Confessions from a Homeschool Grad
Homeschooling has made a 180° turn from “odd” to “popular”. The mindset of “old homeschoolers” versus the newer group has some interesting similarities and some definite differences, just like most changes to school experiences over the past two decades. I wanted to take a few minutes to offer some confessions as a homeschool grad. … That sounds like a teen drama film. Moving on!
My Homeschool History
Things have improved since we started home education. There are vastly more curriculum options, there’s better acceptance, there’s less harassment from government agencies (predominantly).
I started homeschooling in preschool while my family was stationed overseas. At the time, home education was under attack. The TEA banned homeschooling in the early 80s and families were fighting courts for the right to homeschool. It was scary to consider joining those ranks and there was speculation and pressure from family members.
In 1994 the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of homeschooling freedoms during the Leeper vs. Arlington case. We had legal freedom, but there were still common concerns.
Socialization
Ah, the socialization question. It gets old.
Homeschool families are usually very socialized. One could argue they are more socialized with a larger range of ages. I was at church events multiple times a week, went to Brazos Valley Co-op with other families, had study and PE groups, chess club, yearbook, played and refereed soccer, fencing and music lessons, wrote for TeenTrib, acted at the Waco Civic Theatre, was in Mock Trial and a junior docent at Earle Harrison House.
There are now even more ways to be involved with the community.
Stereotypes
You may have a stereotypical homeschooler in mind from the 90’s. That’s okay, I probably knew them. Bunned, jumpered and wearing loafers?
I knew the stereotyped homeschooler … and the jock, and the class clown, and the popular girl, and the stoner, and the drama queen. I saw each of those from public school, private school and homeschool. They’re are in any, and every, school setting.
Parents as Teachers
People question whether parents can teach their kids. As a homeschool grad myself, I now question if I’m capable of teaching my own kids. But who is more invested in our children?
I know and love teachers. They are called to it and love the kids, but their time is divided and their hands may be tied. Even in Kindergarten I was bored waiting for everyone to stand in line, to listen, to not get a color change. How much of that time could have been spent productively learning or loving learning?
The thing successful homeschool parents have in common is the desire to invest in their child and find the best resources to help their child learn. If you don’t feel strong in math and science, look into a co-op class or online classes.
Structure and Time
In public and private schools, students are at school for roughly eight hours a day. It doesn’t take that long at home teaching just your kids. You may finish the day’s lessons in a couple of hours depending on the age of your children. When finished, we could work on projects, pursue independent studies and interests, finish chores, play, read.
High School
High school is a tough question even for the standard public school parent.
Growing up with a wide variety of socializing activities meant I had friends from at least five public schools, two private schools and homeschool. I went with them to homecoming rallies and dances, theater and orchestra performances, and many other fun activities.
My family participated in rec soccer and fencing. I also taught Spring Break ski lessons. There are several sporting options for homeschool families including community centers, homeschool leagues or joining a private school’s team.
High School studies can be intimidating, but again, there are options available. In high school I took co-op science from a registered nurse and five dual credit classes at MCC. My brother learned physics at co-op from an actual rocket scientist.
College
The college concern of the early 2000s was different from the college conversation now. When I was in high school, there was a lot of road work being paved for homeschool students in the collegiate world. Now, colleges are looking for homeschool students because they often perform well in college. Instead of class rank, homeschoolers rely on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT.
I did well in college, earning Bachelor and Masters degrees along with two certifications.
Homeschooling taught me how to love learning.
In Conclusion
The investment our parents made in us is what made a huge impact in training us to be adults. My parents and in-laws are remarkable role models and I am grateful to have been able to learn from them. As a homeschool grad, I personally am in favor of homeschooling. BUT the education method that’s right for your family is a question you have to decide based on your family needs. If you are interested in homeschooling, read more here for more tips on how to get started.
