Accepted at a top private but now prefer to homeschool

[Anonymous]

I have been homeschooling for many years, and now my oldest has been accepted into a top private. The only thing I regret about homeschooling is how difficult it is to shake negative stereotypes and find a top school that won't immediately dismiss homeschoolers as zealots. The most enjoyable parts of homeschooling for me were the opportunities to know my child, tailor her studies, and pursue multiple interests we would not have time for otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I for one know very little about homeschooling - but it has always seemed like its chosen by parents who want to shelter and overprotect their kids.

Of course a lot of people would say that about private and parochial schools!!

I don't think that many parents choose top independent schools for that reason. It's probably more true for smaller, religiously-affiliated schools.

What a loser comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been homeschooling for many years, and now my oldest has been accepted into a top private. The only thing I regret about homeschooling is how difficult it is to shake negative stereotypes and find a top school that won't immediately dismiss homeschoolers as zealots. The most enjoyable parts of homeschooling for me were the opportunities to know my child, tailor her studies, and pursue multiple interests we would not have time for otherwise.

I have never considered homeschooling (definitely not for me!) but thank you for your post. I think that your simple post made me understand why you homeschooled - and I don't think that any great mom can underestimate the benefits of getting to know your children so well. So thank you!

[Anonymous]

There are few studies that look at homeschooled children and their social skills, but so far, things look good. The little research has shown them to be very well adjusted. Academically, home schooled kids do much better than traditional in grades K-3, and better overall up to 8th grade. After that, they have an edge, but not as great.

[Anonymous]

I don't have what it takes to homeschool, but I certainly salute those who do. There are some amazing stories out there of exceptional children with exceptional educations. I think it's a bit out-of-touch to automatically assume that they're all autodidacts with poor social skills or religious zealots with gaping holes in their educations. Here's one local girl who's clearly been educated far and above what the MCPS curriculum had to offer her.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/SharpSticks/UPDATE-No-back-to-school-for-gifted-10-year-old-53587152.html

[Anonymous]

She wasn't homeschooled. She's in private and her parents want her to go to an MCPS public.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for your insightful comments. I was very reluctant to have DC start school this month, and now even more reluctant to have DC remain. I do hope this great school will allow DC's slot to be taken from a child on the waitlist.