School at Home?

The concept of homeschooling is not one that everyone is lucky enough to have been exposed to. Most people, if they've heard of homeschooling at all, think it is for kids who are either slow learners or juvenile delinquents. That isn't at all true.

My name is Megan. I'm a 15-year-old high school junior and I've been homeschooled since the 6th grade. This year, I'll graduate early from high school because I've been homeschooled.

When I was in the 5th grade, I tested above grade level in several subjects. I worked faster than the rest of my classmates, and spent most of my time waiting for everyone else to catch up. That was when my mom, a former high school English teacher, decided homeschooling might be the best thing for me. She was right. I soon discovered that homeschooling allowed me to work at my own level and pace, no more easy work or wasted time for me.

Homeschooling isn't just for the advanced. It can also be beneficial for students who are struggling. The reason I say this is because homeschoolers receive more one-on-one instruction - sometimes a little extra attention is very helpful.

Just like the misconceptions that homeschoolers are slow or delinquents there is the misconception that homeschooled work is "easy". To the contrary, I've found that the work is actually harder and my mom knows me well enough to know when I'm not trying my hardest. That may, to some, sound like one of the downsides to homeschooling, but in the long run it turns out to be one of the pluses.

Another advantage to being homeschooled I've found is a more flexible schedule; it allows more time for me. I can go more places and do more things because my schoolwork can go with me.

Yeah, it sounds great you say, but homeschooling really isn't for everyone. It takes discipline and a will to work hard, really hard. Not everyone is disciplined and hard working, so not everyone can last as a homeschooler.

Feelings of social exclusion are another thing that can send homeschoolers right back to public school. But I've found that if you're active in your community, you'll have no trouble making friends, which eliminates the social issue altogether.

Community service for homeschoolers is a great way to meet new people while doing good things for your community. My particular school plan requires me to do 300 hours of volunteer work before graduation. Already I've done well above the required 300 hours and have made some good friends doing it.

Something that makes parents feel good about the concept of homeschooling is they know where their kids are. With all the violence in schools these days, this is no small comfort. I actually like knowing that I'm in my borne where I can feel safe while I'm doing my schoolwork.

Homeschooling for me is very fulfilling. It lets me do the things I want to do to prepare for what I want to be when I get older. I think that is very important and more kids should have the chance to direct their own education.

I will, however, admit to one downside to homeschooling...no snow days.

Megan M., 15
Pine Mountain Club, California

* Reprinted from Positive Teens Magazine Volume 1 Issue 5, Sept/Oct 1999

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