At first, we saw homeschooling as the affordable alternative to substandard public school special education.  Now we know it is opening the opportunities of our child's lifetime.

Lisa—homeschooling mother of 3:
      I appreciate the freedom to be able to privately direct my children's education from several different sources, allowing them to elevate their education past that which is offered in a government school setting. Modern schools were designed a hundred years ago, and they still succeed at pumping out great factory workers and cubical dwellers. However, I want to raise young adults who can think on their feet. People who can follow the rules, and yet know how to re-write a few when needed.  Spending twelve years in a system learning how to stand in line with everyone who is the same age is nowhere to be found in our curriculum.

      We initially decided to homeschool because we thought we could do a better job of educating our children at home. Over the years, we have come to see homeschooling as a lifestyle. We enjoy taking the time to teach subjects and individual concepts thoroughly. Subject matter can be tailored for each individual child to enhance his strengths and shore up his weaknesses. We make our own schedule. So, while there may be a sick day, nothing is missed. Homeschooling allows the simplest question to become a learning experience.

      I think anyone CAN teach with the right tools and the right attitudes.  Do you like spending extended time with your child?  Are you willing to do the research to find out what is available?  Are you organized or can you learn to be organized?  I think that an uncertified person with the will and desire to learn and explore alongside her child will be infinitely more successful at homeschooling than the highly educated person who is too busy to spend time talking to, learning with, exploring with, and creating with her child.

      Who is more qualified and knows their kids better than the parents who raise them?  We’ve been teaching them things since birth.

      I have to say that I think most people are qualified to teach their own children.  The most important qualifications are that you know how to read, you love your children, and you enjoy learning.  If you have these qualifications, you can find what you need to teach your children. You don't have to know all there is to know on a subject!  You just need to know HOW to find the information you need.  That information may be in a book, or at the library, or maybe someone in the community can teach you and your child the information.  It's important to know that no one homeschools in a vacuum!

      Homeschool students get their socialization in the community. Parents need to be actively looking for and at times creating opportunities, but while doing this, parents develop friendships, too.  Some of these opportunities can be found in homeschool groups, classes and co-ops, places of worship, youth groups, volunteer organizations, Girl/Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol or 4-H youth programs, chess clubs, trading card tournaments, classes in the community, sports, and the list goes on and on.

      There is a big difference between socialization and socializing.  Socialization is learning the delicate art of treating another human being with love, dignity, and respect.  This is taught from one person to another, usually passed down from an elder to a child.  Socializing is that wild chatter you hear in middle school hallways and in crowded bars, which sound very similar.  Socializing is usually harmless fun just as long as a young person remembers who he or she truly is.  Socialization shows others who we truly are.

      The choices are limitless, based on what your child wishes to study.  I have graduated two daughters who both went on to college.  A good many homeschool students start college early and use those courses to finish high school.  So your upper coursework can be done at the local Jr. College, same as many public school children are choosing to do.

      I am just entering this area of teaching with my oldest. What I don’t know, I will learn with my children. I never took advanced math or science classes – they were my weakest subjects. Now however, with all that I have learned in my homeschool teaching career, I feel prepared to tackle those subjects on a learn-as-we-go-basis.

      I recently sat down with an English professor to discuss dual credit classes for my senior.  She told me that she loves to have homeschool students in her classes; they are better prepared for the college level courses.  I think many colleges are realizing this and seeking out homeschooled students.

      Absolutely! With one in college and one more headed that way in a year, as well as two more coming down the pike, we found our eldest to be more than qualified, ready for college, and now in the Honor Society in college, as well. It bodes well for the rest of our children - in fact, for all of our children. If you build upon rock, college is just the next stepping stone in their lives.

11-year-old girl: The teacher doesn't have to repeat things over and over again, because there are fewer students.  You still get to see your friends when you're homeschooled, but you don't have to wait until school is over.  You get recess whenever you want.  You have more fun doing homeschool.  The curriculum itself is more fun than public school.  You don't have to schedule trips around school.  It's usually less crowded (like at Disney World) when school is in.

14-year-old girl: I like the freedom to do independent work and the liberty to study particular areas of interest at my own pace, as well as the freedom of a floating schedule to pursue my other interests.

14-year-old boy: One thing I like about homeschooling is that you get to choose a curriculum you like. You get to work at your own pace. Another thing I like is that you get to make new friends.

18-year-old young man: The friends I have made while homeschooling haven’t just been my age. Instead they include some wonderful parents who have cared enough to give of their own time and talents and opened their homes to us as well.

18-year-old young lady: LAF has always been a welcoming group, with kids of all ages and personalities who get along like siblings, classes and activities to suit all interests, and parents whose dedication keeps the group going.  I’m thankful to have been a part of such a great organization throughout my past six years of homeschooling.