While I for the most part didn't mind public school grades pre-K through fifth, life pulled some nasty turns come public middle school, and I eventually decided I wanted to be homeschooled. As stated before, since I've been on both sides of the fence, I can tell you that whichever side is greener depends on your personal preferences and own personality. However, for the most part homeschool definitely beat public middle/high school (at least for me), hands down. Here's why:
1. You can work at your own pace.
Feel like you're constantly rushed to do your work, and end up doing sloppy because of it? Or maybe you work fast and like to get done early? Either way, when you're homeschooled you're not under any kind of pressure to either hurry up or waste away precious minutes. You can go at a leisurely pace, meticulously quick pace or somewhere in between.
2. You get to choose your own curriculum.
First of all, how cool is that? Of course, there are minimum requirements you still have to fill (such as so much history, this much science, etc.), but overall, you get to pick and choose how you want the material presented best to you. You don't run the risk of violating your beliefs. This is also great because not everyone is a visual or audio learner; you can easily adapt to how you learn best, with the ideal curriculum.
3. More family bonding time...
This may cause some to roll their eyes, but really, this will help out a lot later in life, when you and your siblings are older, or when you actually find you need your parents' advice on some things. Better to start sooner than later!
4. ...while still maintaining plenty of succulent independence.
Uncomfortable working in groups? Not a problem here! No slackers who take the credit for what the rest of the group does or anything like that. You are expected to keep on yourself, keep yourself motivated and do your best -- without a teacher peering constantly over your shoulder. This also helps with accountability later on in life, and will help you remain focused and controlled at the task at hand. (Also, this helps out in college -- I can vouch!)
5. Two little words: Homeschool. Co-ops.
Seriously, they are way better than public high school. I have met some of my best friends there, all strong believers and they are some of the nicest, most caring, smartest and most talented people you will ever meet. These co-ops are often formed by several different families, and the moms will often hold classes for the kids (in several specific age groups) once a week, at a timed gathering place (ours was a Church, for both co-ops). The classes are awesome, the people are amazing and we often do things together. Homeschoolers are often thought of as sheltered and "anti-social" by outsiders; but our co-ops outright prove them dead wrong. (Besides, who said you had to be public schooled to go to Taekwondo, join a soccer team and do other social stuff like that? I know several homeschoolers who do such.)
6. "Field trips" of almost any kind you can count for credit in the homeschooling world, as long as it has something educational in it.
Sight and sound theater? Check. Washington, D.C.? Double check. New York City? Triple check. The Creation Museum? Heck yes. (Basically, most vacations can count as long as you include a museum in your trip planner somewhere along the line.) Just be sure to document it all!
7. If you finish high school quickly, but don't want to graduate to early, then you can always get a jump-start on college.
This is what my kid brother, Isaac, is doing for his upcoming senior high school year. He technically had enough credits to graduate this past year, but didn't want to. Instead, he's taking a bunch of courses up at our local community college, and will probably get a full year of college in before he even graduates high school.
8. No peer pressure, bullies, alcohol or drug abuse.
No cliques, no drama, no feeling like an outsider, nothing. Enough said.
9. Discuss controversial subject outside a government-controlled educational area.
There's no need at all to be politically correct in the classroom here at home or at any co-op. You are allowed to freely speak your thoughts, ideas and opinions on just about any subject you wish without retribution. Check out this site for more information.
10. Homeschooling doesn't care about or require any unfair labels.
There are no "jocks," "popular kids," "nerds" or "special needs kids." In the wonderful realm of homeschool, we are all equal and we are all on the same playing field.
I'm proud to call myself a homeschool graduate.
Have you ever been homeschooled or know someone who has? What do / did you make of it?
