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Yes, Homeschool Is a Considerable Option

byMarissa Accardo
August 25, 2017

For many, school is a daily event that happens from early morning to afternoon, from pre-school or kindergarden to senior year of high school. However, for some, an alternate form of education fits them best- homeschool. According to the US Department of Education, as of 2013, about 3.4% of the school age population is choosing taking education into their own hands, and that number is continuing to grow! Interestingly, when questioned, the overwhelming majority of parents (about 91%) stated that they preferred homeschool due to concern for the environments of their other options for education. 77% of parents stated that it was due to an interest in providing moral instruction at home, and 74% said it had to do with a low level of satisfaction in other schools with the teaching. I interviewed an old friend of mine named Renee, who has spent the entirety of her high school career in various homeschool programs. Here’s what she had to say when interviewed:

How did you make the decision to switch from public school to homeschool?

Renee: I went to public elementary and middle school. I hated middle school. I woke up at 5:30am to get to the bus stop by 6:15, I sat in classes for 8 hours, and then I went home to do an hour or more of homework. I always felt that school wasted so much time. People say that eventually you get used to waking up early, but after three years of waking up at 5:30, I still felt awful every morning. Teachers have to teach so that the slower students understand, and most teachers don’t allow students to do homework during the lecture. I knew I could get the work done in half the time, but public school doesn’t allow for flexibility. I begged my mom to let me get homeschooled in 8th grade, and after looking into that option, my mom finally said yes.

Describe your transition.
Renee: Freshman year, my first year of homeschooling, was great. I was able to complete my school work quickly, and I had much more free time. It was strange not seeing my friends everyday, and I had to put in more effort to find friends and make plans.
Describe your favorite things about being homeschooled. 
Renee: I love the flexibility of homeschooling. Some days I decided to do two days work in one, so I would have the next day off. If I was feeling sick, I could skip school without the stress of having to catch up so fast. If a class was easy, I could quickly work through it. If a class was difficult for me, like math, I was able to spend more time on it. I also love that there are so many different forms of homeschooling, so you can find what is perfect for you.
Debunk some homeschooling myths!
Renee: Many people think that homeschoolers don’t have many friends, but that is not true. Homeschoolers just have to put more effort into finding them. In order to make friends, I joined a homeschooling group, participated in the community youth orchestra, and was very involved in my church youth group. People also think that homeschoolers don’t do any work, but that is also not true. Parents care about their children’s schooling, and they make sure their children are getting a good education that will prepare them for college and the future.
Describe how you’ve been homeschooled. 
Renee: There are many different ways to homeschool. Some students are taught by their parents. Other students take all their classes online. Freshman year, my dad ordered a full set of textbooks and workbooks for 4 core classes and 2 electives. I did all the work on my own. I read the textbooks, filled out the workbook, and then took the quizzes and tests. Sophomore year I decided to join a homeschooling group. I went to “school” on Wednesdays for a full 7-hour day of lectures, and then I worked on projects and homework the rest of the week. Junior/Senior year [the last year of high school before graduating a year early] I took a few online classes, a few classes with the homeschooling group, and a few dual-enrollment classes at the community college. Overall, my last year of high school was my favorite. I liked the mix of different styles of classes.
What is some advice you’d give to someone who’s considering homeschool?
Renee: Homeschooling is a great option, but you have to be very self-motivated and want to learn. My advice is find what style of homeschooling is best for you.
Is there anything you miss about public school?
Renee: Sometimes I wish I had gone to public school so I could go to homecoming and prom. I went to a homeschool prom, but I know it’s not the same.
Tell me about how you graduated early and describe your college plans.
Renee: I graduated a year early by working very hard. I took one or two extra high school classes every year, and I enrolled in college classes to get all my credits done. This year I’m starting freshman year at a community college to save money, and then I will be transferring to a university in Indiana. I feel very prepared for college and I can’t wait to get started!
Author
Marissa Accardo
17 years old from suburbs of Detroit, Michigan
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