<p>Actually it was I who called myself a cynic. ;)</p>
<p>There are some kids who would be tops no matter where they went to school or if they were homeschooled. In some cases, the right school, the right activities could be the tipping point. But you can just as easily miss as hit.</p>
<p>It is true that if you home school at a very high level, and your child is a great student, you can trump the public schools. You can also avoid the grades and the class ranks, and the recs of the school which can be instrumental in an app that is viable at the top colleges. Without the mundane rigor of a school day, there is a lot of time to do other things to build a phenomonal resume. When you are at school, you tend to want to participate in the school community, socialize with friends, try out some new things, all distraction to the pursuit of excellence in a few limited endeavors. Much of being a normal highschool kid is not considered great stuff to the top colleges. So by cutting that out, it leaves a lot more time to focus on a few activities, which is what colleges want to see. Passion and excellence. </p>
<p>But it isn't that simple. Just because you direct things that way, does not mean you are going to get that passion and excellence. I;ve seen many home schooled kids not quite make the grade on those endeavors. Since you are not participating in a school community, you are going to have to show how you are spending your extra time. So it is the cream of the crop that manages to get into these top schools by performing so well in an EC, as well as showing a high competence level on academics and high test scores. </p>
<p>Home schooling can backfire when you have a kid who does not end up excelling in those areas. They may be the type of kid who needs to learn to be in a group to take courses. It can be a real downer to have to be taught in a class of 20 or more, maybe whay more after years of private tutors and going at your pace. You do take a risk when you home school. Don't even think for an instant that you are a cinch for HPY because you are homeschooling. Does not work that way.</p>
<p>Bumping this thread because I don’t know how to link them!</p>
<p>^The easiest way is to go to the white box at the top of the screen in your browser that has the URL in it. Highlight the address and copy it (Control C for Windows users), then go to the reply box where you want to place the link and paste the link in (Control V for Windows users.) There are fancier ways to do it, but this is the easiest IMO.</p>
<p>I’ve managed to read all the way through and not forget what I wanted to add about the earliest posts and public schools. Disclaimer: H teaches elementary school math and since our nest emptied this year, I am working on secondary math certification. We support the idea of public schools but at best they meet the needs well of whoever yells the loudest, and that varies over time, and from district to district and even school to school. Additionally, educators as a group are like any other group: some very good, most average and some not good. No law, program, or witch hunt is going to change this significantly. I’m encouraged that in some areas hybrid programs are working so that students in categories not currently (or ever) educational priorities can access the parts of public education that meet their needs. As a longtime classroom volunteer and school system committee member, I would like to have known to advocate for this option for my children.</p>
<p>While my children are not at Chelsea’s level, we struggled with the same attitudes that made school tortuous at times. My quiet son managed by reading his textbooks cover-to-cover repeatedly. My D had a much harder time as she was more demanding and vocal. One year was especially hard as the teacher made it clear she thought my D should be medicated. When I replied that I would homeschool her before I medicated her, the teacher replied, “Well good, then they can medicate you.”</p>
<p>I did not homeschool and often thought as a SAHM I should but supplemented with academic extracurriculars. Leading these groups is exhausting and I tip my hat to Chelsea’s mom. The logistics and organization alone can be consuming, much less pleasing other participants and their parents. There are many ways to creatively educate that don’t require the full commitment of homeschooling. One we enjoyed was buying a local museum membership that had free entrance reciprocal agreements with hundreds of museums across the country. On a shoestring budget we tent camped and canvassed museums over several years. If one is motivated, educational opportunities can be found.</p>
<p>Homeschooling can be a beautiful educational experience and I’m pleased to have learned about Chelsea’s. My D took an amazing homeschooler to her senior prom and once commented that he was the first peer who challenged her thinking. Alternatively, my H has taught returned homeschoolers who lost ground while away from public school, and while there are plenty of well-publicized failures, public schools and private schools provide many students with a rich and meaningful education. There is not one right way and forums like this are valuable in that we can all learn about options we may have never considered or thought possible. Thanks to all of you who have posted constructively.</p>
<p>And Chelsea - I hope one of my children is lucky enough to have you for a schoolmate. Go Big Green and Go Crimson!!</p>
<p>What happened to the article? I cannot link to it.</p>
<p>Haha my friend today just mentioned this today. Aha I knew this story would be in this website somewhere~ LOLOL.</p>