What is your views on home schooling?

[~Joy~]

It seems like every time you turn around something bad is happening at schools in our town or by our schools. Today we just got a call from the district office saying that a man was stalking a High School girl about a block from the school. She was on her way to school when this happened. About 3 or 4 months ago, some man tried to get a boy to get into his car. That is so scary. We live in a very small town too. I was wondering what your views are on homeschooling, if you are homeschooling your children, or know someone who is. Do you think it is a wise decision or do you think they miss out socially? Are they getting a proper education, or even better than a public school education? Please let me know your views on this. Thanks!

[puckheaded]

I have the luxury of looking over the answers to this question well after the question was asked. I tend to agree with Joe. I see he got 8 thumbs down, but when you agree you agree.
I grew up in a very sub-urban town. The town still has zero pizza delivery, side walks, etc. I knew kids who were home schooled and they all ended up on the odd side of what seems to be normal to the standards of this society. Socially, they were awkward growing up. I still occasionally see the oldest because he is a carpenter who works with a friend. He is still bazarr.
Also, behind closed doors of your home, you are taught alot more than people would think. Home schoolers are often taught false science and history. When you want to control what someone learns or thinks, you change things to your liking. Without much of any outside barometer, these "teachers" can influence every direction of the learners life. In order to learn true acceptance you need diversity. Something these kids seem to lack.
I could probably go on and on. I've had this debate before. Weirdos exist. They lurk in schools, at malls, even in churches. You can do all you can to protect your children, but life will eventually find them. Let them be prepared.

[Cory]

I am actually homeschooled. I love it when I was in 9th grade and in public school I was bad at Science and Math. Then my mom pulled me out and I learned easier at home than at school. The only problem with home schooling is that some kids dont get to see friends and then they become isolated from everyone. I love it though (being homeschooled not isolated lol). Hope I helped.

[candice_joel]

I went to public school until my sophomore year of high school and them I got home schooled. I really enjoyed it. You get as much of an education as anyone I know at a public school. I am entering medical school next fall, so I feel that I did well in school and still do.

[Spring Fever]

I love homeschooling. I am an ardent supporter. I homeschool and know many other homeschoolers. For many families it is the best educational option and choice of lifestyle they can make. For those families, homeschool is nothing short of a blessing.
However, I do not think that situation with the stalker could be considered school related. Women, boys and girls should be safe to walk down the street, regardless of where they are headed. Schools draw predators because that is where the kids are. Libraries are dangerous for that reason too. So are parks, malls and other places kids like to go. As homeschoolers, we go to those places too. Our kids like to hang out and do normal kid things. When they do, they are vulnerable. I try to always be close and my daughter often has a cell phone when she is out of my sight, but life has no guarantees. While I agree that homeschool is somewhat safer than public school, it is not a bubble. Homes are in communities and communities are in the greater world. My advice is to arm your kids with information. Get to know your neighbors. Call the police if you see anything suspicious and get your entire town involved in making your streets safe again. The public schools cannot do that. They need to focus on what goes on inside their walls. The rest is up to parents and citizens.

EDIT:
Joe, I know more than 5 or 6 public schooled people that I consider "weird". What does that prove? Meanwhile, socialization is not an important part of public school. It is an important part of life. It happens in the house, on the street, at Girl Scouts, in the mall, etc.
Joy L, you are right that homeschooling is not for every family in every situation. But it isn't as hard as you think. When my daughter wants to have a day off now and work an extra day next week, she does. She also gets up a couple hours early if she wants out early to do something with her friends. She knows she is accountable and I know I can trust her. If I could not, I would not. She had to earn that trust. You should also know that HS kids don’t necessarily miss out on anything you mentioned. Why would they? It is an “extra curricular”, Joy. It happens outside the classroom anyway. Social occasions? You mean like parties, fairs, sleepovers and dances? My kid has been to all of those things.

Regress: You don’t think HS kids are ever in a “public environment”? You don’t think they ever meet new people or make new friends? Why do you assume that? How would that even be possible? My kid made a new friend this week. His name is Brandon. She is in public every time we leave the house. Give it some thought. I’m sure you’ll see that public school is not necessary for these experiences.