Allegra writes: Homeschooling seems like a very appealing alternative to public school. You don’t have to deal with the teachers, the class bully or the school lunches. You’re being taught by a parent who knows you and your learning style. That’s all very well, but, as a student, before you opt for homeschooling, you need to stop and think.
Being homeschooled is no small undertaking. You need to be able to work alone and be self-motivated. There won’t be the daily social interaction you get with public school, so you need to be able to deal with the isolation. If you aren’t this type of person, homeschooling isn’t for you.
On the plus side, you can work at your own pace, and if you are particularly interested in a subject, you can really delve into it. You won’t have to worry about being called a “geek” or a “goody-goody” by classmates if you are really interested in a subject or turn in work that is beyond expectations. You can feel free to ask questions and answer them.
These are just some of the pros and cons to think about. This isn’t a decision to be rushed. Homeschooling can be a great experience, but it isn’t for everyone.
Laurie's take: I don’t know many teen-agers who want to spend THAT much time with their parents--and vice versa! We thought about this decision for eight months before filing the intention to homeschool.
