This Is Our City

We also homeschool and made our decision based on academics. We could tell early on that my oldest was a bit different from his peers. He was reading at a very early age and could talk clearly and eloquently very early as well. After several years in the public school of little to no help for him and his situation, we decided to homeschool. Like others here, my wife had been a public school teacher and always looked down on the idea of homeschooling. But seeing few good alternatives and after doing research we tried it. It has been wonderful for both my wife and the kids. The academic program far exceeds what their peers are getting and they are involved socially in many ways. We are still working out the "missional" side of things, but that has little to do with school setting for us. I also agree that homeschooling is not for everyone and that it needs to be done carefully and prayerfully. Also, like Helen we are open to the idea of changing if it seems best.

As one of the moderators of the page, it's easy to pipe up when things lack civility. I just want to say that we really appreciate the thoughtful and helpful dialogue in the comments. Great stuff - keep it up.

@Dianne, by way of observation, the documentary, Bully, draws its material from public schools. If this is what passes for what you think works, then your assumption should find homeschoolers much worse off. I don't think you'll find that to be the case. Have you ever encountered public schooled kids who have limited social skills? Do you attribute that to their setting, peers and/or parenting? You've raised a good and fair question. I would just suggest that you broaden your view of cause and effect. I've found "good" and "bad" kids in both settings (public + home schooling).