Does anybody here homeschool ?

[Mikey]

Lately I've heard a lot about homeschooling on TV but I've yet to meet someone who actually does it.

I can see some advantages --- remembering a time I couldn't read very large numbers and no matter what I just couldn't do it --- one of my older sis's sat me down and showed me how to do it and I became a wiz at in in like an hour... At the time, probably the best in my class.

But I also see a lot a disadvantages -- especially not growing up with other kids.

Just wondering

[boss]

My son's in a robotics club with several home schooled kids.

[hedrap]

Because I coach, I've become friends with a lot of home-school families. Kids are usually twice as bright as the average and it's not usually "home" school. They put teach them in groups, taught at each other's homes or sometimes in one place. It's a more viable option than I considered at the time.

[Nostalgiabuff]

i know several families that home school and while I understand the reasoning behind it, I think that is socially retards the kids. Every child I have known who was being homeschooled had real issues interacting with other kids. then when they go out into the real world it is some major culture shock

[Mr.Marion]

You start the most random threads Mikey, I love it.

80% of the time kids homeschool it's for religious reasons. I had some issues in high school and did for two years. Sometimes I regret it but I have to live with it. I was a punk rock kid then so I didn't care about proms and I doubt I would of joined a sports league that late in the game.
Back then the assignments were mail away and took about 2 or 3 hours a day to keep pace and finish on time and the exams would be the equivalent of open book test. I've heard of kids who did it to start working full time in the trades or family business at a younger age.

[great_chandel]

I have tutored for many families that home-schooled their children. I can tell you this: it is NOT easy! That is coming from the families! Put aside the fact that the children's social skills are severely diminished by not being around other peers their own age -- including dances, recess, class, lunch, parties, assemblies, etc. etc. The biggest disadvantage is that most states require the parents to use the same curriculum that the schools use. In addition to that, state representatives will come to the house each month and test the children to see if they are on par with students their ages currently in school. In other words, it is a lot of hard and arduous work. If parents have the time and patience and knowledge -- then great! Otherwise, as poor at the public school system is, it may be the only option (unless you can afford private school).

[Duncan]

We know two families doing it, both at least partly for religious reasons. The biggest drawback is social. The kids go to group things with other homeschooled kids, but they're still missing out. Also, one of the moms doing it isn't that...academically gifted. I feel bad for her kids. In the other family, the oldest asked to go back to regular school (HS freshman, I think) and the parents were cool with it. I guess it depends on the situation. I'd rather have my kids in a good school district, with 'good' meaning 'smart kids and involved parents.'