<p>Yes, we have had homeschooled kids coming from the states who have entered our school and they seem to have a good self-concept as well. They aren't beaten down by high school social forces, so to speak. That is why I mentioned them. Small is better than big.</p>
<p>My reasons for disliking high school have nothing to do with the academics (which are excellent) and everything to do with silly drama, gossip, clique mentality, public flaunting of wealth, etc, etc.</p>
<p>I go to a small (~250 students) K-12 private school with a $25,000/year tuition, so I realize that my experience is in no way typical. (I'm on full scholarship, courtesy of my parents' employer.)</p>
<p>My son goes to a K-12 with 750 students total. He's been there since age 3 (they used to have pre-school and pre-K classes). It's a close knit community that is very supportive and he has thrived there. He goes to school 45 minutes early to chat with friends, play a BB pick up game or read in the library. It is not an option here to go to public school and I could have really used that voucher money to help with tuition. The public schools here are dangerous and a joke. That's sad IMO. This is what I would propose:</p>
<p>-Smaller schools</p>
<p>-every HS should have fine arts, dance, music, theater programs and band.</p>
<p>-every HS should have a sports program.</p>
<p>-I would like to see Home Ec brought back, it was my favorite class and I'll never forget when my little brother brought home a lemon merienge pie he had made in his backpack :O I learned how to write checks and balance my checkbook. They could update it by teaching how to stay out of debt with credit cards. I agree nutrition is important, how about an organic garden and the kids cook the food?</p>
<ul>
<li>I think that trades should be taught in public school. Bring back metal and woodshop. This is where a lot of young men found they liked working with their hands.</li>
</ul>
<p>-the schools could reach out to local unions i.e. plumbers and local business people and offer internships for kids who are interested.</p>
<p>-No tenure, if you don't get the kids engaged in the class then you're out.</p>
<p>There's a lot more things I think would help public schools but at this point they don't even have enough books so it's all a pipe dream.</p>