Home Schooling Yes or No? I would like to hear some input from home schooled students.?

Question

As well as parents that do the home schooling. Pro's and Con's please.

We live in California, San Bernardino Unified School District

My 9th grade son came home from school and said he thinks he would like that.

Answer 1

I can speak for my daughter..who is 12..she never wants to return to regular school. Now of course that may change as time passes and that is fine too. But for the reasons we made the decision and to see the positive outcome thus far, we both agree it has been worth it.



From a Mom's point of view...



Pros...

Knowing your child is getting individulized attention and working at his or her own pace.



Knowing your child is in a safe and loving enviroment.



Knowing that your child may be recieving a more rounded education that many schools are able to provide due to budget issues and testing crunches.



Being with your child everyday, sharing the joys of learning and watching them become the person they want to.



The freedom to have your child involved in more activities. School work is done much faster and there isn't homework, so once school is over, your child can play with friends, participate in sports, have more time for family activites.



The Cons...



Loosing out on your own freedom and the quiet time you may enjoy while the kids are in school. In many ways, it can be like having a small child all over again...you really aren't alone very much! You're child is always with you.



The added pressure of being both teacher and parent. It isn't always easy when they simply don't want to do the work.



The financial changes it can bring. I gave up my FT job to homeschool. I was fortunate enough to be able to work PT from home and on weekends, but the cut in money was a sting. Plus, curriculums aren't necessarily cheap!



Dealing with the often negative opinions of people who haven't been exposed to homeschooled children. It can get old defending your choices to family and friends



My advice is to take time to talk about reasons, explore the impact homeschooling can have on your life and your family's, look into the rules for your state. Once you decide to begin, find homeschool groups or associations in your area and use all the resources they have to offer...advice, curriculum ideas, opportunities for moms and kids to socialize together and seperately. Keep your kids involved with friends from their old school and invite those friends to join in homeschool activities if you can. And be sure to take time just for you...15 minutes alone a day, an afternoon every other weekend, etc. If you don't take care of you, you'll burn out and homeschooling will become a chore. Good luck!

Answer 2

First, try to find a homeschooling support group for California and check more into the laws surrounding homeschooling. I'm pretty sure that through your district is NOT the only option for earning a high school diploma. See what else is possible.



Second, explore your sons reasons. Decide if they make sense. Talk with other homeschoolers where you live, especially those dealing with high school. Some may be using charter schools or online programs not associated with their districts. Get a sense of what it would be like.



Personally, I love homeschooling. It is a lot of work, but it's so worth it. My kids are spending most of their time in a better environment than they would be in school, they are working at their pace instead of the teacher's imposed pace, they still get together with friends regularly and more.



EDITED TO ADD: I've figured out that you're not talking about basic homeschooling, but independent study. You do not have to do the independent study route to educate your son at home. And obviously, if he's going for a high school diploma, he can't do it all by independent study where you live. Look into other possibilities!

Answer 3

I'm 19 and I was homeschool until I was 14.



If you are going to homeschool make sure you stick with it and don't let your kids take advantage of you because you're "mum".



I think it's done me a lot of good. I was bought up in the country with no TV... and I'm a better person because of it. We used to ride our motorbike and explore the countryside... I was fitter and healthier when I was younger, thats for sure.



I am also a very good speller and I love books and reading, much more so than TV or movies, which has come about from having no TV when I was young; I was forced to either play outside or read a book.



I'll be honest with you: My mum was a pretty slack teacher and I did almost no schooling for about a year. However when I went to highschool I still did fine, mainly because I had already learned the basics, e.g reading maths english that sort of thing.



I have so many memories of my childhood that I know that I wouldnt have if I had gone to a public school and I think it has changed my life for the better.



As an adult that was educated from home, I would highly recommend it.



Just make sure you send them to a secondary school so they can make friends and get social skills :)

Answer 4

I have been homeschooled for 7 years now. I'm a senior in high school and I enjoy home schooling. Yes I don't get to socialize as much, but for one thing I live on a dirt road and the only young person around is my next door neighbor, but for other kids who live in a neighborhood they probably get to socialize a bit more than me. But home schooling is great. Plus with all these shootings and other things that's been happening at schools, I am definately planning on home schooling my kids when i do have kids (if I do). Plus this year my mom ordered me a math that will help me to know how it'll be in the "real world".

I say you should home school, but that is not my decision to make.

I will pray that you will make the choice that your heart is telling you to make and I will pray that everything will go good for you.

God Bless You.

Answer 5

You know what? All these people that say homeschooled kids have no friends and social skills....they don't have a CLUE what they are talking about. Your son has friends now, yes? Well who says he can't still be friends with them if he's schooling at home? There are ways to socialize if you are homeschooled. My kids have a very LARGE social circle...and none of them are having oral sex parties and doing drugs and smoking.



Ivy League colleges (and many others) actively recruit homeschooled kids, because they know those kids have a high standard of education.



My recommendation would be to start with www.hslda.org to find out all the legal stuff.



Then find a support group in your area (your library may be able to help you there).



Good luck!

Answer 6

After 5 years of public school my son is home schooled this year.We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and the doctor immediately pick up on the difference in my son.At the end of last school year he could not do simple addition now he is multiplying.The doc said he was impressed. I am so glad we made the decision to home school. It was well worth it.

Answer 7

i am homeschooled and was in plublic school. i like both of them for diffrent reasons. you should try homechooling with him. and theres this online school called connections academy and you dont have to be the teacher. all the asignments are shown so you dont have to look for school work for him to do. you dont have to buy the books they will send you books. but it takes a while for the enrollment process. and he can talk to friends and on the message boards that they have for connections academy students. if you dont have a computer for him at home then you can ask for them to send you a free computer. just search connections academy on yahoo or google.

Answer 8

I'm in my second year of public school so if you want your son to have no friends what so ever home school him

Answer 9

I was homeschooled for a while and loved it, but it is just impossible to get the academics you get at a regular school, so if he wants to get into a selective college it's a bad idea

Answer 10

i'm not homeschooled but my best friend is

she has become antisocial ...so to speak....she doesnt want to do any activities with friends or anything.....she is VERY behind on her academic things (i think that would depend on the parent)

but even the parent did an excellent job...you dont get the social skills and the skills that you need in life for dealing with uncomfortable situations....and what about clubs etc?

Answer 11

i am being home schooled, i didn't know that i can only home school one high school year!

yes definitely home school your son!

Answer 12

The Legality of Homeschooling: Complying with California Law

There are as many ways to homeschool as there are homeschooling families, and there are numerous legal options to choose when determining the best educational option for your children. We hope this brief overview of your options will make the first step of the journey easier. We welcome you as you join us on this exciting voyage.



We have prepared the information about legal issues on this site solely for the purpose of providing general information concerning laws applicable to homeschooling. The information in this site is not intended to be legal advice or an advertisement for legal services. You should not rely on any information contained in this or any other site discussing legal matters without retaining qualified legal counsel to determine whether the information is current and how it applies to your particular circumstances. We do not become your attorney just because you have accessed this site or simply because you have sent us an e-mail. We do not through this site seek to represent anyone in a jurisdiction where this site may fail to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that jurisdiction. We are not responsible in any manner for information in any site with which this site is linked. http://www.hsc.org/chaos/legal/

http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/california.php



http://unschoolers.com/california.html

Support Groups

Adventist Home Educator

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.adventisthomeducator.org

It is the prayer and purpose of The Adventist Home Educator that all who need information, encouragement and support for Adventist home education will find it through the ministry of AHE. Consider AHE to be the support group that you can't find anywhere else ~ SDA parents in Christ sharing with each other in an understanding that only a few have.



Antelope Valley RoseRock Homeschool Group

http://antelopevalley.roserock.org

We are an inclusive group of homeschoolers based in the Antelope Valley, California. We are located about 1 hour north of Los Angeles. The Antelope Valley includes the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Littlerock, Pearblossom, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Leona Valley, Elizabeth Lake, Quartz Hill, Antelope Acres & more. We have members from Tehachapi, California City, Lake Hughes and other surrounding areas. We get together for park days, field trips, potlucks, crafts, swap meets, hikes, skating, sports days, monthly birthday celebrations and more!



Association of Christian Home Educators of Ventura County (ACHEV)

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.achev.org

We have gathered together to support and encourage those who desire to educate their children at home. We have purposed that this organization and all its activities and publications will be consistently and forthrightly Christian, to the honor and glory of our Lord God.



Bayshore Homeschoolers

Email: [e-mail]

Email: [e-mail]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.bayshoreeducational.com/homeschoolers.html

A support group in Long Beach open to all homeschoolers (or those interested), regardless of faith, ethnicity, lifestyle and/or philosophy of education. The homeschoolers involved in this group follow various paths from families who file the R-4 to those enrolled in public programs and other private ISPs.



California Homeschool Association

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.californiahomeschool.net

A statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of parents to educate their children.



Christian Family Schools of San Diego

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.cfssd.org

Christian Family Schools of San Diego is made up of individual home-educating families, most of whom meet in CFS associated groups identified by the community in which they reside. CFS is located in San Diego County and is one of the top 25 largest home school organizations in the nation.



Christian Home Education

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.christianhomeeducation.org

We are a group of Christian homeschooling parents who desire to help "Considering Homeschooling" parents with the resources and information that will allow them to fulfill God's desire in the education of their children. We are here to provide inspiration and encouragement to Christians Considering Homeschooling through fellowship, prayer and resources made available through our monthly meetings and this website.



Christian Home Educators Association of California

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.cheaofca.org

A non-profit ministry established in 1982 to provide information, support, and training to the home education community throughout the state.



Christian Home Educators of Humbolt County

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.humboldt.net/%7Edouger/che/che_home.html

A membership organization offering fellowship and support for private home school families. We have groups based in Eureka, Arcata/ McKinleyville, Fortuna and Garberville. We are a member of the state-wide CHEA (Christian Home Educators Assoc. of Calif. Inc.) Support Network.



Conejo Valley Homeschoolers

http://www.cvhomeschoolers.org

A secular homeschool support group based in Ventura County, California. We are accepting of all home school styles and religious faiths.



Culver Westchester Homeschool Network

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.geocities.com/djjhp/CWHNmain.htm

We are a network of homeschooling families centered in Culver City, Westchester, Playa del Rey and nearby areas of Los Angeles.



Desert Home Educators Association

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.angelfire.com/ak5/dhea_info

A support group located at Edwards Air Force Base. Our mission is to provide support, encouragement, information, and organized group activities for all member home-educating families.



Families for Him Homeschool Support Group

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.familiesforhim.com

A homeschooling support group to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, homemakers, and teachers. We are located in the Fremont-Milpitas area of Northern California.



Home Educators' Resource Center - Bakersfield

Email: [e-mail]

http://herc.atsecure.net

The purpose of the Home Educators' Resource Center is to operate in partnership with concerned and dedicated home schooling families, to make available to the home schooling community educational and motivational resources, which otherwise may be difficult to obtain as individual home schooling families.



Homelearners Physical Education & Nutrition (Hpen)

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.geocities.com/hpen01

An inclusive group of home school families in the Rancho Cucamonga area who learn all about strength, flexibility, endurance, team sports, nutrition, motor skills development and much more.



Homeschool Association of California

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.hsc.org

The HomeSchool Association of California:

*Honors the diversity of homeschoolers

*Supports and promotes the entire spectrum of homeschooling

*Provides information

*Monitors and influences legislation

*Offers opportunities for families to get together

*Empowers families to make the choices that respect the rights, needs, and aspirations of their children

HSC welcomes anyone with an interest in homeschooling.



Homeschool Garden

http://www.homeschoolgarden.org

Homeschool Garden is committed to supporting families in an environment where they can discover, flourish, and grow together. We are a resource for parents and future parents, through our workshops, parenting classes, family daycare, and homeschooling cooperative. Located in Studio City.



Homeschooling in Orange County, CA

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.ochomeschooling.com

Homeschooling resources website for the Orange County area.



Homeschooling Park Hoppers

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.parkhoppers.org

We are an all inclusive homeschooling park day group that meets weekly in parks located throughout Santa Clara County, CA.



Home School San Diego

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.homeschoolsandiego.org

This site is dedicated to keeping people informed of the opportunities and services available to home schoolers in the San Diego area.



Inland Empire Catholic Homeschoolers

Email: [e-mail]

http://home.earthlink.net/~i-e-catholic-homeschoolers

We are a Catholic Homeschooling Support Group in the Inland Empire area in California. We serve Corona, Norco, Ontario, Guasti, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Fontana, Upland, San Bernardino, and the surrounding areas including, but not limited to, Claremont, Pomona, Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, and Orange County.



LDS Homeschooling in California

Email: [e-mail]

http://ldshomeschoolinginca.org

The LDS Homeschooling in California Website was created to help Latter-day Saint homeschoolers who live in California to find each other, but has developed into a resource for homeschoolers everywhere.



Liahona Homeschool Support Group

Email: [e-mail]

http://ochomeschooling.com/liahona

The Liahona Homeschool Support Group was started in 1988 to provide an organized opportunity for Latter-day Saint homeschooling families in Orange County, California to meet together. Since that time, we have continued to meet every Wednesday for field trips, park days, and other activities.



Local Homeschool Support Group Database

Email: [e-mail]

http://localhs.com

Local homeschool support groups are geographically listed and searchable. This directory auto-populates (upon approval), thus it is updated continuously to provide the most current results. New groups are added on a daily basis, so check back often.



Mendocino Homeschoolers

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.mendohomeschoolers.org

We provide a moderated mailing list for homeschoolers in Mendocino County. This list is all-inclusive, meaning that it is offered to all homeschoolers, whatever their teaching styles, spiritual beliefs, political convictions, or other distinctions. Most of us in the initial group live on the coast around Mendocino and Fort Bragg, but we would like to invite inland Mendocino homeschoolers to join as well. This is a forum on which we can all share information on local homeschooling events, field trips, classes, workshops, park days, and social occasions, as well as a place for homeschooling parents to find other homeschooling families and support each other in the education of our children.



Reliable Answers - Homeschooling Information

Email: [e-mail]

http://reliableanswers.com/hs/

Basic homeschooling information on how to get started on your homeschool journey. Links to legal information.



Riverside Area Home Learners

Email: [e-mail]

http://rahl.org

A group of families who actively support alternate learning situations and who believe that everyone, young and old, should be treated with dignity and respect.



Sacramento Council of Parent Educators (SCOPE)

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.scopehome.org

A non-profit Christian organization established in 1984. We exist to provide information, support, encouragement and training to Christian, private, independent home educators in the greater Sacramento area.



Sacramento Homeschool Meetup Group

http://homeschool.meetup.com/14/

Sacramento Homeschool Meetup Group is a support group for Christian homeschooling mothers and their children. We meet up for Field Trips, Crafts, Park Days, Skating, Bowling, and more! FREE MEMBERSHIP! Sponsored by Gateway to Knowledge.



Sacramento Unschooling Network (SUNetwork)

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.sunetwork.com

SUN's purpose is to provide a way for unschoolers in the Sacramento area to find and meet each other, share information, support and inspiration about unschooling, and to serve as a forum for announcing area events and activities of potential interest.



San Francisco Homeschoolers

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.sfhomeschoolers.org

An inclusive group of homeschooling families in San Francisco. We meet for weekly park days and other events.



SDP HomeScholars of Southern California

Email: [e-mail]

http://sdphomescholar.tripod.com

This is a Secular, Diverse and Progressive Homeschool Support group in Southern California. Here, you will find all types of personalities, cultures, lifestyles and homeschool methods.



South Bay F.R.E.E. (Family Resources Education for Excellence) Scholars

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.geocities.com/freescholars

We are a loosely structured all-inclusive support group for current or future homeschoolers. We warmly welcome families of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. We meet each Tuesday afternoon at parks throughout the South Bay Area and sponsor a variety of educational and social activities. SBFS provides an opportunity to reinforce your own home education efforts while encouraging other homeschool families. Parks are usually in Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, or Campbell.



South Bay Homeschool Network

http://www.sbhn.50megs.com

A support group for families who are homeschooling their children in or around the South Bay area of Los Angeles.



South Orange County Home Schooling Group

Email: [e-mail]

http://skylane.kjsl.com/~soc-hs

Our purpose is to support the children in this life-long learning process, while having respect for each families' educational style and parenting beliefs regardless of religious or political views.



The Tri-Valley Explorers

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.trivalleyexplorers.com

A member run, all-inclusive support group for homeschooling families in the Tri-Valley Area of California. We welcome all homeschoolers from Livermore to Concord and beyond to join us.



T.O.R.C.H. (Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes) of the East Bay

Email: [e-mail]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.home-ed.net/torch

A support group for Catholic homeschoolers in the East Bay, near San Francisco, California. Our members live all over the Diocese of Oakland and beyond.



Valley Home Educators

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.valleyhomeeducators.org

An alliance of parents in the Central Valley who educate their families at home and have a desire to:

*Provide a practical, usable service to the local homeschool community.

*Provide an easily accessible avenue for examination of curricula and related items of interest.

*Provide informative speakers on a broad spectrum of homeschooling issues and related areas of home life.

*And ultimately, edify the body of Christ!



Welcome Homeschoolers

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.welcomehomeschoolers.com

A support group for homeschooling families from Redwood City to San Francisco. Our purpose is to offer support, information and encouragement to homeschoolers and those interested in homeschooling.



Woodland Area Christian Home Educators (WACHE)

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.w-a-c-h-e.org

A support group for Christian home educators in Woodland, CA and surrounding areas.

Cover & Charter Schools

Arbor Academy

P.O. Box 3381

Thousand Oaks, CA 91359

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.arboracademy.com

Arbor Academy offers families the resources and guidance to encourage your young learner to become a life long learner. Home independent study nurtures autonomous development, independence, and increased self-esteem. Arbor Academy offers support through the entire process. From basic record keeping with the security and independence of a private school, to a custom designed curriculum with oversight, depending on your family's needs, Arbor Academy is the right choice. At Arbor Academy each and every family has an open line of support and guidance.



BayShore School & Educational

P.O. Box 13038

Long Beach, CA 90803

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.bayshoreeducational.com

BayShore School's philosophy is to empower each family so that they may develop the best approach to nurturing their children's education. We do not require nor do we provide a specific curriculum. Rather we are available to assist families to meet the individual needs of each child while staying within the parameters set forth by the California Education Code. Standardized testing is not required for enrolled students.



Boston School

P.O. Box 708

Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.bostonschool.org/schoolinformation.html

Boston School supplies a typical course of study for member families. This course of study outlines the common concepts generally offered at each grade level. Members may then use standard textbooks, computer programs, materials from home, community and library or other alternative sources to present these concepts to their students. Record keeping forms and instructions are provided to member families. Record keeping is simple but provides a solid outline of materials and concepts covered during the year.



Branford Grove School

P.O. Box 341172

Arleta, CA 91334

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.branfordgrove.com

Branford Grove School is a private school in the state of California. We provide online families with the opportunity to participate in an independent study program which allows the student to obtain a living education.



Branson Academy, Inc.

P.O. Box 326

Aromas, CA 95004

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.bransonacademy.net

Owned and operated by a veteran homeschooling mom. We understand the unique dynamics of home education and the need for a flexible independent study program. Our K-12 ISP meets the legal educational option of enrolling in a private school and still lets you choose your own curriculum and materials. We offer a traditional or accelerated high school diploma program and a K-12 Instructional package filled with outstanding resources and information. Record-keeping, transcripts, and other support services also included.



California Virtual Academies (CAVA)

2360 Shasta Way, Unit B

Simi Valley, CA 93065

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email:[e-mail]

http://www.caliva.org

The California Virtual Academies are a network of virtual public charter schools, founded in the summer of 2002, that blend innovative new instructional technology with a traditional curriculum for students all across California. The charters are sponsored by the Spencer Valley School District in San Diego County; Armona Union Elementary School District in Kings County; Maricopa Unified School District in Kern County; Jamestown School District in Tuolumne County; Liberty Elementary School District in Sonoma County; and Burlingame Elementary School District in San Mateo County.



Choice 2000 On-Line School

11 South D Street

Perris, CA 92570

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.choice2000.org

Choice 2000 is a completely on-line school. The instructional platform utilized by Choice is interactive. Students attend classes daily at set times. Lessons are presented both visually and verbally. Students and teachers are able to interact directly in this virtual environment, hearing and answering questions and participating in discussions of what appears on the screen. In addition to meeting standard curriculum requirements, students also learn advanced computer skills. The average class size at Choice is 25.



Cold River Academy

983 Thomasson Lane

Paradise, California 95969

Phone: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

http://www.geocities.com/coldriveracademy

We are a secular private school that offers a homeschooling cover program for students throughout California. We are also experienced homeschoolers who are dedicated to educating our own children, and helping others homeschool with confidence and peace of mind.



Connecting Waters Charter School

219 North Reinway

Waterford, CA 95386

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.connectingwaters.org/

The mission of CWCS is to: Empower a community of parents, students, and teachers to create learning opportunities which will develop accountable, responsible, and contributing members of society who are independent, life-long learners.



C.O.R.E. (Community Options for Resources in Education) - The Camptonville Academy

848 Gold Flat Rd., Suite 3

Nevada City, CA 95959

Phone: [phone]

Toll free: 866-coretca or [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Accounting Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.coretca.org

CORE @ TCA, in order to foster the educational pursuits of our K-12 students in rural Northern California, utilizes the personalized learning/independent study approach: supporting development through choice of curriculum aligned with state standards, engaging parents along with students in learning and offering classes at our centers and within the community with the goal that students will demonstrate measurable academic growth in addition to the social skills necessary for their future success.



Eagle's Peak Charter School

981 Vale Terrace Dr.

Vista, CA 92084

Phone: [phone]

Toll Free: 866-806-3200

Fax: [phone]

http://www.eaglespeak.org

Eagles Peak is a Public Charter School that operates within Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego County. We currently enroll 2,250 students. Our program's philosophy is built on three aspects:

1. Direct parent involvement

2. Abundant learning programs and opportunities

3. An individualized curriculum approach to learning



Excellence in Education

2640-A7 S. Myrtle Ave.

Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

http://www.excellenceineducation.com

This program is designed to take the hassle out of homeschooling. You can tailor the program to meet your own needs. Our goal is to help you and your child achieve the highest standard possible while enjoying the entire educational process. We specialize in a less formal approach and encourage creative and fun activities. Our ISP is also designed to minimize the amount of required paperwork. We realize that most homeschool parents really do not want to spend endless hours doing reports and attending a large number of meetings. e have geared the program to provide individual counseling where required and the0 leeway for the parents to create their own unique homeschool style to best serve their children.



Folsom Cordova K-8 Community Charter School

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.fcusd.k12.ca.us/CharterWeb/

Our mission is to support parents who have chosen to provide home schooling opportunities for their children. Your values and dedication to providing the best individualized learning environment for your student is the foundation of the Charter School.



Fresno Sunnyside Christian Academy, ISP

1919 South Bundy Drive

Fresno, CA 93727

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.sunnysidechristianacademy.org

Fresno Sunnyside Christian Academy, ISP is a private independent study program (ISP) for Christian home educators in the Fresno/Madera/Clovis/Sanger areas of Central California. We offer long distance enrollment to any California home educator in their third year or later of homeschooling. We provide a variety of services for our member families for a very affordable annual registration fee.



Horizon Instructional Systems

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 489000

Lincoln, CA 95648-9000

Location:

2800 Nicolaus Rd., Ste. 100

Lincoln, CA 95648-9660

Phone Toll Free: 800-338-8003

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.hiscs.org

The mission of Horizon Instructional Systems Charter School is to provide quality education to K-12 students of all abilities, diverse cultures and beliefs by building upon the unique, individual strengths of each student. Horizon Instructional Systems Charter School will provide parent-driven educational opportunities in partnership with highly qualified, credentialed Educational Specialists. Each student will have access to a comprehensive, broad array of learning choices and educational pathways which maximize individual learning potential and result in life-long learners who are productive and responsible citizens in their communities.



Julian Charter School

PO Box 1780

1704 Cape Horn Ave.

Julian, CA 92036

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

http://www.juliancharterschool.org

The school employs teachers who are state-credentialed educators within the State of California to work with parents and students to design an individual instruction plan that fits the students’ learning style and educational goals. Student instructional programs may be designed to prepare the student to enter the work force or continue their education at a college of their choice. This school is publicly funded and fully credentialed to confer high school diplomas by the State of California and the Julian School District. We serve students in San Diego County, and three counties contiguous to San Diego County: Imperial County, Orange County, and Riverside County.



Kolbe Academy

2501 Oak Street

Napa, CA 94559

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.kolbe.org

Kolbe Academy Home School is an orthodox Catholic and classical home school program for grades K-12. Kolbe Academy cooperates in the order of grace to assist those in its charge to know, love, and serve God.



Mountain Oaks School

Amador Site

P.O. Box 511

Pine Grove CA 95665

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]



San Andreas Site

P.O. Box 1209

San Andreas CA. 95249

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Tuolumne Site

PO Box 4574

Sonora CA 95670

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.mountainoaks.org

This school was established in 1994 in order to assist and help home-schooling families, and opened in 2003 as a Charter School. Three resource centers in three counties (Calaveras, Amador, and Tuolumne) have been established for children and parents to find books, videos, and other materials; to learn about and use computers; to network with other families; to attend workshops and to meet with credentialed mentor teachers supportive of home schooling.



Mountains Christian Academy

PO Box 1004

Twin Peaks, CA 92391

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.mountainschristian.com

Mountains Christian Academy has been established as an independent private school to enable enrolled homeschooling families to freely pursue their God given mandate to educate their own children. Mountains Christian Academy serves to mentor, encourage, and to provide support to enrolled homeschooling families towards this goal.



Natomas Charter School

4600 Blackrock Drive

Sacramento, CA 95835

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.natomascharter.org

The Natomas Unified School Board approved a community-based charter school in the Spring of 1993. All Natomas Charter School programs are open to students, whether they reside within or outside of the Natomas Unified School District.



Plumas Charter School

2288 East Main Street

Quincy, CA 95971

Toll-free: 1-888-509-4146

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.plumascharterschool.org

Plumas Charter School is an independent, public charter school whose mission is to serve homeschooling families throughout Plumas, Butte, Lassen, and Sierra counties. If you are currently homeschooling or considering educating your child at home, you need not be alone. Plumas Charter School offers you a staff of California state credentialed teachers with extensive experience in homeschooling as well as a community of homeschooling families to access and enjoy. We also understand that hometeaching philosophies, styles and needs vary greatly. Plumas Charter School is ready to support your program in many different ways.



School of Choice

3800 Blackford Ave.

San Jose, CA 95117

Phone: [phone]

http://www.schoolofchoice.com/academy/homeschool.html

Our Mission: The School of Choice actively engages gifted students in rigorous scholarship while developing their aesthetic and athletic talents; their successes build confidence which, in turn, raises expectations and boosts results. Supportive instructors teach a classical curriculum which helps students to persevere and to mature into responsible, creative leaders -- successful adults who have learned integrity and wisdom, who have learned to live passionately as they work and lead others with justice and compassion. Academic accountability systems, computer technology and after-school assistance help students to pass exams and obtain college credit while still in high school, and to qualify for the finest universities.



Sycamore Academy Home School

2179 Meyer Place

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Phone: [phone]

http://www.sycamoretree.com/school.htm

Our purpose is to provide an alternative educational program, enabling parents to teach their children at home. By providing educational materials and strategic assistance, our goal is to give parents greater control over the development of their child's character and the building of a firm foundation in basic skills.



Twin Ridges Home Study Charter School

P.O. Box 529

No. San Juan, CA 95960

Phone: [phone]

Toll-free: 888-896-HOME

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.twinridgeshomestudy.org

The Twin Ridges Home Study Charter School is founded on a community and family-centered approach to home schooling. Modeled on our long-standing and successful independent study program in North San Juan, we value parent input and strive to maintain flexibility of program.



Valley Oak Charter School

105 E. Topa Topa Street

Ojai, CA 93023

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.valleyoakcharter.org

Valley Oak families choose, plan and participate in independent learning activities during the week, parents work in the classroom on a rotating basis (approximately one day every eight weeks). As part of an Independent Study program, learning activities are to be documented by parents and presented to the teacher weekly along with student work samples. The teacher meets with the families (periodically throughout the semester) to offer feedback, give support, and act as a resource. Valley Oak supports various styles of homeschooling, according to each family's unique way of learning.



Visions in Education

4800 Manzanita Ave, Suite 7

Carmichael, CA 95608

Phone: [phone]

http://www.viedu.org

Visions In Education (VIE) is a charter school that provides educational services to two different student populations, home school and independent study. VIE serves kindergarten through-12th grade students in Sacramento County and eight contiguous counties (Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo). Based on a concept of a classroom without walls, the community and the world become the students’ classroom. A credentialed teacher (CT) employed by Visions meets with students regularly to monitor progress, provide educational assistance, assess achievement, and to ensure that California content standards are being addressed at all grade levels. http://unschoolers.com/california.html#



http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/CaliforniaSupport.htm Compulsory attendance - Between 6 and 18 years of age.



Teacher certification required ?- No, if the home school registers as a private school or enrolls in an independent study program with a private school. Certification is necessary only if the home school parent chooses to qualify as a private tutor.







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California Education Code: Sections Relevant to Homeschoolers







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33190. Every person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation offering or conducting private school instruction on the elementary or high school level shall between the first and 15th day of October of each year, commencing on October 1, 1967, file with the Superintendent of Public Instruction an affidavit or statement, under penalty of perjury, by the owner or other head setting forth the following information for the current year:



(a) All names, whether real or fictitious, of the person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation under which it has done and is doing business.



(b) The address, including city and street, of every place of doing business of the person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation within the State of California.



(c) The address, including city and street, of the location of the records of the person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation, and the name and address, including city and street, of the custodian of such records.



(d) The names and addresses, including city and street, of the directors, if any, and principal officers of the person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation.



(e) The school enrollment, by grades, number of teachers, coeducational or enrollment limited to boys or girls and boarding facilities.



(f) That the following records are maintained at the address stated, and are true and accurate:



(1) The records required to be kept by Section 48222.



(2) The courses of study offered by the institution.



(3) The names and addresses, including city and street, of its faculty, together with a record of the educational qualifications of each.



(g) Criminal record summary information has been obtained pursuant to Section 44237.



Whenever two or more private schools are under the effective control or supervision of a single administrative unit, such administrative unit may comply with the provisions of this section of behalf of each of the school under its control or supervision by submitting one report.



Filing pursuant to this section shall not be interpreted to mean, and it shall be unlawful for any school to expressly or impliedly represent by any means whatsoever, that the State of California, or any division or bureau of the department, or any accrediting agency has made any evaluation, recognition, approval, or endorsement of the school or course unless this is an actual fact.



The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall prepare and publish of list of private elementary and high schools to include the name and address of the school and the name of the school owner or administrator.







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48200. Each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years not exempted under the provisions of this chapter or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 48400) is subject to compulsory full-time education. Each person subject to compulsory full-time education and each person subject to compulsory continuation education not exempted under the provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 48400) shall attend the public full-time day school or continuation school or classes and for the full time designated as the length of the school day by the governing board of the school district in which the residency of either the parent or legal guardian is located and each parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the pupil shall send the pupil to the public full-time day school or continuation school or classes and for the full time designated as the length of the school day by the governing board of the school district in which the residence of either the parent or legal guardian is located.







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48220. The classes of children described in this article, shall be exempted by the proper school authorities from the requirements of attendance upon a public full-time day school.







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48222. Children who are being instructed in a private full-time day school by persons capable of teaching shall by exempted. Such school shall, except under the circumstances described in Section 30, be taught in the English language and shall offer instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state. The attendance of the pupils shall by kept by private school authorities in a register, and the record of attendance shall indicate clearly every absence of the pupil from school for a half day or more during each day that school is maintained during the year.



Exemptions under this section shall be valid only after verification by the attendance supervisor of the district, or other person designated by the board of education, that the private school has complied with the provisions of Section 33190 requiring the annual filing by the owner or other head of a private school of an affidavit or statement of prescribed information with the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The verification required by this section shall not be construed as an evaluation, recognition, approval, or endorsement of any private school or course.







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48224. Children not attending a private, full-time day school and who are being instructed in study and recitation for at least three hours a day for 175 days each calendar year by a private tutor or other person in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of this state and in the English language shall be exempted. The tutor or other person shall hold a valid state credential for the grade taught. The instruction shall be offered between the hours of 8 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m.







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48415. In the case of attendance upon private school, exemption from the requirements of attendance upon compulsory continuation education shall be valid only after verification by the attendance supervisor of the district, or other person designated by the board of education, that the private school has complied with the provisions of Section 33190 requiring the annual filing by the owner or other head of a private school of an affidavit or statement of prescribed information with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.



The verification required by this section shall not be construed as an evaluation, recognition, approval, or endorsement of any private school or course.







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51210. The adopted course of study for grades 1 through 6 shall include instruction, beginning in grade 1 and continuing through grade 6, in the following areas of study:



(a) English, including knowledge of, and appreciation for literature and the language, as well as the skills of speaking, reading, listening, spelling, handwriting, and composition.



(b) Mathematics, including concepts, operational skills, and problem solving.



(c) Social sciences, drawing upon the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, designed to fit the maturity of the pupils. Instruction shall provide a foundation for understanding the history, resources, development, and government of California and the United States of America; the development of the American economic system including the role of the entrepreneur and labor; man's relations to his human and natural environment; eastern and western cultures and civilizations; contemporary issues; and the wise use of natural resources.



(d) Science, including the biological and physical aspects, with emphasis on the processes of experimental inquiry and on man's place in ecological systems.



(e) Fine arts, including instruction in the subjects of art and music, aimed at the development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression.



(f) Health, including instruction in the principles and practices of individual, family, and community health.



(g) Physical education, with emphasis upon the physical activities for the pupils that may be conducive to health and vigor of body and mind, for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 school days, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period.







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51220. The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall offer courses in the following areas of study:



(a) English, including knowledge of and appreciation for literature, language, and composition, and the skills of reading, listening, and speaking.



(b) Social sciences, drawing upon the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, designed to fit the maturity of the pupils. Instructions shall provide a foundation for understanding the history, resources, development, and government of California and the United States of America; instruction in our American legal system, the operation of the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems, and the rights and duties of citizens under the criminal and civil law and the State and Federal Constitutions; the development of the American economic system, including the role of the entrepreneur and labor; the relations of persons to their human and natural environment; eastern and western cultures and civilizations; human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust, and contemporary issues.



(c) Foreign language or languages, beginning not later than grade 7, designed to develop a facility for understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the particular language.



(d) Physical education, with emphasis given to physical activities that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind.



(e) Science, including the physical and biological aspects, with emphasis on basic concepts, theories, and processes of scientific investigation and on the place of humans in ecological systems, and with appropriate applications of the interrelation and interdependence of the sciences.



(f) Mathematics, including instruction designed to develop mathematical understandings, operational skills, and insight into problem-solving procedures.



(g) Fine arts, including art, music, or drama, with emphasis upon development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression.



(h) Applied arts, including instruction in the areas of consumer and homemaking education, industrial arts, general business education, or general agriculture.



(i) Vocational-technical education designed and conducted for the purpose of preparing youth for gainful employment in the occupations and in the numbers that are appropriate to the personnel needs of the state and the community served and relevant to the career desires and needs of the pupils.



(j) Automobile driver education, designed to develop a knowledge of the provisions of the Vehicle Code and other laws of this state relating to the operation of motor vehicles, a proper acceptance of personal responsibility in traffic, a true appreciation of the causes, seriousness and consequences of traffic accidents, and to develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles. A course in automobile driver education shall include education in the safe operation of motorcycles.



(k) Other studies as may be prescribed by the governing board.







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51220.5.



(a) The Legislature finds and declares the following:



(1) The family is our most fundamental social institution and the means by which we care for, prepare, and train our children to be productive members of society.



(2) Social research shows increasingly that the disintegration of the family is a major cause of increased welfare enrollment, child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, and criminal activity.



(3) The lack of knowledge of parenting skills and the lack of adequate preparation to assume parental responsibilities are not only major causes of family disintegration, but also contribute substantially to the disastrous consequences of teen pregnancy.



(4) Because the state government bears much of the economic and social burden associated with the disintegration of the family in California, the state has a legitimate and vital interest in adequately preparing its residents for parenthood.



(b) The Legislature recognizes that the public education system is the most efficient and effective means to educate the populace on a large-scale basis,, and intends, therefore, to use the public education system to ensure that each California resident has an opportunity to acquire knowledge of parenting skills prior to becoming a parent. That knowledge should include, at a bare minimum, all of the following:



(1) Child development and growth.



(2) Effective parenting.



(3) Prevention of child abuse.



(4) Nutrition.



(5) Household finances and budgeting.



(6) Personal and family interaction and relations.



(7) Methods to promote self-esteem.



(8) Effective decision making skills.



(9) Family and individual health.



(c) Commencing with the 1995-96 fiscal year, the adopted course of study for grade 7 or 8 shall include the equivalent content of a one-semester course in parenting skills and education. All pupils entering grade 7 on or after July 1, 1995, shall be offered that course or its equivalent content during grade 7 or 8, or both. On or before January 1, 1995, the State Department of Education shall supply, to each school district that includes a grade 7 or 8, a sample curriculum suitable either for implementation as a stand-alone one-semester course or for incorporation within identified existing required or optional courses, with content designed to develop a knowledge of topics including, but not limited to, all of the following:



(1) Child growth and development.



(2) Parental responsibilities.



(3) Household budgeting.



(4) Child abuse and neglect issues.



(5) Personal hygiene.



(6) Maintaining healthy relationships.



(7) Teen parenting issues.



(8) Self-esteem.



A district that implements the curriculum set forth in this subdivision in a stand-alone required course may exempt a pupil from the course if the pupil requests the exemption and satisfactorily demonstrates mastery of the course content. The district shall determine the method by which a pupil may demonstrate this mastery.



(d) Commencing with the 1993-94 fiscal year, community college districts may offer, to interested, individuals, noncredit fee-supported courses in parenting skills and education as described in subdivision (c).



(e) This section is not intended to replace existing courses that accomplish the intent of this section. School districts may meet the requirements of this section with existing courses of study offered in any of grades 6 to 9, inclusive, that includes the course contents identified in subdivision (c). When the parenting skills and education curriculum is incorporated within courses other than consumer and home economics courses, these courses are not subject to the curricular standards specified in Section 2 of Chapter 775 of the Statutes of 1989 or in the consumer and home economics education model performance standards and framework. Teachers of courses other than consumer and home economics that incorporate parenting skills and education are not required to meet the qualifications specified for teachers of consumer and home economics.



(f) This section shall become operative only if a funding source is identified by the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the purposes of this section on or before January 1, 1995.



(g) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall identify the funding source for this section from existing resources or private resources, or both, that may be available for the purposes of this section. The superintendent shall notify school districts when sufficient funds have been identified and are allocated to cover all costs relating to the operation of this section.







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51221. Instruction required by subdivision (b) of Section 51220 in the area of study of social sciences shall also provide a foundation for understanding the wise use of natural resources.







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51225.3.



(a) Commencing with the 1988-89 school year, no pupil shall receive a diploma of graduation from high school who, while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, has not completed all of the following:



(1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless otherwise specified.



(A) Three courses in English.

(B) Two courses in mathematics.

(C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences.

(D) Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics, and a one-semester course in economics.

(E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language.

(F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.



(2) Other coursework as the governing board of the school district may by rule specify.



(b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents, administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study which may include practical demonstration of skills and competencies, supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public. [Italics mine.]



(b) was pointed out by Wes Beach:



In instances where schools refuse to accept credit from homeschools, it might be productive to ask, "What alternative ways do you allow for meeting requirements?" And even, "Might we become actively involved in expanding your policy?" This section does not require schools to allow anything specific, but it does require that they allow some alternate ways of meeting their requirements. It's my best guess that some school administrators are unaware of this provision of the Ed. Code, and that some districts either do not have such a policy or keep it hidden.



Wes







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51745.



(a) Commencing with the 1990-91 school year, the governing board of a school district or a county office of education may offer independent study to meet the educational needs of pupils in accordance with the requirements of this article. Educational opportunities offered through independent study may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:



(1) Special assignments extending the content of regular courses of instruction.



(2) Individualized study in a particular area of interest or in a subject not currently available in the regular school curriculum.



(3) Individualized alternative education designed to teach the knowledge and skills of the core curriculum. Independent study shall not be provided as an alternative curriculum.



(4) Continuing and special study during travel.



(5) Volunteer community service activities that support and strengthen pupil achievement.



(b) Not more than 10 percent of the pupils participating in an opportunity school or program, or a continuation high school, calculated as specified by the State Department of Education, shall be eligible for apportionment credit for independent study pursuant to this article.



(c) No individual with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 56026, may participate in independent study, unless his or her individualized education program developed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 56340) of Chapter 4 of part 30 specifically provides for that participation.



(d) No temporarily disabled pupil may receive individual instruction pursuant to Section 48206.3 through independent study.



(e) No course included among the courses required for high school graduation under Section 51225.3 shall be offered exclusively through independent study.







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51747.3.



(a) No local education agency may claim state funding for the independent study of a pupil, whether characterized as home study or otherwise, if the agency has provided any funds or other thing of value to the pupil or his or her parent or guardian that the agency does not provide to students who attend regular classes or or other thing of value to the pupil or his or her parent or guardian that the agency does not provide to students who attend regular classes or to their parents or guardians.





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California R4 Private School Affidavit - A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling

In California, families can legally homeschool their children by establishing a private school in their home and complying with the private school requirements of the California Education Code. Parents who have established a home-based private school cannot be prosecuted for truancy.



Jessie P. Says ----

Quote: You know what? All these people that say homeschooled kids have no friends and social skills....they don't have a CLUE what they are talking about. Your son has friends now, yes? Well who says he can't still be friends with them if he's schooling at home? There are ways to socialize if you are homeschooled. My kids have a very LARGE social circle...and none of them are having oral sex parties and doing drugs and smoking. End Quote



~*~ Yes as a matter of fact we do know what we are talking about. Its called expereince. Just because your child doesnt hang out with the crowd who has sex or experiments with drugs, doesnt mean your child isnt doing, wont do, hasnt thought about doing, or isnt trying it. The flip side of this is that every child is different concerning homeschooling.

You as a parent must make your own choices concerning your child and his or her education.

I was a homeschooled child, and yes for a time from Kindergarden to 7th grade I went to public school.

I wanted to homeschool and my parents wanted to as well.

However I received a better education at public school.

My parents placed me on a BIBLE BASED curriculum, which for the most part had nothing to do with modern education, and when at one point when I tried to go back to public school, I was nowhere where I should have been. I hadnt received the same education as my classmates, I wasnt on their level on ANYTHING, whether school related nor social. To this date I am still at a 4th grade level in math, however I have excelled in the other subjects of school. I can pass both the ACT and the SAT in everything but MATH.

Homeschooling is a very big step, for both you and your child. When you are thinking about a transition such as this, first and foremost you must concern yourself with your CHILD and your CHILDS education.

Since I am not sure I can effectivley give you the information that you are looking for just from my own experience, heres some information that I have looked at when thinking of homeschooling my children.



***The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling



Page 1 of 2

Isabel Shaw

Introduction

Homeschooling is becoming more popular every day, with a growth rate of 7 to 15 percent per year. There are about two million children currently learning at home. Homeschooled kids do well on standardized tests, are welcome at colleges and universities, and as adults, have a reputation for being self-directed learners and reliable employees.



Almost ten years ago, when I was making the decision to homeschool, I wrote up a list of pros and cons. The pros won me over, but since then, I've discovered there were many more pros and cons that I couldn't possibly have anticipated!



To help other parents who are considering homeschooling, here is a new list of pros and cons. This list is based on both my experience and the experiences of dozens of families who've shared with me the ups and downs of their day-to-day homeschooling.



The Pros

Educational Freedom. Most homeschooled students have the choice to study and learn what they want, when they want, for as long as they want. This is not to say that all the basics (and more!) aren't covered. But those basics may be covered at age six for one child, and at age ten for another, depending on ability, maturity, and interest levels. (Unfortunately, a few states do have unnecessarily restrictive legal requirements; in those states, educational freedom may be limited.)



Physical Freedom. After the initial shock of leaving the school system has passed, parents who homeschool say they experience a real sense of freedom. With their lives no longer revolving around school hours, homework, and the school calendar, these families plan off-season vacations, visit parks and museums during the week, and live their lives according to what works for them.



Emotional Freedom. Sadly, peer pressure, competition, boredom, and bullies — are all part of a typical school day. This can be a particular problem for girls. According to studies, self-esteem plummets in middle-school girls. However, similar studies of homeschooled girls have shown that self-esteem remains intact and that these girls continue to thrive. (Read A Sense of Self: Listening to Homeschooled Adolescent Girls by Susannah Sheffer.) Homeschooled kids can dress and act and think the way they want, without fear of ridicule or a need to "fit in." They live in the real world, where lives aren't dictated by adolescent trends and dangerous experimentation.



Religious Freedom. Many families feel their religious and spiritual beliefs are an important part of who they are. Homeschooling provides the opportunity for parents to incorporate their beliefs into their daily lives.



Closer Family Relationships. Just about every family stressed the important role that homeschooling played in helping them find time to foster loving ties between all family members. Teens seem to benefit enormously from this interaction, and rebellious, destructive behavior often begins to diminish soon after homeschooling begins.



Stability During Difficult Times. Whether there's a new baby, an illness, a death in the family, or another obstacle or transition, homeschooling helps families cope during challenging periods. Dauri, who homeschools her three boys, described how homeschooling helped her family adjust to a move from Europe back to the US, followed by another move across the country: "It was a great comfort that we homeschooled throughout the moves. It was a stabilizing factor in our otherwise mixed-up lives."



Well-Rested Kids. As more and more studies are illustrating, sleep is vital to the emotional and physical well-being of kids, especially teens and preteens. The effects of early morning classes can be devastating to many children, especially those who are not morning people. After realizing that lack of sleep and hours of busywork often left her boy in a zombie-like stupor, Haya has decided to try homeschooling: "My oldest (age 13), is up at 6:30 in order to catch the bus at 7:15 and start school at 7:30. He comes home at 3:00 and does homework — sometimes until midnight. He's often exhausted. I'm hoping that when we homeschool next year, the dark circles under his eyes will disappear and his real personality will emerge again."



No Busywork. Homeschooled children can accomplish in a few hours what takes a typical classroom a week or more to cover. In a recent interview, John Taylor Gatto, New York City Teacher of the Year and a 26-year teaching veteran, said that in many classrooms less than one hour out of each school day is spent on "on task" learning. No wonder these kids have so much homework. And that brings us to a major "pro" of homeschooling: No more homework!



The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling



Page 2 of 2





The Cons

Time Restraints. There's no way around it: learning outside of a school environment can consume a lot of mom or dad's time. Most folks visualize that time being spent at the kitchen table with textbooks and worksheets, but for most families, that's not the case. My family has never gone that route, choosing hands-on experiences and interesting activities as learning tools, instead. However, planning, driving to, and participating in those activities (or waiting for them to be over) constitute the bulk of my day. And that can be very draining.



As a single homeschooling mom, Mickey wrote to say that single parents who homeschool their kids face even greater time restraints: "We have to be very creative in our timing because I work and homeschool. Luckily, I work close to home and have a lot of time off, but it's still a challenge."



Financial Restraints. For married parents, one partner often foregoes full-time employment out of the home in order to homeschool. This can be a big sacrifice for families who are struggling to balance their budget. Surprisingly, most homeschooling families believe that the brief loss of income is well worth the satisfaction of watching their kids grow and learn in freedom.



Being with Your Kids 24/7. There's no denying it — if you choose to homeschool, you're going to be with your kids most of the time. If you don't enjoy being together, then homeschooling is not for you. While it can sometimes be difficult, most homeschool parents view their daily interactions with their kids — the ups as well as the downs — as opportunities for personal and familial growth.



Limited Team Sports. While community sports activities fill the void for younger kids, teens often find limited opportunities to join sports teams, especially competitive ones. Depending on where you live, homeschoolers may or may not be welcome to participate on teams with their public-schooled peers. Several parents did mention that a few families overcame this problem by creating their own teams.



Living Outside the Norm. Like any activity that challenges mainstream thinking, homeschooling may be seen as an oddity at best, or even as a threat to those who are unable to accept ordinary parents succeeding where trained professionals often fail. My family has developed a bit of a tough exterior over the years, but negative comments and criticisms still filter in occasionally. If you are unable to live "outside of the box," then homeschooling is not for you.



One Last Pro

Although this list is by no means comprehensive, it does provide an accurate overview of the pros and cons of the homeschooling lifestyle. But I did save one of the best "pros" (from Bev) for last: "When you need a hug, there's always one to be found!"

http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html?page=2



***What Is Needed from You to Homeschool Successfully?

If you are going to be your homeschool's primary teacher, principal, janitor, and so on, homeschooling your children is a major commitment on your part. In terms of time alone, you can expect that running a homeschool will require at least as much time and effort, and probably more, as a full-time job because running a homeschool successfully is in reality a full-time job. The following is a list of some of what will be required from you to homeschool successfully:

Willingness/eagerness to learn. It has been said that to teach is to learn twice (Joseph Joubert), and that is definitely true when you homeschool. As you teach your children, you will find that you are learning as much as they are – and even more because you are learning about the topics you are teaching, plus learning about teaching itself. Along the way, you'll also learn a lot about your children and yourself. Homeschooling is a great learning experience for you and your entire family. To homeschool effectively requires that you be willing, able, and eager to learn.

Effort (aka Hard Work). Anything significant in life requires effort; the effort required is often in proportion to the benefits of the results of that effort. This is definitely true for homeschooling. While you will need to work very hard to homeschool, you will find that the results you achieve make your hard work more than worthwhile.

Discipline. When you homeschool, you will be calling the shots. With this authority comes responsibility. You will need to be disciplined about your homeschool so that you apply consistent effort over a long period of time. You'll need self-discipline to do the work required to homeschool, and you'll need to be able to help your kids develop their own self-discipline to be able to learn.

Time. As I mentioned previously, running a homeschool requires that you dedicate lots of time to it. In most cases, especially once you get past the first or second grade or if you have more than one child, running a homeschool will require as much time as or more time than a full-time job. To be successful, you need to have this time available. For this reason, I don't recommend that you attempt to homeschool if you also have a full-time or close-to full-time job already. In that case, there simply won't be enough time for you to homeschool effectively.

Flexibility. This one is as much a benefit as it is a requirement. Homeschooling both offers and requires flexibility. Because you won't be operating under a structured organization, such as a traditional school, you need to be flexible in your approach. And, unless your kids are clones, it is likely that you will need to be flexible with each child's learning style (you'll learn more about this later).

Patience. When it comes to homeschooling, patience is more than a virtue, it is a requirement. Teaching children requires patience as anyone who works with, or even knows, children understands. Because you will have the bulk of the responsibility for your children's education, you'll need to have a good chunk of patience to go along with it.

Dedication. To be a successful homeschooler, you need to be dedicated to the pursuit. Although it is fine (and expected) that you'll occasionally have "off" days, you will need to be very dedicated to making your homeschool work. Homeschooling effectively will require that you work at it throughout the school year and that it be your number one priority.

An adventurous spirit. Homeschooling is a great adventure with all the requisite planning, unexpected events, hard work, rewarding accomplishments, and occasional moments of terror that an adventure entails. To be a homeschooler is to embark on a great life adventure. You need to be seeking an adventure if you want to homeschool.

Now that you have a good idea of what is required, take a look at some things that you might think are required, but aren't:

A college education. Although a college education is always valuable, you don't need a degree to run a successful homeschool. As long as you can learn yourself, you can homeschool effectively.

All the answers. Although you will be primarily responsible for your children's education, that doesn't mean that you must have all the answers to every issue or question you'll face. There are many people and resources that you can draw on for help. And, running a homeschool successfully is best done with lots of input from and interaction with other people. You just need to understand how to connect to these people and resources, which is a major part of what you will learn in this book.

Perfection. Contrary to what people sometimes think, you don't have to be perfect to homeschool effectively. With strong dedication, a little perseverance, and effective homeschooling strategies, you'll be amazed at how successful you can be.

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-33766,00.html



***What Is Needed from Your Spouse to Homeschool Successfully?





A homeschool works best when one parent can be dedicated to the effort while the other fills the essential support roles. Because homeschooling requires such a major time commitment, the person who doesn't have a full-time career outside of the home is typically the person who carries the bulk of the load in terms of planning and running the homeschool. However, a homeschool will benefit significantly from the enthusiastic participation of a spouse. To be the supporting part of the homeschool team, the spouse can do the following:

Encourage. If there is one thing that every homeschool manager needs, it is encouragement. When you are slogging through what can sometimes be a daily grind of homeschooling, it is important to have someone to encourage you along the way. When enmeshed in the details, it can sometimes be difficult to see the progress that is being made. A spouse can encourage the homeschool manager by recognizing this progress and being the homeschool manager's cheerleader to help get through the inevitable rough spots that occur for every homeschooler.

Support. In the best scenario, the spouse of a homeschool manager will provide the financial resources needed to run the homeschool. Support, however, doesn't stop there. The spouse can also support the homeschool by helping make some of the many decisions that are required to run a homeschool. The spouse can also support by just listening when the homeschool manager needs to share frustrations or joy about what is happening. And because everyone needs a day off now and again, the spouse can also take over the homeschool once in a while to give the manager a break.

Be involved. A homeschool will work best when the spouse who isn't managing the homeschool is still involved with it in a significant way. There are many ways a spouse can be involved even if they aren't the primary teacher or manager. For example, the spouse can help make curriculum decisions. Or, the spouse can teach topics outside of the "normal" school time. Of course, just as with a traditional school education, students need help with their work from time to time – a spouse can be really helpful by being available to assist students with their work.

Do special projects. The best homeschools include a variety of activities, such as field trips, projects, and so on. A supportive spouse can be helpful by taking on some of these short-term activities. For example, a spouse can arrange and lead a field trip. Or, a spouse can plan a home project with the idea of incorporating it into school activities.

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-33767,00.html



***What Is Needed from Your Kids and Family to Homeschool Successfully?





Obviously, homeschool is all about preparing your kids for life so they have a major participating role in the process. The requirements from kids to be homeschooled successfully aren't really that much different from those involved in a traditional school situation. They need to be able and willing to learn, be disciplined to do the work that is required of them, and so on.

One thing that will be required is for them to accept that their lives are different from many other kids who are involved in a traditional school that they will encounter along the way. Some kids accept this difference more easily than others do. Mostly, the acceptance of homeschooling by your children will depend on the attitudes that you convey.



Accepting this difference isn't usually a problem for homeschoolers who have been in homeschool their entire school lives. In such cases, homeschool is all the children have known so it doesn't seem different to them. Sure, they know that most kids go to a traditional school, but because they can't relate to that experience, not doing so isn't a problem for them.



And, most homeschooled children, whether they have been so their entire school lives or not, understand the benefits being homeschooled offers to them – such as shorter, more efficient school days, more variety in what they do from day to day, avoiding some of the nastiness that is involved with institutional education, and so on.



However, for some children who have been in institutional education for a significant period of time, acceptance of being homeschooled can be a challenge, especially if a child derives most of his or her value from being involved with peers (which might be part of the reason you decided to homeschool them to begin with!). If they are to be successful in a homeschool, you will need to help these kids make and accept the transition to homeschool.



In any case, a big part of making kids feel comfortable about being homeschoolers is being involved with other homeschooled kids. For this and other reasons, having close relationships with other homeschoolers is a must to have a successful homeschool.



One of the great things about a homeschool is that it involves your whole family. It is definitely a family effort and requires that everyone in your family is involved and in close relationships with one another. Along with being a requirement, this is also one of the major benefits of a homeschool. Homeschooling is a family project and your ability to homeschool effectively will require that your family works together.



One of the most important things you can do to help you decide if you want to homeschool your children is to talk to people you know and respect who are homeschoolers. Ask questions of these people, such as why they homeschool, what the challenges are, what the benefits are, and so on. If you don't have any homeschoolers in your immediate circle.



Deciding to homeschool doesn't mean that you are locked into that decision for life. Many people decide to homeschool on an annual basis. The first year may be to try it out to see if you can make it work. The decision to homeschool for subsequent years might involve testing and assessing a student's progress, considering your own capabilities and desires, and so on. Typically, this decision is easier when children are young and it gets more difficult as they move toward college.

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-33768,00.html



~*~*~ Here are some websites you may want to check out. The information is abundant. http://www.homeschooling.com/

http://journals.aol.com/chat2missie/MissiesUpsideDownWorld/entries/2006/03/01/pros-and-cons-on-homeschooling/1432

http://forums.crosswalk.com/m_65761/mpage_2/tm.htm

http://www.myownthoughts.com/?p=177

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EmptyNestMom/135341/

http://www.sonlight.com/before-you-start-homeschooling.html?1186



~*~*~ One of the pros I have come across and it was indeed the same with my parents, is that they agreed that they needed to have the control of what I learned and when I learned it. Having said that, there is knowledge that everyone child must have. Good and bad. If your child doesnt know the bad things, and I am not saying that your child must do the bad things, but he or she should and I feel needs to experience life with all of its negative sides in order to fully understand them and be prepared with how to effectivly deal with them.

I can teach my children about a great many things. I can educate them on the pros and cons of life. But my children's greatest and most important teacher will be their own experiences and learning from them. They cannot live life hanging onto my hands, nor can they live life by my mistakes, for they have learned nothing but to obey and follow.



***The Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling



Homeschool Information You Need to Know Before You Start Homeschooling

So you're trying to figure out whether homeschooling will work for your family or not, right? If so, you've come to the right place.



Below you'll find a brief discussion of the benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling. After reading it, you should be able to better identify whether or not homeschooling may be right for you and your family. If you take time to think about each benefit and disadvantage and apply it to your personal situation, you'll learn which benefits you just can't live without... or, on the other hand, the disadvantages you know you won't be able to live with.



Let's get started by looking at what makes homeschooling such a great choice for thousands of homeschool families around the world.



The Top 15 Benefits of Homeschooling

You get to...



Control what your children learn and when they learn it.



Show your children that learning is not boring, but exciting.



Build intimate and meaningful relationships with your children.



Tailor your teaching to fit your children's dominant learning styles.



Give your children in-depth, personal attention in any subject with which they struggle or excel.



Create a weekly schedule that fits your needs and allows you to do things without the constraint of a traditional classroom schedule.



Transfer your values and beliefs to your children and address their questions when they have them.



Protect your children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home.



Teach more effectively by interacting with your children 1-on-1.



Nurture your children's natural (musical, artistic, mathematic) talents so they thrive and grow.



Address "big issues" with your children when you feel they're ready.



Share with your children the common, everyday joys of life.



Help your children mature through the difficult times in their lives.



Share the joy of teaching your children with your spouse.



Take vacations during the school year and make them educational.



The Top 10 Potential Disadvantages of Homeschooling

You may have to...



Spend 24 hours a day with your children for several days at a time.



Justify homeschooling to family and friends who oppose your decision to learn at home.



Be very patient with your children when it seems they aren't learning anything at all.



Deal with the frustrations of sometimes being "behind."



Spend more money on your children's education than you're accustomed to.



Get out of your comfort zone to learn how to homeschool effectively.



Encourage your children even when you don't feel like it.



Seek advice from other homeschooling parents when you encounter problems you're not equipped to handle.



Research a few curriculum programs before you find one that works for you and your family.



Put forth more effort to find children with whom your children can build quality relationships.



Though by no means exhaustive, I trust this list of the benefits of homeschooling, and also the disadvantages of homeschooling, gives you valuable homeschooling information you can use to reach a decision.



Making the decision to homeschool is often a difficult process, but that process is worth it. You definitely wouldn't want to homeschool if it's not right for you; and you definitely wouldn't want to miss out on homeschooling if it is right for you.



So do your homeschool pros and cons research carefully and take the time you need to make an informed decision.

http://www.sonlight.com/before-you-start-homeschooling.html?1186



http://www.educationalgateway.com/pros-cons-homeschooling.html



http://www.howtodothings.com/education/a2259-how-to-evaluate-pros-and-cons-of-homeschooling.html

By Ashtyn Evans

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Homeschooling is becoming a popular alternative to traditional education. Once upon a time, this was something that was done strictly for religious reasons. However, these days, parents are making the choice to homeschool based on the best educational option for their child. Today, over 2 million families educate their children at home, and the number continues to grow steadily each year.



Making the decision to homeschool can be a difficult one. There is so much information on homeschooling that often people are not sure where to begin. Consider the following pros and cons that are common to most families to determine why some may choose to homeschool and others might not. After you evaluate the list of pros and cons that are specific to you and your child’s needs, the decision of whether or not homeschooling is right for you will become much more clear.





The Pros to Homeschooling





Educational Freedom. If you choose to homeschool your children, as the teacher, you will be able to create the perfect curriculum for your children’s growth and advancement. You can create curriculums that are uniquely tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This will help them to advance in the areas they are good at and to get that level of nurturing attention where they need some work.



Family Bonding. There is something very satisfying about having your children at home every day. If you are worried about the negative aspects of socialization in public schools, and you believe your child will pick up morals that you do not agree with, then homeschooling is an excellent choice to make.



You will be able to teach your children in every way and the moral lessons you attempt to implement will be long-lasting. Of course, the time you get to spend with your children is invaluable. The care and dedication you have taken to make their educational experience unique and exciting will strengthen the bond your family shares.



One-on-One Attention. Your children will no longer have to worry about vying for any teacher’s attention. As the teacher of your children, you will be able to help them the minute they need extra attention. This is the perfect situation for both special needs and gifted children, although on-level children flourish with the extra attention, as well.



The Ability to Take Life Easy. One of the best things about homeschooling is the freedom that comes with it. You do not have to work on the 8-4 schedule unless that is what works for you and your children.



You can homeschool at midnight if you find your children work best at this hour. You also can choose to homeschool year-round and you can pick the days that you have off. Its all up to you!



The Option to Teach Your Way. If you are religious, you can teach religious-based curriculum and have prayer breaks if you want them. If you are non-religious, you can teach a secular-based curriculum.



As a homeschooling parent, you will have the ability to create the structure of your child’s school environment from the ground up.



The Cons to Homeschooling



The Cost. There are numerous methods to home chooling. The fact is that many of those methods do cost money. In fact, some methods cost a great deal of money.



How you want to homeschool will affect your decision based on whether you can afford your method of choice. There are some people that homeschool using classic books. They may have these books around the house or they have been purchased at flea markets or garage sales.



These homeschooling parents combine these books with free worksheets from the internet and the cost is minimal. However, other families purchase books from the major companies public schools use. The new books can cost a great deal of money.



If you buy the books through an auction site like Ebay (if you can find them), you might only spend a few hundred or less for the year’s curriculum. However, if you buy them from an educational site, you could spend upwards of $500 or more depending on your child’s grade level.



Use and Abuse of Time. Most families today have each adult in the home working. If you are working outside the home, it is likely that you have a small window where you can handle your homeschooling and that is it.



The problem here is that some children resist the homeschooling procedure. In the beginning, it can be hard for the children to separate the home environment from the school environment. This is why it is recommended you have a room or area dedicated to school time. If you are on a tight time schedule and your children do not like working under those restraints, it may be harder for you to homeschool.





The Homeschool Stigma. If you decide to homeschool your child, you will become a minority. Of course, that minority is growing larger every day but it is still the minority. You will hear everything from “You’re only homeschooling because you are afraid to let your children live their own lives” to “They will not get enough socialization” or “Your family is just plain weird!”



The truth is some or none of that may be true. However, these issues will need to be dealt with and some people will not want to have to handle them.



Socialization Issues. Depending on the area you live in, this may not be an issue at all. All around the world there are homeschool support groups. If you live in a big city, you will have no problem finding groups, co-ops, field trips, and other activities for your homeschooled child. However, if you are in a more rural area, you might feel you are starving your child of socialization. If this is the case then homeschooling might be a bad idea for you and your family.



Depending on your situation, location, and your child’s needs, homeschooling may or may not be a viable option .There is no right choice for every single family. Ultimately, the decision will have to be based on personal choice and opinion. Whatever you decide, you should remember to keep your child’s needs at the forefront, when determining whether homeschooling them is the right decision to make.



Lisa Giovanniello and Rachel Samuel Assignment #12



INCD-240-05 November 24, 2003







Homeschooling Pros and Cons









Homeschooling is a rising alternative in children’s education. As with any other major movement there have been doubts and debates as well as support and promotion for this educational approach. Homeschooling was once the norm in society before there was a public school system. But the parents involved in homeschooling feel very strongly about the positive outcomes that it has brought about in the lives and success of their children. It has once again surfaced and become popular but there are several people who question the possible negative effects this option creates.



Criticism of homeschooling is vast and there are several different aspects as to why it could be detrimental to the development of a child. One such argument is that experiences of diversity are lost when students are taught in the home. They have lost the opportunity to work with peers of varying culture and social statuses in an academic environment. Such experiences are essential preparation for social and professional life outside the home. Without this training at an early age they may be at a disadvantage when forced to go out into the work force. Another reason why some people disapprove of homeschooling is that since the parents can design what is taught their children only are exposed to the parents’ views. This results in the children having limits on their ability to form their own views and ultimately forming their own unique personality and values. Also to be considered is lack of work ethic built through a structured school setting. The discipline that is learned will be used later on to maintain a steady job and allows them to become accustomed to the rigidity of professional industry. Also in the classroom children learn how to become accustomed to working with their peers which is another life skill employers look for when hiring capable workers. As aspiring teachers we have come to see the professional training that is required for certified teachers. Parents who homeschool are not necessarily certified and lack the teaching experience for which classroom teachers are trained. There is also a criticism with the idea of homeschooling as becoming another commercial industry. Rob Reich, a noted professor at Stanford, sees homeschooling as another part of an ever growing commercial society (Reich, 2002, p. 58) In homeschooling it is possible to create a specialized curriculum by choosing subject material specific to a child’s strengths. This allows for education to become more of a business than a growing process to build up a child’s weaknesses as well as his or her strengths. Also it is interesting to note that most of those who homeschool are white middleclass families who can afford to be single-income households (Lubienski, 2000, p. 209) Therefore homeschooling is not an available option to any who might be interested in this possibility.



Supporters, however, find many positive aspects of the effects of homeschooling. One such example would be that homeschooled children generally score 15-30 points above public high school scores on standardized tests (Ray, 2002, p.51). Also studies show that that homeschooled students are doing well with socialization. Homeschooling organizations have been created so that these children can interact with each other, thus dealing with the fear that many homeschoolers face (Staehle, 2000, p.271). Furthermore, parents who homeschool desire the interactivity with their children and being able to teach them as opposed to a stranger teaching their children (Ray, 2002, p.352). Ray also believes that since parents have "observed the individual growth of each of their children since birth, parents naturally watch, evaluate, teach, provide feedback, and customize for their children" (Ray, 2002, p. 52). The actual curriculum can be modified to "individualize each child’s curriculum instruction and learning environment" (Ray, 2002, p.51). There is no structure and this is beneficial because the pupil can learn at his or her won pace. In conjunction with these advantages, immediate attention is given to the student with a parent as their teacher. It is not necessary to compete for the teacher’s attention in the classroom. Parents also feel that public school setting can be dangerous and can encourage unwanted behavior. They want to protect their kids from violence, drugs, alcohol, sexual pressures, as well as psychological abuse (Wichers, 2001, p.146). Lastly, the children who may appear to have learning disabilities get the attention and care they need at home. This allows them to excel in school, as many of them are actually gifted students that cannot learn under a particular teaching style which a teacher at school may utilize (Staehle, 2000, p.271).



Homeschooling is a technique that could be utilized depending on the familial circumstances. The primary concern is that there is a qualified teacher who can cater to the learning styles of the individual children. The curriculum should include every subject with diverse views that are all approved to be used in combination with one another. Allowing children to participate in designing lesson plans allows for an interest and captivation which leads to an intrinsic love for learning. As long as the students are not being held back from social experiences with their peers, homeschooling is an acceptable method of education.



References





Lubienski, C. (2000). Whither the common good? A critique of home schooling. PJE: Peabody Journal of Education, 75(1/2), 207-233. Retrieved November 23, 2003, from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://search.epnet.com



Ray, B. (2002). Customization through homeschooling. Educational Leadership 59(7), 50-55. Retrieved November 23, 2003, from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://search.epnet.com



Reich, R. (2002). The civic perils of homeschooling. Educational Leadership 59(7), 56-60. Retrieved November 23, 2003, from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://search.epnet.com



Staehle, D (2000). Taking a different path: A mother’s reflection on homeschooling. Roeper Review 22(4), 270-272. Retrieved November 23, 2003, from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://search.epnet.com



Wichers, M. (2001). Homeschooling: Adventitious or detrimental for proficiency in higher education. Education 122(1), 145-151. Retrieved November 23, 2003, from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://search.epnet.com

http://www.tcnj.edu/~samuel3/incd%20homeschooling.htm



Here's the LEGAL ASPECTS OF HOMESCHOOLING



Determining the Legal Requirements for Your School System or Local Government





If you live in a state that requires some type of oversight of your homeschool by the local school system, you will need to figure out exactly what that means for your homeschool. (If you live in a state that doesn't require you to interact with a local school system, consider yourself fortunate and skip the rest of this section.)

There are several basic ways in which you might be required to be under the auspices of a local school system:



Provide standardized tests. In some states, you must file standardized test scores with the local school system (usually with the superintendent's office). Some states allow you to administer these tests yourself while others require that these tests be conducted by a licensed teacher. Certain states only require that you have students take these tests at specific points in the education process and that you maintain the results as part of your documentation. This isn't much of a burden because you should include standardized tests in your homeschool regardless of whether they are required by your state or not.

Submit a portfolio. As a means of measuring progress, some states require that you submit a portfolio that documents the results of your homeschool, usually on an annual basis. The local school officials evaluate your portfolio to ensure that your homeschool is providing a proper education to your children.

Report to a school representative. Some states require that you be "supervised" by a local school representative such as a teacher or administrator. Typically, you are supposed to report to your supervisor on a quarterly basis. The idea is that the supervisor will attempt to evaluate your homeschool to ensure your kids are being educated properly. In reality, what actually happens varies dramatically from school district to school district and even among individual supervisors. Supervisors who support homeschooling are likely to be less intrusive than those who "have an axe to grind."

Provide periodic progress reports. Some states require that you provide periodic progress reports whether through a local school supervisor or independently. The formats of these reports vary based on the school district under the jurisdiction you fall.

When you determine that your state's legal requirements involve some level of interaction with a local school system, you will need to contact the responsible officials in the school system (typically the superintendent's office) to identify what exactly you need to do to comply with the requirements.

I recommend that you meet with the person that is responsible for overseeing your homeschool as soon as you realize that your homeschool will have some level of oversight requirements. This helps you get the information from the source and starts to establish the required relationship with the proper officials.



To prepare for this meeting, make sure that you review and understand the specific requirements for your state. Identify each requirement individually so you will be prepared to address each with the school officials.



When you meet with the officials, get all requirements in writing so that you have a clear and definitive record of the requirements from the responsible officials. Make sure the specific people you have to deal with are also noted in the requirements. Also make sure that you understand exactly what is expected of you, with whom you need to deal, and when you need to deal with them. If a requirement is presented to you that is not in accordance with your understanding of the state regulations, make sure you get it clarified and that the school officials can prove that the requirement is actually part of state law.



Managing Your Relationship with Local School Officials (if Necessary)



When you interact with local school officials, your attitude will have a large impact on how your relationship goes. While you shouldn't be intimidated by these officials, neither should you be challenging to them. In most cases, overseeing your homeschool is a task that these officials will see as just another task piled on top of too many others. The easier you make it for these officials to satisfy their obligations, the less trouble and interference you are likely to have from them. Be as cooperative as you can and, of course, treat them as you would like to be treated.



Most school officials sincerely believe they are trying to do the best they can to ensure that children, including yours, are being educated properly. So if you can reassure them that yours are, you will be go a long way toward preventing any problems. As the expression implies, the squeaky wheel gets the attention – your goal should be to be as "unsqueaky" as possible so that you limit the attention your homeschool receives. (Not for the reason that you are trying to hide something, but rather that the less time you have to spend legitimizing your school, the more time you have to devote to educating your kids.)



Rarely, you will encounter a school official who is subtly or blatantly hostile toward homeschool. In that case, you are likely to have problems with them. The best way to combat this is to conduct yourself in strict accordance with the legal requirements so that you don't open yourself for attack. Always get things in written form – this will ensure that such officials are more careful about adding to the actual requirements. Make sure you understand all the legal requirements so that you can conduct yourself accordingly. If local school officials get out of hand and start to challenge or impede your ability to homeschool your children, you might need to take legal action against them. Fortunately, this scenario is unlikely – in most cases, as long as you are reasonable and cooperative, you won't have any trouble with local school officials.



In any case, you should document every meeting you have with a school official. Take notes during the meeting and prepare a formal minutes document of your meeting after it concludes. Generally, you should provide a copy of these documents to the people you met with; should there ever be a question about what actually occurred, your case will be much stronger if you have a trail of documentation backing up your side.



Tips



When you have an option in oversight from local school officials, such as being able to provide standardized test scores or a portfolio, always choose the option that is more objective than subjective. Standardized tests are usually the best choice because they are not subjectively evaluated. The results of these tests are quantitative and so they can't be interpreted with a bias. This removes the potential for your homeschool to be undermined because an overseer has a bias against homeschool.

In addition to documenting any meetings you have with school officials, you should also keep a log of any phone conversations you have with them.



What Has Your State Government or Local School System Got to Do with Homeschool?





Although the general requirements regarding education are laid out at the federal level, public education is mostly the responsibility of state and local governments. Because of this, federal education regulations won't have any impact on your homeschool.

However, any state or local government regulations that govern the area in which you live definitely do have an impact on your homeschool. Failure to comply with such regulations can result in less severe consequences to you, such as warnings or fines, to extremely severe consequences, such as you being unable to homeschool your kids or having child protection agencies investigate or interfere with your family. You should carefully consider and comply with regulations that govern your homeschool.



There are two areas of regulation that you need to consider: state and local guidelines.



Your state certainly has regulations that govern the operation of its public education system. It probably also has regulations that relate to "alternative" or "alternate" schools. These regulations are generally related to private schools, such as schools run by religious organizations. In most cases, these "alternate" regulations are the ones that govern homeschools. No matter which state you live in, you need to understand your state's education regulations that impact your homeschool. The good news is that it is relatively easy to determine your state's regulations. You'll learn how to do this in the next section.



Public schools are actually run by local governments at the city or county level. In some cases, these local governments also will have regulations about alternate schools, again with most of this regulation being directed toward private schools. In many cases, as long as you meet your state's regulations, you will also meet your local government's requirements. In reality, many of the specific regulations that are part of a state's education requirements are administered at the local school level. For example, some state governments require that the public school system have oversight over homeschoolers in their jurisdiction, such as submitting the results of standardized tests to the local school authorities. In the worst case, the local school overseers might attempt to dictate the curricula your homeschool uses, but that is very unlikely. In other cases, you might have to submit to some sort of supervision of your homeschool. Even in these more difficult circumstances, it is still possible to have a good homeschool experience. Dealing with your local school officials is explored in detail a bit later in this chapter.



Vouchers or Tax Credits For Homeschoolers



One area in which government could be a great help to homeschoolers is by the creation of vouchers or tax credits for homeschoolers. As a homeschooler, you are responsible for all the costs associated with educating your children. And, assuming you pay the taxes that support public education in your area, you also "pay" for public education services that you don't use.



Over the past several years, the concept of vouchers has been attempted in several areas. Basically, the idea of a voucher is that parents can choose to use the voucher to pay for a private education for their children instead of sending them to public school. The basic concept is to promote the improvement of public education by increasing the level of competition with private schools. (The idea is to provide vouchers to people who normally can't afford to both pay both taxes and to send their kids to private schools. These vouchers can be used to pay tuition – the schools to which the vouchers are submitted get reimbursed by the government.) Vouchers tend to be very controversial because they threaten the public education system's monopoly and all that that monopoly engenders.



Although vouchers aren't currently being contemplated for homeschoolers, they are still an important topic for us as well. That's because any effort to loosen the grip that government has over the mandatory direction of tax dollars to public education services that we don't use will eventually be beneficial to us as well. For example, it is conceivable that someday, should vouchers become an accepted tool, we might get vouchers for materials we use in our homeschools (we could transfer some of the tax dollars we spend on public education toward the costs of educating our kids at home).



A more realistic goal is to obtain tax credits for homeschooling. This idea has some precedent already in the childcare tax credit system that is currently in place. If you pay for childcare outside of your home, you can get tax credits for doing so. It doesn't seem unreasonable to me that those of us who take the responsibility of our children's education should somehow be able to recover some portion of our taxes that we pay to support public education. A tax credit system would enable us to do so. As a homeschooler, you need to be aware of such issues in your area and support those that would benefit you.



Notifying the State About Your Homeschool and Documenting Legal Requirements





All states except those in the "Least Regulation" category require that you provide some sort of notification that you are homeschooling your children. Make sure that you understand the type of notification you are required to provide. Some states have specific forms you must complete, while others just require "notification." This notification is typically due well before the school year starts or soon thereafter. Your state's regulations will tell you where, how, and when this notification is required. After you file your notification, make sure you keep a copy and can prove when and to whom you submitted it.

Documenting Legal Requirements for Your Homeschool



After you have determined the state requirements for your homeschool and understand any involvement with the local school system that is required, you should create a file with all the relevant legal documentation in it. This file should include the following documents:



The HSLDA analysis of your state's requirements. You can print this out from the HSLDA Web site.

A copy of your state's actual legal requirements for homeschool. While you are likely to use the HSLDA analysis to understand your state's requirements, your documentation package should include the actual legal text. You should be able to get this from your state's education office or from a local library.

Written requirements presented to you by local school officials who will have oversight of your homeschool, if required. This should include what specifically you are required to do, who your contacts are, and when specific actions are due.

Minutes of any meetings or records of phone calls you have with local school officials.

Copies of any documents you submit regarding your homeschool, such as your notification to the state, along with documentation of how and when you submitted those documents.



Monitoring Legal Activity Regarding Homeschooling





It is a fact of life that education legislation changes frequently, and this can impact homeschooling. At any point in time, there is usually various legislative and legal activity occurring in several states that impact homeschooling in those states with the possibility of impacting it in other states as well.

Although you don't have to become a political activist when you homeschool, you should keep an eye on current activity in your state along with others to make sure that you are aware of any changes that might impact your homeschool. Homeschooling, like other rights, needs to be protected from the ever-increasing levels of government regulation and bureaucracy. To help with this, you need to be aware of what is happening.



The easiest and best way to keep informed is to participate in the HSLDA. In addition to providing information about state requirements, the HSLDA maintains a close watch on the legal activity regarding homeschooling in every state. You can get this information by visiting the HSLDA Web site. The Legislation Watch area provides you with a summary of current legislative activity at the federal level and in each state with an assessment of how that legislation will impact homeschool (make it better, neutral, or worse).



The HSLDA is involved in many of the court cases that involve homeschooling. These cases can have significant ramifications for all homeschoolers so it is good to be aware of them. Again, you can use the HSLDA Web page and other resources to know what is happening in this area.

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-33732,00.html



http://www.homeschoolingislegal.info/cps.asp



Families homeschooling for the first time inevitably have questions about legal challenges or threats that they might face from local or state education authorities. Those who do seek an answer to these questions are often faced with a confusing array of laws, policies, and regulations that not only vary from state to state, but also between school districts, and school officials within the same state or district.1 In response to this confusion, many already involved in homeschooling have joined associations like the Home School Legal Defense Association ("HSLDA"). Such associations provide some excellent reference materials, ongoing newsletters, and other informational materials.2 Their most prominent feature, however, is the limited legal services that they offer in exchange for an annual insurance-like fee. Such associations also often conduct high-visibility lobbying efforts to promote changes in federal, state and local laws related to homeschooling. We applaud the good intentions and efforts of the HSLDA and all those who seek to benefit all homeschoolers.

Do you need legal insurance? Do you need to join an association to protect your legal interests? If you are in a state or school district involved in on-going harassment of homeschoolers, or denial of their rights, then it might be a very good idea to get the insurance and join a homeschool legal defense organization. But, is there a realistic chance that local authorities will challenge you legally if you homeschool?



Despite the headlines that one occasionally sees, statistics establish that very few these families will face an in-court battle. For example, a study of cases handled by one homeschool defense association between 1984 and 1990 showed that out of thousands of families served by the organization, only twenty-eight had ever had contact from local officials. Of those twenty-eight, only eighteen families were summoned to court. Seventeen of those families won their day in court and, most significantly, sixteen of the families won without a lawyer.3 As one prominent attorney explains: "Even in restricted states, the percentage of parents who actually get prosecuted is only a little higher than the percentage who get struck by lightning. They're very selective about who they prosecute, and the vast majority of parents, even in these states, get left alone."4



This is not to say that local school districts and superintendents will not harass homeschoolers, or that local child protective services, who are sometimes biased against homeschooling families, will not investigate homeschooling families based on false reports of child abuse. Indeed, some recent reports out of California would indicate that these tactics, particularly false claims of child abuse against homeschooling parents, are on the rise. These cases can and do happen - but to a small minority. Careful adherence to local and state laws is the ounce of prevention that will avoid the pound of cure needed through legal action.



What should you do if you find yourself in this unfortunate minority? As a trial lawyer experienced in litigation involving school districts and other government entities, I would suggest that consulting with an experienced local lawyer is a good first step. Specialized law firms experienced in state law and state courts generally represent school districts. A good counterbalance to such experienced local adversaries is a local attorney or firm with well-established relationships in the local business, political and judicial community. The attorney should be one with a command of local law and procedure, the ability to work out problems short of litigation, and a reputation for a willingness to take worthy cases to trial.



Bringing in a national homeschool defense organization, if you are a member, is a step that should be carefully considered. Such associations may bring expertise, knowledge and additional resources that can prove helpful. But they can also bring a level of publicity and a litigation strategy that is counterproductive to a quick resolution in the best interests of the family. Although laudatory in their goals and efforts, these associations have also been criticized on other levels. Some have criticized such associations for: fostering an unwarranted dependency on their services; imposing their own ideas of what is the best homeschool method; requiring the same information from members that is demanded by hostile school officials (i.e. test results, curriculum, academic background of the parent, notification of previous contact with officials, etc.); lacking the requisite familiarity, competence and legal expertise before local and state courts;5 engaging in legal actions and legislative lobbying that too often strengthen state and local control over homeschooling families; holding themselves out as the sole voice for homeschoolers nationwide; and excluding homeschoolers whose religious values do not match their own.6 However, criticism does not always equate with reality, and is often unfair and ill-motivated, so you need to consider and form your own judgements on these matters.

Families should approach legal challenges with the same courage and individuality that they originally approached the question of whether to homeschool. As the U.S. Supreme Court has observed: "The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the state to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right coupled with the high duty to recognize and prepare him for additional duties."7



Most states recognize the foregoing principle in some form or another and, with each passing year, homeschooling is becoming more and more accepted. Indeed, one recent study estimated that there are at least 1.23 million homeschooled children (other estimates range to 2 million).8 Legal challenges from school officials are the exception - not the rule. This gives parents the ability and the duty to put out small legal fires before they flare up into uncontrolled litigation conflagrations.

Knowledge of your state's regulations and precompliance with them provides a safe harbor. Indeed, the minority of cases that do end up in court generally stem from a failure of the parents to follow basic state or local laws from the outset. If you receive an inquiry from a school official, handle it tactfully and without threats. Often a courteous phone call is all that is required. If your initial efforts are not successful, quietly consult with a local lawyer on the best way to solve the problem and avoid litigation.



In essence, making decisions in this area, as in all others, calls for the very thing instilled by a true classical education - the ability to make right judgements based on a proper balance of a well-formed intellect, good and sufficient information, and the moral virtues of prudence and justice.







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LEGAL SIDE - ENDNOTES

1 Oklahoma was selected for the Academy's Administration Office due to its very favorable environment for homeschooling. Oklahoma is the only state with a constitutional provision guaranteeing the right to homeschool. Section 4, Article 13 of the Constitution of Oklahoma authorizes "other means of education", referring to homeschooling, in lieu of attendance at any school. If a parent is teaching the basic subjects 180 days per year, that is all the law requires (70 O.S.A. Sec. 1-110). Oklahoma has no teacher qualifications or tests for homeschools. In fact, the State Department of Education has no jurisdiction over homeschools. Snyder v. Asbery (No. 78,045, Okla. Ct. App., Div. 2, May 18, 1993). The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that"Under our form of government...the home is considered the keystone of the governmental structure. In this empire, parents rule supreme during the minority of their children...they may...withdraw them from public schools and send them to private schools, or provide for them other means of education. See 70 O.S. 1991 Sec. 3-104...Okla. Const. Art. 13, Sec. 5..." School Brd. Dist. No. 18 v. Thompson, 103 P. 578, 24 Okla. 1 (1909). This highly supportive approach to homeschooling is part of Oklahoma's populist legacy, and is still reflected in the very positive attitude Oklahomans have towards homeschooling.



2 For example, the Home School Legal Defense Association ("HSLDA") publishes a brief and concise summary of the laws of all fifty states pertaining to Homeschooling. See C. KLICKA, HOMESCHOOLING IN THE UNITED STATES: A LEGAL ANALYSIS (rev. 1999). This resource provides a good basic starting point for families with questions about homeschooling law in their state. You can order this book directly from HSLDA by calling 1-540-338-5600. If you have access to the Internet, a great source of information on state homeschooling laws and general legal questions can be found at http://www.home-ed-press.com/HSRSC/hsrsc_lws.rgs.html.



3 Montgomery, Must I Buy Homeschool Insurance?, THE LEARNING EDGE (March, 1991).



4 Eidsmoe, Moore Teleconference on Homeschooling (April, 1995) (as quoted in M. & H. HEGENER, Homeschooling Freedoms At Risk, HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE (May/June 1996); reproduced online at http://www.home-edmagazine.com /INF/FREE/hsinfo_far1.html).



5 Blackwelder v. Safnauer, 689 F. Supp. 106, 113, n.2 (N.D.N.Y. 1988) (In this case, the Court took the attorney for the homeschool association to task for failure to follow basic court procedure: "The progress of this case has been hindered by plaintiffs' failure to adhere to the procedural framework of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and this court's local rules. The court has been indulgent - perhaps too indulgent - in forgiving a multitude of procedural errors, because it has not wanted to punish the individual plaintiffs [parents of homeschooled children] for the shoddy motion practice of their attorneys. There comes a point, however, when forbearance of one party's carelessness unfairly prejudices their adversaries. That point has been reached in this case . . . Plaintiffs' attorney should be aware of the existence of this rule; the other parties involved in this action as well as the court itself have repeatedly referred plaintiffs' attorney to the Local Rules, seemingly to no avail . . . Therefore the Court will consider the facts set out in Defendants' [statement] as uncontested . . . [and] will deem them as admitted [by plaintiffs].")



6 See e.g. M. & H. HEGENER, Homeschooling Freedoms At Risk, HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE (May/June 1996); reproduced online at http://www.home-edmagazine.com/INF/FREE/hsinfo_ far1.html.



7 Pierce v. Society of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary, 268 U.S. 510, 535, 45 S.Ct. 571, 573, 69 L.Ed. 1070 (1925); see also Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158, 166, 64 S.Ct. 438, 88 L.Ed. 645 (1944). The U.S. Supreme Court has recently affirmed and underscored the importance of its holding in Pierce. See Troxel v. Granville, 120 S.Ct. 2054, 2065, 68 U.S.L.W. 4458 (June 5, 2000) (Souter, J. concurring); see also Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205, 233, 92 S.Ct. 1526, 1542, 32 L.Ed.2d 15 (1972).



8 Several studies of homeschool growth rates have been undertaken. They include a study performed for the U.S. Department of Education. See P. LINES, Homeschoolers: Estimating Numbers and Growth, NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, CURRICULUM, AND AS-SESSMENT, OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND IMPROVEMENT, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (Web Edition, Spring 1999)(http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/SAI/homeschool/); P. LINES, Homeschooling: An Overview for Education Policy Makers (rev. March 1997). Dr. Lines's study for the U.S. Department of Education estimated the homeschool population at 750,000 in 1995-96 and 1,000,000 in 1997-98. Dr. Lines estimates an annual growth rate between 7% and 15% with a 15% percent growth rate being most consistent with past growth. The charts above are based on Dr. Line's numbers and her estimated growth rate of 15%.



The HSLDA has also sponsored a study of homeschool growth rates. B. RAY, Strengths of Their Own: Home Schoolers Across America, National Home Education Research Institute (1997); B. Ray & HSLDA, Home Education Across the United States, http://www.hslda.org/central/statsandreports /ray1997/2.stm; see also Facts on Home Schooling, NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE, http://www.nheri.org /research/general .html).



As a result of their research, Dr. Ray, NHERI, and HSLDA estimate that there were between 1,103,000 and 1,348,000 home school students in the United States during the fall of 1996. They estimate a growth rate between 15% and 40% per year. Id. They point out that this number is comparable to the ninth and tenth ranked states in public school populations nationwide (Georgia and New Jersey), and that this number exceeds the combined public school populations of Wyoming, Vermont, Delaware, North Dakota, Alaska, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Montana, and Hawaii. Id.i

THE LEGAL SIDE OF HOMESCHOOLING:

An Overview of the Legal Risks and their Solutions

by Thomas R. Orr, Esq. http://www.classicalhomeschooling.com/html/the_legal_side_of_homeschoolin.html



Homeschooling makes for antisocial children - ----

Many parents have made their children anti social looking at it as a way to better control their children. It falls back onto a control issue of "I make the decisions of what my children learn and when they learn it".

Want to hear from some homeschooled children and what some kids feel about homeschooling? >>>>

Dustin

I keep hearing home schoolers on this board telling other home schoolers who complain about lack of social contact to "quit moping and join a club." I think they're missing the point. Some home schoolers lack socialization because their parents want it that way. They think their kids are easier to deal with if they don't have to deal with peer pressure and other problems that go along with growing up and learning to deal with other people. The parents don't want to worry about the possibility of wrong decisions made by their kids so they shelter them, limit their social contacts and don't let them make any decisions at all. While this might be easier for the parents, what will it do to the kid in the long run? I have five cousins who have been or are now being home schooled. My uncle and aunt were/are extremely overprotective and wouldn't let my cousins be in sports or activities for fear that they would meet the wrong people. One of my cousins who I'm real close to! is 15 and she's never been allowed to get involved with gymnastics, soccer or basketball--all things she's always wanted to do--because my aunt says she's just too afraid of her meeting the wrong people. My cousin is very sheltered and says she hates home schooling. I don't know really if it is the home schooling itself she hates or the fact that it's being used as a way of cutting her off from people. My oldest cousin who was home schooled is now 25 and was overprotected the same way. When she went to college she did fall in with the wrong people and ended up flunking out. She's now a drug addict who has spent the last five years in and out of rehab centers and her threapist says she never got the chance to develop social skills due to little to no social interaction as a child. Her twin sister married the first guy she ever dated when she was 20 and now is stuck in an abusive marriage. I read posts from home schoolers who talk about how close they are to their parents and! that's great. I'm out of high school now and into my sophmore year of college. I'm 20. I was private schooled until the age of 10 when we moved into an area of town where the public schools were better. I also have a close relationship with both parents. We've talked about my cousins and my parents, who have successfully raised three kids, feel like you have to let kids grow and make mistakes when they are young, when the stakes are lower and the consequences of their mistakes aren't as great. When teens and younger kids make mistakes parents have some degree of control over the situation even though it can be harder on the parents when they have to do the best they can to guide them through the process. My aunt and uncle are avoiding a lot of this headache by home schooling, but I don't think the kids have really learned to make sensible decisions about their lives due to their being sheltered so much. Then when they have to learn those lessons as adults they're more likel! y to really screw up bad. Understand that I'm not saying this is the case with all home schoolers because I know it's not and that there are a lot of situations where it's best for the kids. What I am saying is that when home schoolers complain about not having any social lives it's not always as simple as joining a club. My cousin would love to play sports and join clubs but she is not allowed to do so. If she went to school at least she'd have some social contact even if she wasn't allowed to do anything outside of going to school. But right now she has nothing and nobody except for her parents and siblings. What kind of life is that for a 15 year old?

Carlee

Hi. I'm homeschooled and I must say that I like it much more than public school. I've been homeschooled my whole life except for 9 weeks in the 3rd grade. I feel that in homeschool you get a more advanced education because everything gets explained better and you get to start school at an earlier age. But I do get alot of ppl who think that I'm not really as smart because they think my mom lets us slide on grades. This is NOT true. And for the socialization part of it... COME ON! I'm just fine at socializing and have lots of friends. Plus I don't think you get as much problems by being homeschooled. Like drugs, and such. So overall I think it's better.



Kiley

Homeschooling doesn't allow children & teens to experience the "real world" & discourages social development.



Joe

I'm 15 and am homeschooled and I really wish my parents did not have that option. I would rather go back to the public school system I was in until a year and a half ago. There I was on the honor roll and had lots of friends. My mom and stepdad decided that I would be homeschooled when my mom had to go back to work after her maternity leave. My stepdad wanted to buy a bigger house and so that's what was done but because of it they couldn't afford to put my little brother in day care. There is where homeschooling came in. I am now home every day with my two year old brother and it's not that I don't love him but I feel like I really need to go to school. My parents work so I pretty much homeschool myself and that part isn't terrible. But I don't think I'm learning what I would be in school. I want to go to college and when I was taken out of public school my class rank was 12 in a class of 384. Now I wonder if I can get any kind of scholarship at all despite what the! homeschooling community says about the many scholarships available to homeschoolers. When my parents made the decision to remove me from school this was a concern of my guidance counselor too. My stepdad figures that I'm smart so I can school myself and then take care of my two year old brother all day while he and my mom are at work. If I tell him I think I need to be in school he says I'm being selfish and only thinking of myself so I'm very resentful of my situation. I don't have any friends like I used to. The last time I got together with one of my old friends from school to go shoot hoops at the Y was three months ago. I do see people at church on Sunday but not for a long enough time to really make friends with them the way it was at school. So pretty much my only social contacts are my two year old brother and the 36 y.o stay-home mom next door who comes over to check on us every once in a while. I'm not like other kids my age. Because of homeschooling I am 15 years! old and raising a toddler and the worst part of it is that I have no say in it at all. Homeschooling is never something that should be forced onto anyone. Because of it I feel I'm being cheated out of an education and the chance to be a normal teenage guy. ~*~ Now here with Joe I understand him. My father had an 8th grade education, and although my mother had graduated from High School, education had changed very much since then. Neither of them wanted me to learn a modern education and saw no point in trying to learn new things. I was left on my own to learn by myself. I was up at 5am every morning including the weekends, and stopped at 12 midnight everynight. I wasnt allowed to associate with anyone, not even family. Anyone who didnt share my fathers thoughts, beliefs or convictions wasnt permitted into our home and neither was my mother or I permitted to associate with them unless it was under my father's watchful eye.~*~*



mia

It's nice to know that many parents want the best for their children in regards to home-schooling. Many of these parents concerns have to do more with the moral and religious issues. They do not want their children to pick up any of the bad stuff out there. However, how will these kids deal with the real world? they need to learn to examine their own thoughts against others. I believe that home-schooling is teaching the kids more about how to deal with the "ideal" world, rather than the "real" world.

http://www.ala.org/cfapps/archive.cfm?path=teenhoopla/saywhat/homeschoolcoms.html



~*~*~ I hope this all helps, as I have tried to include every aspect that I can think of converning Homeschooling.

I do wish you and your child the best of luck in making this very BIG decision. Not everyone is cut out for it, children and parents alike.~*~*~



Remember that knowledge is power.

If you dont know your rights, then you dont have them.