I'm 13 almost 14 and I'm home-schooled I really love it but my mom keeps saying I should go back to public school, I keep thinking about it, I would like to go back and see my friends but they give too much homework, I have to get up at 6:00. Theres some good and bad things about going back to school and since I only go once a week it would be hard to go to school everyday! So any advice on what I should do ?
199641
I say stick with the homeschooling.  That's where you feel most comfortable.  If you get thrown back into public school, you're routine will be drastically and it may affect your learning because you'll be so focused on making every day "normal" again.
34419
Your mother is probably responding to the statistics that show, over and over again, that home schooled children do better on every standardized test anyone can throw them.  Or she may be concerned that the "social life" in the local public school is not in your best interests.  Why not rely on non-school activities, clubs, sports, etc., to be your social life?  Or tell Mom that, since you won't be seeing them at school, you will need to be able to invite friends over to your house to hang out more often.  Chances are, they will love coming over after school to tell you how lucky you are not to have to go there!\n\nDon't fight it, Honey; it really is better for you, if you make the effort.
115559
I homeschool my two boys and the lady I sit for pays me extra to hs her dd for preschool.  I HIGHLY recommend you hs if you have the will and the ability.  Two big things to remember with hsing at ANY level is: one day at a time...you're not talking about geometry and calculus yet.  Second...it's not forever unless you want it to be.  She can re-enter public school when she is ready.  You can email me, I started hsing my now 4th grader when he was in K.  He has TONS of confidence, he gets ONE  ON ONE education, I teach him the way he learns best, rather than plunking him down in a group of 30 kids and droning on at a chalk board...I use manipulatives, pc programs, games, baking to learn fractions, printouts from sites like enchantedlearning.com etc etc.  When he needs a break, he gets one.  We hs year round, so he doesn't forget half over the summer, but our hs days are short.  He learns things he WANTS to learn about.  When he showed an interest in pirates, we got books from the library, coloring pages from the internet, we built a ship, made our own course on a map, created a flag, etc etc.  HSing is the BEST at your dd's age, because you can take ALL the pressure off of her, and teach to what she needs, one thing at a time if you like.  If she is currently crying over math, take a break from the usual math stuff, and play dice games instead!  Just because it's fun, doesn't mean you can't use it for school.  Think outside the box, teach her fast math skills by having her play games!  Teach her spelling by only drilling in the car, and make it fun!  See what I mean?  And don't let the folks that know NOTHING about hs except for the freaks they find on tv worry you about socialization.  There are hs groups in your area to help.  There are groups online.  There are church groups and public sports and music lessons and play groups for socialization.
607914
I am in my 1st year of homeschooling my son, we pulled him out of public school during his 6th grade year. We are preparing to enter the 7th grade. We use the Abeka curriculum primarily but we also dabble a bit with Saxon and Alpha Omega.\n\nWhat my son really loves about homeschooling is that he gets to choose  what order he wants to learn his studies. Some days he wants to start with History, some days he starts with Math. It all depends. Plus we explore much more than the public schools do. We go on at least 1 field trip a week, whether it's to the park or to the museum, or even the library. He also gets to learn French, something he has wanted to do since the 5th grade. \n\nThere is so much less stress to the whole scenario of it. We have the basic subjects + French, Literature, and Art and he is still done within 5-6 hrs a day. I instruct him on what needs to be done, help him as he works through the first parts of it, then supervise and be there if he runs into a roadblock. I wouldn't trade it for the world, and neither would he.\n\nHe also has a larger social network then he had in school, between skating parties, swimming parties, study groups, bible study, sleep overs, etc.
334101
My daughter was in a Christian school 1st thru 6th grade. Then I felt she needed a public school cause kids need to know how to deal in the world when they become adults. Now that I rethink it and she is grown, maybe I should have kept her in the Christian school. It was a great experience for her and I felt she was safer there. Good luck!
561488
I would definitely be honest.\n\nBlock schedules do NOT work for all kids (nor for all teachers...they drove me INSANE) and schools understand that some students have difficulty working on that schedule.  I would recommend adding to your answer why you think the NEW high school would be better for you.  While shorter class length is a positive, what else do they have to offer?  Why THIS school instead of some other school?  That way, they don't see you as someone who can't handle a challenge, rather, you're someone who is making an informed decision about what works for you (and what does not work for you) in school.  High schools (like colleges) are competitive and they love to hear why people think they're better than other schools.  Don't put down your old school, though, since they don't like to hear things like "my old school sucked." Phrase it positively like: "While the schedule at my current high school worked for a lot of students, I had difficulty keeping my focus in the block schedule.  I realized I needed a place that had classes that meet for shorter periods to better remember what I learn.  School x sounds like it would be great because, in addition to the shorter class periods, it offers...."  (it's gotta have some other good points).  This way, you're not putting down your old school, but you are still saying why your (hopefully) new school is better.\n\nGood luck.
625608
I know what you mean! I had to start hs my 7 yr dd cause the school would not help with her learning problems.\nFirst, each state has a homeschool agency with a website. I guess google your state name and add 'homeschool agency' . This should have the laws listed, forms to download and copy, etc.\nSecond, NEVER have anything to do with the public schools ever again LOL\nNa, really, the law in my state is that the schools are not legally required to help anyone who homeschools, but they can at their discretion. Wouldn't hurt to ask.\nAnd, I don't have much money either. So here's what I have learned.\n1. There are SO MANY websites that you can use for every subject! I use the internet a LOT for school! The problem I have wiht this though, is it takes SO MUCH of my time searching and finding what to use. I guess this is what I have to do cause I don't have much money!!\n2. EBAY!! I buy books, workbooks, supplies, etc.\nI can't buy any kind of curriculum so I mix it up and use whatever.\n(you have to make sure of your state laws allow this)\n3.Do free field trips, grocery store outings, library, hospital tours, go to courthouse, post office, bank, etc. On your own and have field days at these places.\nUse chalk outside to do math, spelling words etc. Go outside for science nature walk and make collage with what you find.\n4. Join a local homeschool group. They are wonderful! You get together with other kids and have fun days, field trips, do classes together, PE, art, 4H, girl and boy scouts, etc.\nI thought public school had more to offer than homeschool, but NO WAY!!\n\nDoing all these things, I have spent less than $75 for a whole year, plus most of the things I bought can be used for years to come. (I know $75 is a LOT but I managed somehow?)\nsome people spend up in the thousands doing this.\n\nIf your children have learning problems, schools do NOT help with this. Oh they say they do but belive me they don't. Anyway, homeschool is so much better for learning problems IF you know what the problem is and if you KNOW WHAT to do for the problem.\nAnd, all children have their own 'learning style' and schools only cater to ONE style- reading and writing. What about the kids who learn better visually, verbally, auditory? \nThat's the problem my dd had, and now I can choose what, how, when, etc on teaching her to learn in the way she learns best.\nNow, she's doing so much better than she would EVER do in public school.
202672
tell her its your life and you'll run it the way you want to.Your education is the most important thing in your life and when people drop out they tend to regret it later on in life.I'm a student myself and if mom ever said drop out I'd love to,but I'd still say no to it because I want a good,proper education.So tell her you don't want to and she should be supporting you and not turning against you.
300805
It probably does suck to be in school but it sounds like you are going to a great school.  You will end up being a better person for it.  They are teaching you skills that you will come to understand one day when you are older.  You won't end up being some slack ass who quits college or ends up jobless in your 30's.  Don't worry everyone hates school at some point.  You only have a year to go.  Hopefully, your Senior year will be more fun.
192553
YOU WILL REMEMBER AND WISH TO RETURN TO HIGHSCHOOL !!\n\nREMEMBER EVERY MOMENT IS RARE WITH STRESS OR WITH GOOD MOMENTS LIFE IS TO BE LIVED ONCE ENJOY IT EVERYWHERE, CUZ SOMETIMES ITS A WISH FOR A DAY TO COME BACK.\n\nDO YOUR BEST, AND ALWAYS STAY CALM, EVERYTHING CAN BE FUN IN THIS LIFE
80707
my son is home schooled, stay with it look on line for home schooling, look up svc , we are in Ohio so thing are not the same, but there are alote of on line schools just do not let the real school get in your way your state should have a help line the Government has on line schools also. that will help you.you have to be in a school, until you 18 go on line and look up your Gide lines, you will find theme, and some on line schools you do not have to do all the testing to get out of school. what about going and just getting your GED you parents or garden just have to sigh you out of school and see you do your GED tasted,
251023
PLease whatever you do DO NOT DROP OUT OF SCHOOL!!!! From a woman who is struggling herself, i envy you that you are in high school and still have a chance to make it. I understand that thngs are tough right now, but it will pay off. You have to sacrifice a few things to make it in this world. Dropping out of school is not an option and you will regret it for the rest of your life. You will not get these years back. I was sitting on the bus and watched the high school kids going to school and i almost wanted to cry. I cannot go back in time and fix what I did. If i knew then what I know now, I would have been in the front of the class, front and center, on time and did extra work on my projects. Then maybe i could have gone to Princeton or something. if you do this, you will be having to play catch up all of your life. Your situation is just hard now, NOW. it will not be the same tomorrow. Would you really want to ruin your life because of a small obstacle now. Please think about this. I had to do some regrettable things in my life and dropping out was one of them. I played catch up and i am 23 and still struggling while i have a friend who is 25 and is already working on his Masters degree at LIU. I envy him so much and it makes me look at my life. I have an Associates degree and am planning on "trying" to get my Bachelors one day, hopefully soon, but all of the struggles i had to overcome are unimaginable. The shame hurts more. So please, while you are still young and have a chance to be somebody, stay in school and do your best with what you have. If not for your family, for ME or anyone, but do it for yourself. I would hope that you do become successful and live a life free of worries. Make the right decision and stay in school.
84682
My mom and dad home schooled me because 1) I wasn't learning much in school 2) They saw that socializing with out-of-control kids was not helping my attitude 3) They wanted me to spend more time with them and my sister. I went to public school from kindergarten through second grade.  Throughout that whole time, I learned very little—I could read, write (barely!), and I could "socialize."  I could not spell (because the teachers wouldn't correct my spelling for fear of "damaging my self-esteem"); I could barely add; and I couldn't subtract 3 from 4.  Also, socializing with other hyper, out-of-control, rude kids had turned me into a little terror. This change really disturbed my mom (who had stayed home with me since I was a baby) because I had been such a good child until I went to school.  (Another factor contributing to my withdrawal from public school was that we would get permission forms [written by teachers!] that contained misspellings and many grammatical errors.  My parents obviously didn't want me to be taught by these people). Eventually, my parents couldn't take it any more.  After I finished second grade, they pulled me out and started home schooling me using a program through Christian Liberty Academy ( http://www.homeschools.org/ ).  It took several years of hard work (and many tantrums!) before I was able to read, write, and do math proficiently and was able to un-learn my bad habits.  \nI know that many people will disagree with what I've just wrote.  They will say that only trained teachers can give students a good education. They will say that children need to socialize.  I have found that this is not true.  My parents were able to give me a very good and rigorous education (I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and received a composite score of 30 on my ACT).  As for socializing, I get along fine with people. I work at my local YMCA as a life-guard and swim instructor. (It was at the Y that I made an interesting observation. I've taught both home school and public school children how to swim and the difference between them is like day and night. On the whole, home schoolers are more polite, responsible, well-behaved, and respectful than public school kids. Most home schoolers possess a level of maturity that I rarely find in public school children).  \nIn conclusion—yes, my life was more sheltered than other kids, but I am grateful for it because it has made me a better person. Also, it allows me to be with my family (my sister is my best friend) and take field trips and vacations with them.  I believe that family is important; but in today's society, the family unit is downgraded. Home schooling has allowed me to connect with my family in a way that I don't believe is possible otherwise.\nI highly recommend home schooling. I love it and cannot imagine learning any other way.
19728
I took American School. Its in illinois and is through the mail. But its a top notch school and they know what their doing. I worked at my own pase and im 16 and in college. Also, With being able to work at your own pase, you can keep your social life. Dont listen to what people say about homeschool. Most people have never given it a try and just jump to conclusions about it. Good luck finding a school to go through with!
530082
Take it easy^^!...  First of all, it is important to know that studying is important in order for you to be successful.  Enjoy your age, school and friends while you can (always in a healthy way).  Days pass fast and one day you will want to go back where you are right now!(trust me on that;)).  The question might be... Are they giving you too much work in school (if they are, you should always talk to the teachers) or are you not spending the time to study correctly?... \nTalk to your parents or family and for sure they will help you=)...\nExercise is also great!(take a walk, play sports) Remember that life is beautiful!  Don't forget about God... He is the only one who can actually help us in everything, in fact, He is the first One who we should all talk to about our problems and ask Him what we should do and tell Him to guide us and live our lives the way He wants us to:)... \n\nTake care and be happy^^!!
210348
*In response to your additional information--saying that you are really interested in secondary education...\n\nI still think you ought to go into a school and volunteer or observe to check it out.\n\nTeaching is very hard work. Most people don't have a clue. They think we work from 8 to 3. But that's just when the kids are there. I usually put in 10 hours each day and at least four more on the weekend. Secondary teachers may not be at the school as late, but they definitely bring their work home because there are lots of papers to grade, and they bring this work to appts., and their own kids' games, and in the evening when most of the world has finished work, the teacher can be found with his or her family watching TV with a lap full of papers to grade.\n\nIt's wonderful that you want to inspire kids to learn. But you have to realize no matter how wonderful you think the stuff you have to say is, there are kids out there who don't want to hear it. They're not interested. And they want to be in charge of your classroom and be the class clown and will do anything they can to get the rest of the class' attention on themselves. \n\nThese kids make it hard to teach. You have to learn strategies to deal with kids like that. But it's not easy, especially the first few years. That's why so many teachers leave the profession. \n\nYes, there are definitely those kids who you want to take home with you. Kids who want to learn. Kids who hang on your every word because their minds are so hungry for knowledge. But most of the time you don't have time for those kids because you're running around your classroom trying to make the others learn. Taking a horse to water and trying to make him drink is what teaching can be like.\n\nI don't want to discourage you from the profession. Just trying to give you a glimpse of the real world. Depending on the school you're in. Teens who are having problems at home with their own parents tend to look at their teachers and project whatever they're feeling about their parents onto any other adult. You have to find a way around that. But at the same time, all kids know when you genuinely like them. And this will give them someone outside their family who they can trust and seek help from.\n\nAfter trying high school for a few years, you'll be able to more easily make the jump to college teaching (than if you taught elementary). \n\nWhatever you decide, I wish you the best.
13486
I loved going to college.  It was truly the best time of my life and would love to do it again one day to get another degree.  School can be a lot of fun if you make it that way.  In high school, I really wish I would have applied myself more.  Yeah, school is hard but it is worth it when you get older.  If there was a way that adults could take high school over again, I would sign up in a minute.  I would take all the classes that would better prepare me for things and apply myself more.