<p>I do not believe that homeschooling is a fair option. My parents work full time, and could never take that kind of time out of their lives. I realize some others may be more well off than me, and that some parents have the choice of either working or not, but most American families do not. While I work very hard at a public school, competing against hundreds of other students, other children learn in the safety and comfort of their homes. </p>
<p>Besides, isn't a little competition good? I believe that I am a better developed person personally and socially for having gone to HS. Working with and against others teaches you things that no mother or father could ever hope to instill. I'm not trying to trash home-schooling, just pointing out that most home-schoolers have an unfair advantage in the admissions process, but are disadvantaged when it comes to being a part of society.</p>
<p>Just because a paricular choice (homeschooling) isn't available to you doesn't mean it should be taken away from others.
It is not right to assume that homeschooling is only an option for the wealthy.
Most of the one-income homeschooling families I know are quite poor and make great personal/financial/lifestyle sacrifices (like living without AC in the South--because they can't afford the electric bills in the summer) so one parent can stay home. They value homeschooling that much. Your parents probably do not value homeschooling above other things. If they really wanted to homeschool, they'd find a way to change their lifestyle enough to live on one income. </p>
<p>Yes, homeschoolers have some advantages, (I'm not sure about the admissions process--many colleges require more of homeschoolers. . .) and, as you said, those in school have other advantages. To each his own. Have you asked your parents if you can homeschool?</p>
<p>Anyone can homeschool if they want. My parents both work full time too. Heck, I work full time (a job outside of the house) and I pay for both my own and brother's homeschooling. I also help my brother with his schooling so my parents can focus on their business. Homeschooled kids are not neccessarily priviledged, like atomom pointed out (my family far being from comfortable). Any advantages gained by homeschooling is usually balanced out with what is lost by opting out of public school, such as the competition you mentioned. But any "disadvantage" whether having one as a public schooler or homeschooler, can be worked around if you set your mind to it. </p>
<p>In my opinion, there are alot of things that aren't fair when it comes to the advantages some kids have concerning admissions to colleges. Some kids get to go to private or magnet schools, some kids get expensive tutors, some kids can afford playing an instrument, some kids are born with natural talents the majority of us don't have, some kids have a mother or a father who works as a professor in a certain university, some kids live in a certain area which gives them more oppurtunities than another area, and some kids are just plain smarter.</p>
<p>I'm not aware of homeschoolers having an unfair advantage in the college admissions process. In fact, my limited observations would suggest just the opposite.</p>
<p>But you are wrong about homeschoolers having an advantage over traditionally schooled kids when it comes to admissions. At most colleges, the homeschooler has to score on SATS at least as high as the AVERAGE entering freshman from the previous year. This means that they have to do as well or better than most of the admitted applicants.</p>
<p>The whole "disadvantaged when it comes to being a part of society" thing has been studied and discredited. If there were a single study showing any sort of problem with homeschoolers, during their schooling or later, believe me NEA would be trumpeting it loudly and often. Instead, there are studies showing something like 98% of homeschoolers have more than one outside activity per week, they socialize with their peers well, they are more likely to be involved in the community once they are adults, and on and on. I remember reading of a study some years ago when someone who didn't think much of homeschooling was trying to find something wrong with it psychologically. He had to admit he couldn't find anything (beyond the fact that the conversation skills of the homeschooled were a tad more advanced).</p>
<p>About competition -- some do well with this, others don't. There is plenty of competition in getting into college, anyway. Most high school homeschoolers take some outside courses and a number get involved in assorted competitions (math, science, sports, debate, you name it). Homeschoolers don't have any problems once they get into college.</p>
<p>About hsing being unavailable because both parents have to work -- not true, particularly for the high school level. Students at that age can use a variety of distance programs, engage in self-study, or have their parents review work at night or on the weekend.</p>
<p>I'm not saying that homeschooling is for everyone, because it isn't. I had one who was homeschooled in high school and one who wasn't, for instance. But it is far more financially possible than private school.</p>
<p>If you feel like you are a better person for having the educational experience you have, that's great. But different people have different needs and situations -- the best choice for you won't necessarily be the best choice for someone else.</p>
<p>My mother worked full time as well. I took a few on-line classes and a few self-designed classes. All she did was grade or comment on the papers I wrote and listened when I told her about my day.</p>
<p>I agree, competition is good. It helps (some) students try harder in classes. But is a little competition worth wasting 2-5 hours a day in school, often learning things they arent interested in that they will often forget by the next year.</p>
<p>I believe, if you really wanted to home school, you would be able to.<br>
There are many advantages to homeschooling, as there are many dis-advantages.</p>
<p>Homeschooling was very good for me (I only do it in the summer now--all through high school I've been a full-time public school student). I believe it has helped me develop my passion for learning, and it's definitely been a boon for my parents--they love teaching us kids. I am thoroughly puzzled by choosman's statement that his/her
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parents work full time, and could never take that kind of time out of their lives.
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Is spending time with their children taking time out of their lives? God, I hope I never lead a life like that! :eek: (I plan on homeschooling my kids, by the way.)</p>
<p>My family has always been rather poor, and we homeschooled just fine through all of it. <em>shrugs</em></p>
<p>First of all, I don't think public school makes you better socially than being homeschooled. From my experience, homeschooled kids are more interesting and just as good at being social than public school kids. </p>
<p>And you can get competition from sports.</p>
<p>Man, I don't know why you're being so... nhi! Sorry that you didn't get to be homeschooled, but then maybe you can do it for your children.</p>
<p>Worry about what YOU'RE doing, not somebody else. If you do the work and put in the time, you'll get what you deserve. Worrying about how somebody else gets there is wasted time.</p>
<p>"I do not believe that homeschooling is a fair option. My parents work full time, and could never take that kind of time out of their lives. I realize some others may be more well off than me, and that some parents have the choice of either working or not, but most American families do not. While I work very hard at a public school, competing against hundreds of other students, other children learn in the safety and comfort of their home"</p>
<p>You are absolutely right. Homeschooling is definitely a superior option to public school, and those children who are lucky enough to have homeschooled have had a better childhood than those who couldn't. It is inherently unfair, but it's not our job as homeschooling parents to equalize the playing field in a capitalist society, which by definition is unfair. Public schools are capitalism's favorite tool. </p>
<p>It is unfair that public schools in poor rural and urban neighborhoods are not as good as public schools in wealthy suburbs. Do you think suburban families should move to the inner city? It is also unfair that Paris Hilton can afford to drive brand new luxury cars while higher-achiving, smarter young women have to take a bus.</p>
<p>I agree that we are probably preaching to the choir here. But, here is some info that you might find useful, the next time someone questions your decision to homeschool:</p>
<p>An excellent case in favor of homeschooling is made by John Holt in his outstanding book, 'Teach Your Own.' This effectively makes the case that, rather than sacrificing socialization by homeschooling, socialization is actually the reason TO homeschool! (Now there's a radical thought!) I highly recommend this book; it is what turned my mind around.</p>
<p>Here is a summary of the key points covered by Mr. Holt:</p>