Grand Rapids Business Daily

What are your opinions on being home schooled?

I'm a freshman right now, and I think I may want to be homeschooled. My only fears are that my mom won't be able to do geometry very well. I think it may be a little bit better for me. What are your opinions? Positives? Negatives? Right now I am getting all A's & B's.. Will this help me be a better student by the time I graduate? Would credits be transferred?

Public Comments

1. I don't recommend that because of several reasons!!
2. Who will be your homeschool teacher? Is your mom able to help with higher level courses? Can your family afford to buy curriculum and lab equipment? Many kids who were homeschooled in elementary school switch to public schools for high school since their families are not comfortable teaching higher level courses (biology, higher math, chemistry, etc) Be sure that you know what you are getting in to!!! It's fine with a qualified adult who can help you, but good intentions are not enough
3. School is not just about academic qualifications, it is also about learning how to deal with your peers, conflict resolution, learning from those around you. It prepares you for real life far better than home schooling could ever hope to. The social aspect to school life is often undervalued, and can enrich your life beyond anything you thought possible, especially in your teenage years. Home schooling on the other hand means you can learn at a pace that suits you, with the sole attention of your mom to help you every step of the way. There would be no distractions from unruly class members, potential boy/girlfriends, worrying about what others think of you... If I'm honest, I think home schooling is just delaying the necessary learning about life. It could put you at a disadvantage later in life, not being able to say you can work in a group, not having had discussions with your peers, maybe even not being able to learn everthing on a practical level - scientific experiments, team games, you get the idea. I am NOT saying don't do it, I'm saying that it goes far deeper than simply reading a textbook at home or at school. Me, I went to an all girls school and found that I struggled when it came to boys. The girls were bitchy and hormonal, the boys from their school always seemed unattainable. In real life, we all have to get along just the same! Whether you could be a better student really depends not only on yours and your mothers abilities, but the kind of person you are. You need to decide if you are avoiding anything by home schooling, because at some point in your life you will end up dealing with it. Talk to a friend, family member, a careers advisor even, about the options open to you. Whatever you decide, good luck and I hope your grades continue to do you justice!