I voted no, but in some situations I might decide to do it. If my daughter or a future child had certain issues in a traditional setting, I could MAYBE see myself homeschooling them. It would be a last resort though. I would try alternative schools or private schools before I would home school.

Luckily where I live we have a pretty good education system. I would consider private schooling if I felt that my child wasn't getting the education she needed. I personally don't think I have enough patience to take on educator.

I voted no because I think the social benefits of school are invaluable. I would maybe consider it if there was a homeschooling network in my area that held frequent events and get-togethers.

We already homeschool and the positives far outweigh the negatives. There are so many opportunities for social activities, and our school system even lets high-school age kids take classes or participate in sports/activities. The only drawback is that we do not get to do homework every night (heh).

That said, it isn't for everyone, but it's not nearly as difficult as some people think it is.

As a public school teacher I have to say no. I understand why people homeschool through elementary school, but I think that in Middle and High School there are so many things you (as a parent) can't do. While I could teach my kids Calculus, I couldn't teach them Spanish. I think that when you have a network of parents you can find someone who can teach almost all these things, but there are SO many sports and activities/clubs that you can join in high school, I just don't see that exposure happening for kids who are homeschooled. Yes, you can support your individual kids interests, but if they got to see the hundreds of options at a high school, would they have different/more interests?

I did for 3 years. And I would only recommend it for parents who are themselves organized, emotionally stable and intelligent. You need to be. My children are public school students now, one in high school, all honor students with teachers fighting to get them in their next year's class. And I'm finishing my degree to be certified to teach in public or private schools.

All I did was lay the foundation, they are the ones building a shack or mansion on it; it's not the public school system's job to raise children, just give them an education.

The social argument doesn't hold water, because if that was the case then their be no outcasts, or bullying. Home schooled children who participate in a home school group socialize just fine. And they are usually put in less threatening situations to grow up too fast.

There's no all or nothing answer, it depends on the parent who's going to provide the education for the child.

Speaking as a teacher, I believe that educating in school gives a whole lot of benefits. You get the benefit of being in a social setting, learning how not to be embarrassed by asking questions, and you get to be in a relatively amusing setting -- whether it's because for young kids they have "fun" things in the room and for older kids you get to look forward to some ridiculous conversations. I loved teaching -- and I loved being a student in public school.

My BF was home schooled. He says he learned a lot (he traveled to many countries) but regrets it in a way, because he didn't learn the social skills that he wants to have.

I personally could teach my children, but I would rather someone else do it. To me, they may pay attention more, and it'll be easy to separate parent and teacher. I am not against it or for it...but either way education is super important, and my life!

i too am a former school teacher and think that the benefits of going to school out way home schooling.

I hope to do what my family did for me. I went to public school but was very well prepared before entering kindergarten thanks to them. I learned to read at a very young age and could do simple math in my head.

there are a lot of places children can get interaction outside the school setting - church, local team sports or leagues, YMCA programs....

I understand HS your elem. school age children, but how does a parent effectively HS high school children? ... how would you teach calc, bio, chem,french, etc?

As a public school teacher, I firmly believe in children attending school outside the home. While church and teams are a nice idea, they don't provide the same social experiences of interacting with so many different children for long periods of time. A common thing I say in my classroom is "You don't have to be best friends with everyone, but you do have to be civil." If students are only around those who have common interests (a church, club, team, etc.), they don't learn real-world skills.

I was homeschooled all the way through high school. I was very lucky in that I had a father who was an engineer and knew a great deal about science and a mother who was an English/French major. It worked out for me, and I am currently a college student with straight As and aspirations for a Masters. That said, I probably wouldn't homeschool my children if I have any. I don't plan on staying at home and there is no other way to do it.

i would home school if i became unhappy with our current schooling choice. in california there is a home school option called virtual academy, free to all residents. each student is given a laptop and a printer to complete assignments. you can also do home schooling through your individual school district. you meet (i believe) every 2 weeks with a teacher (district provided) and go over any issues you have.

my bff is home schooling her middle son for the second year, he's in 7th grade. they have a math tutor and are adding a foreign language tutor next year. her husband travels on business and they go back and forth between the east and west coast frequently. her son missed so much school due to illness last year that home schooling became the only option other than repeating a grade. it's worked out really well for their family, and i should add, the son has zero interest in going to a typical school. he's on a basket ball team with neighborhood kids and is active in youth activities at their church.

well call me old fashioned but i dont think there should be much socializing during class.

i think kids probably learn more, better, and faster, when not distracted by other kids or whether or not they are popular or wearing the right thing etc etc...

I had a couple of friends that were home schooled. One had to be home schooled from being sick but started public school in 10th grade, he mostly self taught. Then 2 of my friends dropped out of high school to home school, one had to travel alot because of her mom and the other just wanted to get her diploma so she could start college classes, she finished the rest of high school in a year and a half, both self taught. So I think its the situation of the child and family and of course what you're schools are like around your area. Done right they are both great options.

"well call me old fashioned but i dont think there should be much socializing during class. "

What about group projects? Discussions and debates? Recess? A lot of the important socializing isn't just kids chatting or passing notes while the teacher is lecturing.

"i think kids probably learn more, better, and faster, when not distracted by other kids or whether or not they are popular or wearing the right thing etc etc..."

It sucks that kids have to deal with this stuff, but these issues aren't unique to schools. Most jobs in the real word require working together with people, and I think it's important for kids to have experience learning to cooperate with people they might not jive with.

just because you're on a sports team doesn't mean you like everyone, you still learn all those principles.

i guess i just don't buy that the traditional school setting is the only place kids learn to work together or to work with people they don't like.

I don't have the patience to home school. I have no problem tutoring but homeschooling is a whole different ball game.