We've all seen those cheesy "High School Musical" type of movies that would always over-exaggerate what actual life is like as a high schooler. There were the jocks, popular girls, hipsters, nerds, athletes, musicians, and so on. Everyone fits into a category. I had the lovely opportunity to attend a public middle school in sixth and seventh grade, and it was then when I came to the horrific realization that to some degree there really are groups of students in school that are favored more highly over other students because of race, gender, or just physical appearance in general.

Now, imagine a world where humans aren't labeled. No one is known for being good at a certain activity, and everyone is pretty comfortable with making friends with other people that might not share the exact same qualities they possess. You can choose who your friends are, what classes you take, when you take your classes, whatever activities you want, or even how you go about doing school in general. Well, I have good news. This world exists: It's called homeschooling.

I realize some homeschool alumni may be reading this, so before you guys roll your eyes and think to yourself, "Homeschooling wasn't that awesome," let me get my point across. All these things and more are true about homeschooling. It's not at all what public schoolers think it is. I've often gotten the question, "So how are you going to handle college?" or, "How do you have any friends if you just stay at home all the time?"

Homeschooling is so much more than sitting at home in pajamas learning about biology with your mom. We can choose how we go about our schoolwork, from what curriculum we want, to what classes we want (though we do have to have the same credits as a regular school system, obviously). A lot of homeschoolers don't even do school at home. A lot of people have asked me how the heck that works, and it's always been confusing to explain, but basically we can choose to go and take classes with other homeschoolers at places called "co-ops." It sounds just like a public school when it's put that way, but what's different about it is you have the freedom to take as many or as little classes there as you want. So in answering the question, "So how are you going to handle college?" I'd say, if anything, we're more prepared for college life. Not saying homeschooling is just like college, but it's similar in that you can be involved in whatever activities or classes you want, at whatever time you think is best.

One of my favorite parts about homeschooling was that it acknowledged the fact that everyone has a different learning style. If one style of learning doesn't suit them quite right, then they can just try a different one. It's a pretty beautiful concept, really. If homeschooling has taught me anything, it would be self-discipline, the value of time management, humility, respect for authority, true friendship, accountability, and most of all, the importance of faith. I don't believe, and especially from my experience, that everyone can grasp all of these beautiful life skills from the public school system. Maybe some people can, and that's great, but not everyone. Everyone belongs somewhere, and homeschooling encourages that with the knowledge that Christ is who we primarily belong to. From there He will show us our roles as Christians on this Earth and how to use the talents He has so graciously gifted us with.

Now getting back to the people who didn't enjoy homeschooling quite as much. There are really only two reasons I can think of to explain why people wouldn't like homeschooling. One of them I don't blame you for.

1. Our reputation

It may very well be that if you're homeschooled, you get a lot of questions about socializing, siblings, skirts, minivans, etc. Many people think we're sheltered and uninformed about the world, which is why some homeschoolers are ashamed. Honestly, though, if you'd rather do school the same way everyone else does and not learn a thing than get a good education where you actually fit in, then that's pretty sad. Homeschooling is what you make it. It's not for everyone, but for the few it is for, there's not much room for complaining about it. I'd say that beats "being normal" and going to public school any day, if public school isn't for you.

2. The holier-than-thou attitude

It's true that there are some homeschoolers who may bring more of an egotistical presence at times. But there's a reason for this. A majority of this article has been about how homeschooling is awesome and, in some ways, better than public schooling. This is why some homeschoolers may feel that they are better than others. In their defense, however, it's easy to think this way. I mean, we're all human, and if everyone had the opportunity to do school however they wanted in a guaranteed-safe and Christian-based environment, I'm pretty sure they would feel the same way. Homeschooling is awesome, and I'm so thankful I was raised this way, but I've seen time and time again families pushing others away because of prideful hearts. Humility is one of the most important things to remember as a homeschooler.

So to answer all of your questions: Yes, we socialize. Yes, we get out. Yes, we do school in our pajamas sometimes. And it's awesome. No, most of us don't believe "Harry Potter" is witchcraft. Yes, some of us are smart. Like normal people. And yes, some of us aren't as smart. Also like normal people. The key point to remember here is that God created each and every one of us differently, and homeschooling provides an environment for those students that don't just fit in to just one specific mold to take their gifts and uniquely use them for God's glory as He calls us to. That's what I want people to think of when they hear the word "homeschooled," not that we're sheltered and antisocial. We're not perfect. We're nowhere near perfect. As I've just explained, there are ups and downs to being homeschooled like there are ups and downs to everything in life. But I know from personal experience, and many friends of mine who have been successfully homeschooled their whole life can confirm, that the ups outweigh the downs if you are willing to work hard for what you want.

Well, there's the truth. The inside scoop about homeschooling. Now go hug a homeschooler, and ask them real questions about it that don't have to do with how awkward they are.