to prove myself in school, and work harder in order to overcome my math difficulty. By doing this it gave me a sense of confidence, and made me relize that I will not let TS hold me back. I agree its hard for TS girls to make close friends, but after awhile I had made lots of aquaitences in school, and even two close friends. As far as the teasing, it was hard but it made me stronger as well. I agree with Storyscribe,about Turners camp and girl scouts. Extraciricular activities are important especially for TS girls because it keeps us busy, and doesn't give us time to think about the teasing at school if it occurs. But whatever you choose im sure it will benefit your daughter, and she will have the support of you and your family.