<p>So here's the deal...my school district currently operates two rural high schools and are making the legal moves to consolidate the two. The new plan would bus students from one to the other(a better, newer building) and angry parents who oppose the move-although it's neccessary because of the declining size and for economic reasons-have threatened to either secede from the school district(but that wont go legally) or cyberschool or homeschool their children? They're basically do it as a reflection of their anger towards the school board, so how do you think it would work out if they carried out with it? What are the disadvantages?</p>
<p>there are good and bad sides to everything and I won't go into it right now (it has been a long day!)</p>
<p>but check out this school <a href="http://www.bransonschoolonline.com%5B/url%5D">www.bransonschoolonline.com</a></p>
<p>my son takes classes there -- it is a very rural school district that started online classes because the kids were missing tons of school when the weather got bad. Now it is a big public charter school. </p>
<p>maybe this might be an option for them?</p>
<p>IIRC, PA is a tough state in which to homeschool. So if you're serious about homeschooling you'll need to do a lot of research on the legal issues and requirements. Enrolling in an online structured program is very different from homeschooling. It also requires a good deal of research. Either route could be more challenging, more costly and more time consuming than any of these parents anticipate.</p>
<p>As a former homeschooler (K-12, kids now in college), I hate to see a family begin homeschooling mainly due to negative reasons; that is, because they're upset about some facet of institutional school. IMHO, it's important to have thoroughly researched homeschooling, in all its various forms, and be committed to it as a significant positive lifestyle change for your entire family. </p>
<p>For us, homeschooling was a wonderful experience and my kids have repeatedly thanked me since they completed their education at home and began college. However, it's not for everyone. Rushing into it or using it as a threat against your local school board doesn't seem like a good move to me.</p>
<p>Actually, I'm on the opposing side, and I agree with you Robi. This isn't a good reason to make that decision. They've argued that they'll cyber school their children so the district will have to pay for it and be hurting themselves by consolidating the two high schools. To them, they'd rather have their children stay at home then be on the bus an extra 20 minutes...but don't seem to have a problem driving their kids to the high school if they wanted to be in extracurricular activities.</p>