What is the general opinion towards homeschooled people?
146358
Research has repeatedly shown that home schooled kids do better on every measure the researchers think up.  As to the "general opinion," as in public opinion, I think sometimes people who send their kids to public school consider home schooled kids to be a bit weird.  "Why do their parents want to keep them home?" they ask.  The answers are as varied as the parents and kids involved.  Most, I think, simply do not trust the public schools.  If they cannot afford a really good private school, but can afford to be home enough to do home schooling (which can include involving grandparents and other relatives, and possibly parents who work different shifts so one is home at a time), that really is their best choice.  Usually the kids get enough socializing with their peers from other contacts in their lives, such as clubs and religious organizations.  I suspect some home schooled kids do get rather shy and unaccustomed to being around others.  I'm not convinced that is a bad thing, if they at least learn good manners.  "Shy" can be translated "reserved," or "quiet," and not necessarily a bad thing at all.
583941
I graduated nearly 3 years ago from homeschool, and yes, I was by myself.  My mom threw a HUGE party for me.  I had to walk down the the aisle of our church with a cap and gown in front of a couple dozen friends and family.  People got up and talked about me (very flattering) and then I even gave a "speech" (very nerve-wracking).  We had cake and then went out to dinner afterwards.  In the back of the room we had laid out photos and binders from unit studies I had done.  My 2003 gold and white tassel hangs by my bed.\n\nOh, and btw, I have adjusted to "real life" just fine.  I've taken online college classes through Patrick Henry College (consider this a recommendation) and am now working as a receptionist for a loan company and semi-secretary for an attorney.  I'm hoping to attend Bob Jones University in the fall.  Sorry!  You probably weren't requesting an auto-biography.  I just wanted to let you and everyone else know that homeschool grads aren't wierd! :-)  Just unique...;-)
114196
I think all parents early on should have a plan as to what their goals are as parents. In my opinion the two best things I can provide my children is good health and a good education. It kills me when people just expect the government to provide these things for them. What greater gift can you give a kid than at 18 to have options? \n\nI homeschool but I do not recommend that all people should. It works for us. I know lots of kids who have gotten an amazing education through public schools from teachers who loved their jobs and genuinely cared about the kids. The main difference in that the parents took an active role in their upbringing and provided a lot of supervision and support. It is not a teacher’s job to educate your child. They have them for 9 months and then pass them on. You are the consistent force in their education. \n\nI personally went to private school and received an amazing education. I felt like I had to reprogram some of my beliefs after high school. I totally had a superiority complex that I was smarter then public schooled kids. What a shocker when I got to college. I think it was partially my parents influence. I see this problem with homeschool kids as well. If you shelter kids to where they are always in the same peer group, you are doing your kids a great disservice. What happens when they are competing in the job market with people who are different then them? For that reason, I keep my kids involved in lots of different social groups. I heavily monitor them so I remain the number one force in their belief system. \n\nI don’t think the question in my mind is if homeschooling is better. I have seen kids that have gotten a lousy education because their parents never should have attempted homeschooling. I think the main issue is what influence a parent is in a child’s life. We should always put what is best for the kid in front of our motives. If I can maintain a relationship with my kids that they respect me so much they will do their best not to disappoint me then I have succeeded. If my kids feel I am the one they should turn to no matter how bad of situation they are in then I have succeeded.
872681
I find it very doubtful that half the children in the US are home-schooled.  Home-schooling is fine with me, as long as there are dedicated parents involved, and the children have plenty of socialization opportunities.  A big thing that you learn in school is how to interact with other people.
1030555
I love it. I get to help advance my child's education to his full potential. We don't have to follow the "appropriate" guideline for what grade level to follow. He will be entering the 7th grade (homeschooling) this fall, and he will be using mostly 7th grade curriculum. Though in some subjects, specifically literature and health, he will be at a 9th grade level. It's a nice change. He can go at his own pace, ask for help when he needs it. Eat when he is hungry, drink when he is thirsty, and use the bathroom without permission. \n\nI wouldn't trade homeschooling him for anything...and neither would he.
706516
Perhaps it depends what circle you are looking it.  I have known several parents who chose to homeschool their children and the parents were skilled professionals with college educations and most had advanced degrees.\n\nThey developed a healthy curriculum to educate their children;  The kids excelled in their studies and still enjoyed exposure to other peers through extracurricular activities despite not being schooled under 'routine' circumstances.
967362
8) Most my social interaction came from the classes I took on a public school campus. I even found some great Christian friends who lived really close. One of them is over at my house almost every day (or vice versa)\n\n10) When I was in 6th grade my mom sent me to a public school for elective courses. The school was very accepting me and I even found a couple of other people who were homeschool there too.\n\n11) I loved the proximity to home. Every year my mom would ask me if I still wanted to be homeschooled and every year I said yes.\n\n12) I never had a lot of friends my age till I started taking classes on a public campus.\n\n13) No. I had a very well rounded education, that went along with the public's but even went into our religious aspect of it. \n\n13) Most places these days are very accepting to homeschoolers. It's even said that homeschoolers have a higher education.\n\n14) Definitely. But, like my mom, I might send them to a public campus for just a couple of classes.\n\n15) Washington.
1146098
I think it is up to you. I am a teacher and parent, and I would not homeschool my children. I have seen many high achievers and early college starters who have been home-schooled. If you are determined and dedicated to doing it, I believe it will be very successful for your children.
1036635
I'm for it.  My sister and brother-in-law homeschooled their two boys from kindergarten through high school graduation.  Both boys went on to college, and both have now graduated.\n\nI also have a lot of friends who have been (or are now) homeschoolers.  Those who have gone on to college have done extremely well.
681308
I'm 16 and will be graduating high school this year. I have been homeschooled all my life and I think it's great. It gave me a chance to learn things when I was ready to learn them. Sometimes I wished I could of gone to a traditional school and joined in on all the clubs and sports, but now I'm glad I didn't. Being homeschooled gave me chance to have a very flexible schedule and do way more than most people. I truly admire those who have the discipline and patience to homeschool their kids.
888741
I'm with you.  Let's see the valid studies!\n\nNHERI has done a tremendous amount of research.  Dr. Brian Ray and his colleagues give presentations in courts of law, to the US Congress, and to governments of foreign countries.  The statistics are clear and present the fact that home-schooling is a very good method of education.\n\nI personally helped with one project that involved questioning home-school students in regards to the military.  The study involved questions that could help the military adjust their enlistment requirements and recruiting policies.\n\nEvery home-school will have it's "issues" just as every public school has areas that need improvement.  The question is:  Who do you trust more -- parents or the government?
553862
I was a home schooled teen and i loved it. I mean sure there were times when i got frustrated and wished i could have been with other kids my age.\nBut my parents were great about the curriculum they chose and the activities that gave me alot of interaction with other people. And I helped set up my schedule and got to help choose what classes i took from what place and took jr college classes and now i am in a private college and i fit in well. I scored high on my entrance exams and passed into 3rd  year English among other core classes with a high score in math and science and i am female. So i think that it takes discipline and that homeschooling can be awesome.\nI do think that it helped me be more independent and that i have a greater appreciation for education and morals and plan on homeschooling my own children.
655312
I agree that we are sheltered.I am 16 and have been homeschooled for 6 years.I hate not being around people so bad.I did just get a job like a month ago so I am getting out there finally.Not having friends sucked, I think it is just not fair. I do have to say that I doubt I would have such high expectations for my future,I would have probably just wanted to be a make-up artist.After I am done with homeschooling I am going to Medical school to be a Plastic Surgeon.
1107442
I wouldn't accept advice on the subject from someone who has not a) homeschooled or b) been homeschooled.  Anyone else is just making uneducated conjecture.  \n\nThere have been actual scientific studies on this topic and, guess what, homeschoolers actually end up being socially superior to their institutionally educated peers.\n\nFrom http://homeschoolinformation.com/homeschooling/homeschool_statistics1.htm:\n\nStudies also show homeschoolers mature and better socialized than are those sent to school. Dr. John Wesley Taylor's nationwide study revealed that the self-concept of home school students was significantly higher than that of public school students for the global and all six subscales of the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. The Galloway-Sutton Study (performed in 1997), showed that from five success indicators (academic, cognitive, spiritual, affective-social and pyschomotor), comparing with public and private schooled students, "in every success category except pyschomotor, the home school graduates excelled above the other students." \n\nThat being said, you can't just think that you're going to homeschool him, keep him in the house all day every day, never expose him to social situations, and think that he's going to be socially adept.  But social skills are like anything else, they need to be taught, not just absorbed.  Social skills are not taught in public school, but your child will absorb many social behaviors that you may find unacceptable.  When you homeschool, you teach them the social skills that you want him to have, then you pick social situations where he can practice (church, sports, museum classes, etc.).  \n\nThere is a ridiculous notion held by many who don't homeschool that homeschoolers never leave their homes.  Most homeschoolers I know are TOO busy.  They have classes, sports, church, scouts, etc.  Some of them are busier than their institutional counterparts.  \n\nSo, if you want to homeschool, look at the research and do what is best for your family.  Don't let your fears stand in your way.
1175198
You know what, when i was a kid my mom thought the school I was going to was not good enough for me and she wanted to send me to a private school.  My sister and I went crazy - we thought it was a punishment.  We told her that we would get ourselves thrown out of that school - so much we did not want to change and leave our friends.  They dropped the subject.\n\nFast forward 7-10 years I come to find out that everyone (I mean everyone) i really liked as an adult went to the very same school I would have been sent to, if I hadn't been such a ninny and said "No, don't spend your money and energy giving me a better education!  It is more important to me that I stay right where I am."\n\nMy point is that there is a lot to consider here.\n\nHomeschooling is a way for children to find and nurture their own particular gifts and talents.  In school settings there are just too many kids for teachers to allow kids to go at their own pace or spend extra time on what interests them.  Who do you think are going to be the leaders and sought after employees of tomorrow?  The kids with uniquely tailored education or the kids who get it out of the same can as everyone else?\n\nThere is still plenty of time to socialize - I mean how much actual social time would you be missing in school?  2 hours?  Most of the time you are not supposed to be talking - but sitting and listening.\n\nMany mothers I have told I was homeschooling my kids have said to me "Oh god - that sounds like way too much work!"  Your parents want to spend their time and energy giving you the very best education you can get.  In this world, you will surely need it.\n\nPeace!
168480
the main benefit of homeschooling is the ability to individualize everything that goes on. any educator will admit that there's nothing better than one-on-one teaching, when it comes to actual learning (it's just that they can't). the parent/teacher can evaluate how well a student is learning, work around blocks and learning disabilities, and utilize natural talents. more attention ALWAYS equals better learning.\n\n plus, what kid wouldn't want a curriculum designed specifically around his/her interests? what kid doesn't want to be able to find out about what he's curious about without having to raise his hand, and wait for teacher, or a computer to open up, or library time? what kid really wants to be in a world where everything is structured down to the minute, full of illogical and sometimes unpredictable reward systems and dumbed down to the lowest common denominator, filtered by someone who's too busy to spend more than a few minutes paying attention to him? \n\nhomeschoolers have been proven to be better socialized that institutionalized kids, more mature, and score better on achievement tests. they are more creative, independent and have a love for learning that is drummed out of most kids by about 3rd grade or so. \n\nmost objections boil down to just a few roots: \n"i had to deal with the hell of regular school, and so should everyone else." and "those kids are weird." well, if weird means getting into the best colleges, winning the National Geographic Geography Bee, dominating national spelling bees, and eventually becoming just like everyone else, with jobs as diverse as entrepreneur or mechanic, then sure, they're weird. \n\nalso, schools are paid by the student. therefore, they are highly motivated to denigrate the move towards homeschooling. (every kid who quits is money down the drain for them.)\n\nlinks to stats and studies:\nhttp://homeschoolinformation.com/homeschooling/homeschool_statistics1.htm\n\nhttp://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp\n\nother links:\nhttp://www.homeedmag.com/INF/strt_index.html\n\nhttp://www.homeschoolzone.com/unschooling/
533822
are you a parent or a kid?  Kids cannot homeschool themselves.