Why We Pulled Our Kids Out of 4j Schools

In today's educational landscape, parents face increasingly complex decisions when it comes to choosing the right school environment for their children. As former supporters of 4J schools, our decision to withdraw our kids was not made lightly. However, a series of concerning issues ultimately led us to seek alternatives.

Why We Pulled Our Kids Out of 4J Schools

Amidst the backdrop of our journey lies a pivotal decision that reshaped our family's educational landscape: the withdrawal of our children from 4J schools. This choice was not made lightly but was born out of a culmination of concerns and experiences that led us to reassess the educational environment in which our children were immersed. From ideological clashes within the school board to a lack of transparency regarding critical decisions impacting student safety, we found ourselves increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the 4J school system.

Oversexualized Curriculum

One of the primary reasons for our departure was the discovery of an oversexualized curriculum within 4J schools. We found that certain educational materials and classroom discussions were inappropriate for the age groups they targeted. Instead of fostering a healthy learning environment, these materials often crossed boundaries, leaving us deeply uncomfortable with the content being presented to our children.

I probably don’t need to remind you of the sexual fantasy essay that made national news- an assignment that asked children who, in their class, they would do certain sexual acts with and what their sexual fantasies were. And if the kids never thought of that and had no clue what to put- don’t worry! They had a spinning wheel of sexual acts to choose from.

In middle schools at 4j, the health curriculum teaches kids how to perform oral sex, among many other sexual acts. If you ask for the curriculum, the health teachers will send you to ODE’s guidelines. If you ask for the syllabus, you will be avoided like the plague- like I was.

Indoctrination to Gender Cults

Another troubling trend we observed was the subtle indoctrination of students into various gender cults. Rather than encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue, certain ideologies were being pushed onto impressionable minds without room for dissenting opinions or alternative perspectives. Add to that:

• It’s 4j policy not to tell parents if their children are changing their names and identifying as a different gender.
• Any gender can use any bathroom depending on how they feel on any given day
• Teachers MUST prefer each kid as their preferred pronoun, even if the parents ask them not to.

What 4j Schools won't talk about are the hard facts that true gender dysphoria presents as early as 4 or 5 and almost always in boys. Additionally, most grow out of it. So this influx of children self-diagnosing with gender dysphoria is social contagion- not reality. But dare you speak this truth, you are labeled with hate. If you ask the teachers to refer to the kids as their sex- they won't. 4j teachers and staff are forced to affirm the delusion these children have no matter the permanent damage it will do.

Vaping and Substance Abuse

Shockingly, reports of vaping and substance abuse within school premises became all too common. It was disheartening to learn that some students were engaging in these risky behaviors right under the noses of faculty members. Despite efforts to curb such activities, it was evident that more needed to be done to address the underlying issues contributing to this alarming trend.

My middle schooler told me how kids hide the vape in their hoody sleeve, vape, then blow the smoke down their other sleeve- and there’s no smell, so nobody is the wiser. I know there's always been smoking in the bathrooms- but this is another level of drug use, and the secrecy and ease of it is alarming.

Pornographic Literature

Perhaps most concerning of all was the discovery that pornographic books were being assigned as reading material. As parents, we promote literature that enriches our children's minds and encourages critical thinking, not material that demeans and degrades. The fact that such content was deemed appropriate for school-aged children raised serious questions about the values being promoted within the 4J school system.

The book our son brought to our attention that made him incredibly uncomfortable was Brighter Than the Sun. In the first five pages, you have a scene where a young man is being violently bullied, yet he finds it a turn-on and gets a boner. All this teaches our kids is that violence is sexy.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Abrupt Removal of School Resource Officers

One of the most glaring examples of the 4J school board's disregard for transparency and community input was the sudden decision to remove school resource officers (SROs) from schools without warning or opportunity for public discourse. This unilateral action, taken without meaningful consultation with parents, students, or law enforcement, epitomized the board's lack of accountability and responsiveness to the concerns of stakeholders.

The removal of SROs, ostensibly in response to nationwide calls for police reform, was executed without a thorough examination of the potential ramifications for school safety and student well-being. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and evidence-based decision-making, the board opted for a hasty, politically motivated move that left many in the community feeling blindsided and vulnerable.

For parents like us, the abrupt withdrawal of SROs raised serious questions about the board's commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment for our children. Without the presence of trained law enforcement professionals on campus, concerns about school safety and emergency response protocols became even more pronounced.

Moreover, the lack of transparency surrounding this decision only served to deepen our skepticism toward the board's leadership. By bypassing established channels for public input and accountability, the board effectively silenced dissenting voices and marginalized those who sought to raise legitimate concerns about the potential consequences of their actions.

The removal of SROs epitomized the board's tendency to prioritize virtue signaling over practical considerations and community engagement. Rather than fostering a climate of trust and collaboration, the board's actions only served to exacerbate divisions and erode confidence in its ability to make sound, responsible decisions on behalf of students and families.

For us, this episode served as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the governance structure of the 4J school system. Without meaningful dialogue and genuine collaboration between all stakeholders, the board risks further alienating the very community it is meant to serve, ultimately undermining its credibility and effectiveness in fulfilling its core mission of advancing public education.

Back To Our Roots- Homeschool

Transitioning to homeschooling was a seamless process for us, having already been deeply involved in our children's education during their elementary years. Our 17-year-old successfully completed high school a year ahead of schedule, a testament to the effectiveness of homeschooling in fostering academic excellence and self-directed learning. Meanwhile, our middle schooler thrives in a classical education homeschool co-op, where critical thinking, science, cartography, Latin, math, and, of course, fun, are central to the curriculum.

Our eldest has discovered a passion for music, dedicating countless hours to mastering the piano and guitar. With plans to attend Lane Community College's music program through the Oregon Promise grant, he is poised for success and fulfillment in his chosen field. Equally important, he possesses a strong sense of identity and purpose, unburdened by the uncertainties that often plague teenagers navigating their formative years.

Similarly, our middle schooler is flourishing academically and intellectually, participating in a young American leadership homeschool co-op and excelling in his classical education studies. With aspirations of becoming a lawyer, he demonstrates a remarkable aptitude for logical reasoning and critical analysis, traits that will serve him well in his future endeavors.

Despite the initial apprehension and uncertainties that accompanied our decision to homeschool, we have found that our family has grown closer and more connected than ever before. Our boys, once confined to the traditional school schedule and routine, now have the freedom to explore their interests and passions fully. And while they may have left behind the familiarity of public school and school friends, they have gained a newfound sense of confidence, independence, and fulfillment.

To parents grappling with similar concerns about the state of public education, we offer our heartfelt encouragement and support. While the decision to homeschool or explore alternative educational options may seem daunting, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Whether it be homeschooling, private school, or participation in homeschool co-ops, there are countless avenues available to provide your children with the enriching, nurturing educational experience they deserve.

Remove Your Kids From 4j Schools, Now

We echo the sentiment shared earlier: Pull your kids out of 4J school—you won't regret it. Embrace the journey of homeschooling or seek out alternative educational opportunities that align with your family's values and aspirations. Your children's future is too important to leave to chance, and with dedication and determination, you can provide them with the best possible education in a safe and supportive environment.