On another thread a friend is starting a home school discussion. I wanted to get thoughts from this group. Have any tried home schooling in Walton County? What issues or problems have you had with local officials while doing it, or have they been amicable to this situation?
Replies
52
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for clearing that up Grayton Girl. I was under the impression from someone whos child attended during an expulsion that funds went to the base school also.
Question - not that I think this would happen in my household (I hope not, anyway ), but out of curiosity - if a student is expelled from the county school district, would the Virtual School still be available, in lieu of Walton Academy?Yes it is. But like many others here, its just not in MY makeup to be able to do it. Applause to those that can!
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Sorry guys. Nice to see I am missed. Long day yesterday so I went to sleep instead of working on the computer. I am going to try to put together all my thoughts after reading the thread.
No motive on this one. Someone asked me something about homeschooling the other day so I thought it would be a good thread for discussion. Seems like a lot of really good information has come out.
I asked my spouse about the expelling question. The Florida Virtual School threw her as an option. She will check next week. Walton Academy is a private charter school, alternative education, so she said that is why they will take the student.
I am going to have to verify the number but I have been told that it is currently 600 students being home schooled in Walton County. I thought it was around 300. That is some serious change to a school district.
Will try to get a meeting with Jim McCall next week of the district to get a better understanding on how funding is split between virtual school and the district.
Seems like a lot of people in nowal home school for religious reasons and in sowal home school for educational reasons. I have no problem with persons home schooling their children. But since it is saving the State some dollars, there ought to be a way that the State could contribute to the resources needed. To do it right, seems very expensive. And we really need some educational standards to be met and progress measured. Even if the parents are not held accountable to this progress, it needs to be measured so they will know the direction that they are going with their child. Currently, my understanding is the student just has to show progress being made from year to year. No minimum progress, just progress. Bdarg is so correct, the only way society is going to grow in this country is with education. Kind of scary to think of the students out of that 600 that may be getting little to no education.
So with such a growth in the number of home schooled students, how does that speak for the job public education is doing? One has to wonder, because it is such a task to teach a student, that if people felt public school was doing a better job, if they would not just put their child back into the public school setting.
Socialization has always been something that I have thought about, but I understand now that home schooled students can participate in all extra curricular activities at public schools. So that issue can easily be resolved.
No motive on this one. Someone asked me something about homeschooling the other day so I thought it would be a good thread for discussion. Seems like a lot of really good information has come out.
I asked my spouse about the expelling question. The Florida Virtual School threw her as an option. She will check next week. Walton Academy is a private charter school, alternative education, so she said that is why they will take the student.
I am going to have to verify the number but I have been told that it is currently 600 students being home schooled in Walton County. I thought it was around 300. That is some serious change to a school district.
Will try to get a meeting with Jim McCall next week of the district to get a better understanding on how funding is split between virtual school and the district.
Seems like a lot of people in nowal home school for religious reasons and in sowal home school for educational reasons. I have no problem with persons home schooling their children. But since it is saving the State some dollars, there ought to be a way that the State could contribute to the resources needed. To do it right, seems very expensive. And we really need some educational standards to be met and progress measured. Even if the parents are not held accountable to this progress, it needs to be measured so they will know the direction that they are going with their child. Currently, my understanding is the student just has to show progress being made from year to year. No minimum progress, just progress. Bdarg is so correct, the only way society is going to grow in this country is with education. Kind of scary to think of the students out of that 600 that may be getting little to no education.
So with such a growth in the number of home schooled students, how does that speak for the job public education is doing? One has to wonder, because it is such a task to teach a student, that if people felt public school was doing a better job, if they would not just put their child back into the public school setting.
Socialization has always been something that I have thought about, but I understand now that home schooled students can participate in all extra curricular activities at public schools. So that issue can easily be resolved.
Beach Fanatic
Most of the home schooled children I've been in contact with are active in church or in youth sports, or both. I also work down the hall from a very, very bright young lady who was homeschooled.
I'm still curious about the Virtual School as an alternative to the "alternative" school. It would take very special parents and a very special kid who made bad choices to make it work, but especially in the case of a pregnant teen (i know one), it could be an option.
I'm still curious about the Virtual School as an alternative to the "alternative" school. It would take very special parents and a very special kid who made bad choices to make it work, but especially in the case of a pregnant teen (i know one), it could be an option.
Beach Lover
We made our decision to educate our children ourselves because we are uneducated, illiterate, religious fanatics and decided we would try to undermine the "great" American society... beginning with our own children!
Obviously I jest, please forgive my sarcasm if I've offended you... but there's probably a reason.
We recently (last June) moved to Walton County from Georgia and have home "educated" our children for eight years. I'm obviously biased, but think that we have given our children an education that will prepare them for success in college and beyond. Our oldest is dual enrolled as a high school senior at OWC. The second is attending public school in Okaloosa County at the NWF Ballet Academie' in FWB. Both are performing on par or above their peers, as most home educated students do when introduced to an institutional setting. Many of America's elite colleges and universities now aggressively recruit home educated students (check for yourself). The other two children are still educated at home.
Since moving to the area we have met several other families that have chosen to educate their children outside of an institutional setting. None of them have any noticeable mental deficiencies... well, I'll admit it - one of the fathers is a lawyer. Their children aren't socially inept drooling morons; they are well adjusted, polite children that can interact with other children as well as adults. This was also the case where we have previously lived.
I often find that those individuals who consider themselves to be the most "enlightened" and "tolerant" are also the same people who are the least "tolerant" of someone else's choice to be different. I can say that from my own research, which was open-minded and unbiased, I was convinced that home education was the "right" choice for our family. I decided that as an educational model; instead of "filling a bucket", I wanted to "light a fire".
To answer your question as far as I'm concerned, today it's not only viable... it's desirable.
Obviously I jest, please forgive my sarcasm if I've offended you... but there's probably a reason.
We recently (last June) moved to Walton County from Georgia and have home "educated" our children for eight years. I'm obviously biased, but think that we have given our children an education that will prepare them for success in college and beyond. Our oldest is dual enrolled as a high school senior at OWC. The second is attending public school in Okaloosa County at the NWF Ballet Academie' in FWB. Both are performing on par or above their peers, as most home educated students do when introduced to an institutional setting. Many of America's elite colleges and universities now aggressively recruit home educated students (check for yourself). The other two children are still educated at home.
Since moving to the area we have met several other families that have chosen to educate their children outside of an institutional setting. None of them have any noticeable mental deficiencies... well, I'll admit it - one of the fathers is a lawyer. Their children aren't socially inept drooling morons; they are well adjusted, polite children that can interact with other children as well as adults. This was also the case where we have previously lived.
I often find that those individuals who consider themselves to be the most "enlightened" and "tolerant" are also the same people who are the least "tolerant" of someone else's choice to be different. I can say that from my own research, which was open-minded and unbiased, I was convinced that home education was the "right" choice for our family. I decided that as an educational model; instead of "filling a bucket", I wanted to "light a fire".
To answer your question as far as I'm concerned, today it's not only viable... it's desirable.
Edited
SoWal Guide
We made our decision to educate our children ourselves because we are uneducated, illiterate, religious fanatics and decided we would try to undermine the "great" American society... beginning with our own children!
Obviously I jest, please forgive my sarcasm if I've offended you... but there's probably a reason.
We recently (last June) moved to Walton County from Georgia and have home "educated" our children for eight years. I'm obviously biased, but think that we have given our children an education that will prepare them for success in college and beyond. Our oldest is dual enrolled as a high school senior at OWC. The second is attending public school in Okaloosa County at the NWF Ballet Academie' in FWB. Both are performing on par or above their peers, as most home educated students do when introduced to an institutional setting. Many of America's elite colleges and universities now aggressively recruit home educated students (check for yourself). The other two children are still educated at home.
Since moving to the area we have met several other families that have chosen to educate their children outside of an institutional setting. None of them have any noticeable mental deficiencies... well, I'll admit it - one of the fathers is a lawyer. Their children aren't socially inept drooling morons; they are well adjusted, polite children that can interact with other children as well as adults. This was also the case where we have previously lived.
I often find that those individuals who consider themselves to be the most "enlightened" and "tolerant" are also the same people who are the least "tolerant" of someone else's choice to be different. I can say that from my own research, which was open-minded and unbiased, I was convinced that home education was the "right" choice for our family. I decided that as an educational model; instead of "filling a bucket", I wanted to "light a fire".
To answer your question as far as I'm concerned, today it's not only viable... it's desirable.
terrific post 30abob! you make your point perfectly.
I can relate to all of your points, i.e., institutional setting, "lighting a fire" - or instilling a love of learning, etc. I am a mom with a child on the verge of elementary school age, and certain things about today's schools are making me very anxious to say the least.
I am very happy to hear about your experiences. this is the kind of education children need and deserve.
We made our decision to educate our children ourselves because we are uneducated, illiterate, religious fanatics and decided we would try to undermine the "great" American society... beginning with our own children!crack me up.
Obviously I jest,
Edited
Beach Fanatic
We made our decision to educate our children ourselves because we are uneducated, illiterate, religious fanatics and decided we would try to undermine the "great" American society... beginning with our own children!I am thrilled to see others on the board that homeschool. I knew there would be a big presence in SoWal, but it is nice to "hear your voice" or read your words, rather. It is neat to hear about the ballet academy as well. I discovered it online and was interested for one of my daughters. Although, she has lost her love of ballet right now, I am hoping it returns.
Obviously I jest, please forgive my sarcasm if I've offended you... but there's probably a reason.
We recently (last June) moved to Walton County from Georgia and have home "educated" our children for eight years. I'm obviously biased, but think that we have given our children an education that will prepare them for success in college and beyond. Our oldest is dual enrolled as a high school senior at OWC. The second is attending public school in Okaloosa County at the NWF Ballet Academie' in FWB. Both are performing on par or above their peers, as most home educated students do when introduced to an institutional setting. Many of America's elite colleges and universities now aggressively recruit home educated students (check for yourself). The other two children are still educated at home.
Since moving to the area we have met several other families that have chosen to educate their children outside of an institutional setting. None of them have any noticeable mental deficiencies... well, I'll admit it - one of the fathers is a lawyer. Their children aren't socially inept drooling morons; they are well adjusted, polite children that can interact with other children as well as adults. This was also the case where we have previously lived.
I often find that those individuals who consider themselves to be the most "enlightened" and "tolerant" are also the same people who are the least "tolerant" of someone else's choice to be different. I can say that from my own research, which was open-minded and unbiased, I was convinced that home education was the "right" choice for our family. I decided that as an educational model; instead of "filling a bucket", I wanted to "light a fire".
To answer your question as far as I'm concerned, today it's not only viable... it's desirable.
Good post. I may look you up when/if we actually get to move to sowal this year.
Beach Lover
I am thrilled to see others on the board that homeschool. I knew there would be a big presence in SoWal, but it is nice to "hear your voice" or read your words, rather. It is neat to hear about the ballet academy as well. I discovered it online and was interested for one of my daughters. Although, she has lost her love of ballet right now, I am hoping it returns.
Good post. I may look you up when/if we actually get to move to sowal this year.
The Ballet Academie' was a surprise for us, as we had intended to continue with home education (although, all of our children know they are free to become "institutionalized" whenever they like). She was originally going to attend the ballet school for a summer intensive and then regular lessons during the rest of the year. However, during the summer intensive she was invited to attend the Academie' which is a part of the Okaloosa Co. school district and offers a "regular" school experience accented by a focus on Ballet, French and Art (all of these "extra" subjects are right up her alley; the "regular" part, not so much). Her life's ambition is to become a Ballerina in a major company and the school is already providing great opportunities; she just found out this weekend her audition of several weeks ago earned her a slot in the summer program at the Joffrey Ballet in NYC. She's absolutely thrilled, as you might imagine, this is the "big leagues" of the ballet world. Now all we need are 40 - $100 donors and we're all set!
PM me if the move becomes a reality, my wife and I would be glad to introduce you around. The area really is a great place to live!
Beach Lover
terrific post 30abob! you make your point perfectly.
I can relate to all of your points, i.e., institutional setting, "lighting a fire" - or instilling a love of learning, etc. I am a mom with a child on the verge of elementary school age, and certain things about today's schools are making me very anxious to say the least.
I am very happy to hear about your experiences. this is the kind of education children need and deserve.
crack me up.
I'm glad I could I could provide a bit of humor to your day...
I told my wife I was funny, she never listens!
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for the offer Bob, I certainly will get in touch. Congrats to your daughter on her accomplishment! It is probably really great to see her already living her dreams.
SoWal Expert
Would fewer people choose to home school if there was a better gifted & talented or accelerated learning program at the schools?
Sounds like most people home school because the schools aren't challenging enough for their kids.
Sounds like most people home school because the schools aren't challenging enough for their kids.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Would fewer people choose to home school if there was a better gifted & talented or accelerated learning program at the schools?
Sounds like most people home school because the schools aren't challenging enough for their kids.
I wonder how Walton County ranks in number of students home schooled versus the rest of the State. If 600 is true that is almost 10% of the enrollment.
SoWal Guide
Would fewer people choose to home school if there was a better gifted & talented or accelerated learning program at the schools?
Sounds like most people home school because the schools aren't challenging enough for their kids.
excellent observation. I think our school curriculum has been narrowed so much over the years with the cutting of music, art, etc., plus with testing as our standard the creative and inspiring part of learning kind of takes a back seat. In our quest to "standardize" education, the curriculum is now, "standard".
I believe this means that we overlook a bunch of kids who need to learn at their own pace, whether its a little slower or faster. It also leaves out creativity, exploration, self guided learning, individual attention, etc. The students are grouped and expected to learn the same things together and at the same relative pace.
95% of our kids are not gifted (contrary to what you may hear from most parents about their kids). unfortunately, parents view gifted programs as a way to make up for failing schools. and so we do everything we can to create a "gifted" child, starting at birth.
I believe every classroom should be a "gifted" level program (every child possesses unique styles and talents), offering a range of topics for exploration, challenging and self-directed learning, individual attention and respect for the child's readiness, learning style and pace. I think teachers would be amazed at how their students will score on standardized tests with a more dynamic curriculum and environment, and forget about teaching the test!
but, we've gone in the extreme opposite direction in many ways. oh, I'm getting depressed just thinking about it.
love this article: They're No Baby Einsteins http://www.newsweek.com/id/84554
it addresses one of my and Uncle Timmy's pet peeves about parents setting their children up to view themselves as superior, gifted, high achievers - and they grow up with very unrealistic self image and expectations from society.
Edited
Beach Lover
Would fewer people choose to home school if there was a better gifted & talented or accelerated learning program at the schools?
Sounds like most people home school because the schools aren't challenging enough for their kids.
I can't speak for the unnamed "people"; but the actual school program was only one factor of many that we considered when making our decision. The school systems in this area, from what I've seen, are much better than where we previously lived in Georgia. However, just because the schools are better here doesn't invalidate our other reasons. I'm a product of the private and public school systems so I am intimately aware of the education I received in that institutional setting. I have also experienced the educational opportunities available outside of those systems. In my opinion neither choice is "right" for everyone.
If you are really interested in the process people go through when making these decisions there are many discussion boards, similar to this one, where people openly share their thoughts. However, I would caution you not to base your opinion on only one source because you may get a skewed view.
Unfortunately, some people base their perception of home educators on unfounded stereotypes; similar to people who are racists or homophobic. There are obviously some extreme cases, as with everything under the sun, but by and large I have found home educators to be of above average intelligence with the prerequisite skills necessary to educate their own children (they certainly have a passion for their own child's best interest that can't be rivaled in an institutional setting).
SoWal Expert
That is one of my biggest concerns about home schooling - parents think little Fred is a genius and gifted and coddle him and control his schooling.
Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.
The denial level I've seen with some parents when they have teachers and experts constantly telling them the reality of little Fred is downright scary - can't imagine it when there isn't any impartial feedback.
30abob - the idea of homeschooling on this scale is new to me, that's why I'm asking questions about it. I keep asking for feedback because I want to know more about it and the reasons why people are choosing that option. When I was in school there was only 1 kid who was homeschooled and if 10% of the kids in this area are being homeschooled that is quite significant IMO.
Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.
The denial level I've seen with some parents when they have teachers and experts constantly telling them the reality of little Fred is downright scary - can't imagine it when there isn't any impartial feedback.
30abob - the idea of homeschooling on this scale is new to me, that's why I'm asking questions about it. I keep asking for feedback because I want to know more about it and the reasons why people are choosing that option. When I was in school there was only 1 kid who was homeschooled and if 10% of the kids in this area are being homeschooled that is quite significant IMO.
SoWal Guide
That is one of my biggest concerns about home schooling - parents think little Fred is a genius and gifted and coddle him and control his schooling.
Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.
The denial level I've seen with some parents when they have teachers and experts constantly telling them the reality of little Fred is downright scary - can't imagine it when there isn't any impartial feedback.
30abob - the idea of homeschooling on this scale is new to me, that's why I'm asking questions about it. I keep asking for feedback because I want to know more about it and the reasons why people are choosing that option. When I was in school there was only 1 kid who was homeschooled and if 10% of the kids in this area are being homeschooled that is quite significant IMO.
scooter - this is not a homeschool issue. it is a parent issue, imo. they are so unrealistic. and many times the school encourages this with their own skewed definitions of intelligence and who qualifies for gifted education and who doesn't.
any homeschooling parent will have much more realistic feedback about their child than other parents because they know exactly what is going on with the education of their child.
30abob's description of homeschooling is the only "type" of homeschooling I've ever known about, has been done for quite some time, and is becoming more popular. his story is not unique, and it is why I'm impressed with parents who have the ability and resources to do this. it is an incredible thing.
Edited
SoWal Expert
Yes, it is most definitely a parent issue. :roll: I was just concerned that it could be an issue if said delusional parents are now the sole educators of their kids without competition/exposure to other kids to disprove it.
I am not trying to knock homeschooling, I am just trying to find out why it's a better choice for some people - if the schools aren't providing a good education, safety issues, curriculum etc.
Are my kids going to be SOL on the basic education front because Mom & Dad both work and Sowal schools aren't good?
So far I've heard that you can tailor the curriculum to your kid's specific needs, add in subjects like foreign languages that aren't available at school, improve your relationship w/ your kid, and keep them away from the bad influences at school (which if you are socializing them through sports and extra curriculars becomes a moot point IMO).
I am not trying to knock homeschooling, I am just trying to find out why it's a better choice for some people - if the schools aren't providing a good education, safety issues, curriculum etc.
Are my kids going to be SOL on the basic education front because Mom & Dad both work and Sowal schools aren't good?
So far I've heard that you can tailor the curriculum to your kid's specific needs, add in subjects like foreign languages that aren't available at school, improve your relationship w/ your kid, and keep them away from the bad influences at school (which if you are socializing them through sports and extra curriculars becomes a moot point IMO).
Edited
Beach Comber
This is a very interesting conversation! I was wondering if some of this might be perspective - as scooterbug and others mentioned, a lack of arts, accelerated classes, etc. I'm also interested in hearing more about the reasons outside of that. My biggest concern wouldn't be so much relating to other people, rather being able to handle different situations, both good AND bad. I'd worry about kids being unequipped to handle situations that deal with negative aspects of the world (bullying, conflict, etc.) as well as worrying about "street smarts".
BTW, I loved the "They're no baby Einsteins" article - I've been reading a lot about the "millenial" generation, as both HR and management at my company have been struggling with the idea of a generation of kids that are so convinced that they're special and wonderful that they fail spectacularly at good old fashioned hard work.
BTW, I loved the "They're no baby Einsteins" article - I've been reading a lot about the "millenial" generation, as both HR and management at my company have been struggling with the idea of a generation of kids that are so convinced that they're special and wonderful that they fail spectacularly at good old fashioned hard work.
Beach Lover
The issues/concerns raised by those who don't educate their children at home or have a close relationship with someone who does seem to be universal.
The issue of "socialization" seems to always be one of the first to be asked. After years of personal experience my belief is that children who are educated outside of an institutional setting are very adept socially. For some reason interacting with adults (parents and otherwise) in a conversational manner on a daily basis encourages children to become comfortable expressing themselves. Additionally we provide our children with ample "play" time with other children, as most home educators do. I heard recently on NPR that psychologist's now believe that it is the lack of "unstructured" play time that is causing the most developmental problems with children. How much unstructured play time is afforded to regular school children with the endless demands they face? My daughter who attends public school has much less "free" time available than either of her siblings who are educated at home.
The issue of "socialization" seems to always be one of the first to be asked. After years of personal experience my belief is that children who are educated outside of an institutional setting are very adept socially. For some reason interacting with adults (parents and otherwise) in a conversational manner on a daily basis encourages children to become comfortable expressing themselves. Additionally we provide our children with ample "play" time with other children, as most home educators do. I heard recently on NPR that psychologist's now believe that it is the lack of "unstructured" play time that is causing the most developmental problems with children. How much unstructured play time is afforded to regular school children with the endless demands they face? My daughter who attends public school has much less "free" time available than either of her siblings who are educated at home.
Beach Lover
I teach for a unique arts program at a university - I have classes of children from public school as well as homeschool classes. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical before I taught my first class with homeschoolers (about two years ago), but have since changed my tune. Most of the homeschool parents I have personally encountered are very highly educated, and they are very organized. Many have formed regular subject-specific study groups and seek out the best community resources. Some of my students are currently at a national homeschool sports conference. I think, if done correctly, it is a viable option. The parents on this thread seem like the kind who are very responsible and resourceful in their home education.
I like my homeschool classes because they are generally very serious students who will take notes on the art historical period, artist, vocabulary words (without complaint), and come to class prepared and eager to learn. I allow them to arrange their own still-life setups in groups because they work well in small cooperative groups. My only concern, sometimes, is them becoming accustomed to a traditional classroom setting when they come to do more structured activities, and when they go to college. Some of my particular students are so accustomed to conversing with adults (and more informal learning environments) that they have to be gently reminded not to interrupt and talk over me while I am demonstrating, sharing, instructing. Overall, though; I think that it is possible that homeschooling could provide just the right blend of structured and unstructured play times. I agree with some of the above comments that so many kids just don't seem to have time to just play - especially outside. I am so happy to teach art to children but am saddened when some have been in school all day, come to art class, then go straight to tennis and gymnastics, then homework and projects, etc. etc....
I also think there are so many wonderful schools and teachers. So much of public school is what you make of it, and depends on supportive involvement of active parents. There are advantages and disadvantages related to either choice. I have many good public school students whom have obviously had excellent instruction. And most of my family are dedicated public school educators whom I am really proud of.
Anyway, my two cents worth.....
I like my homeschool classes because they are generally very serious students who will take notes on the art historical period, artist, vocabulary words (without complaint), and come to class prepared and eager to learn. I allow them to arrange their own still-life setups in groups because they work well in small cooperative groups. My only concern, sometimes, is them becoming accustomed to a traditional classroom setting when they come to do more structured activities, and when they go to college. Some of my particular students are so accustomed to conversing with adults (and more informal learning environments) that they have to be gently reminded not to interrupt and talk over me while I am demonstrating, sharing, instructing. Overall, though; I think that it is possible that homeschooling could provide just the right blend of structured and unstructured play times. I agree with some of the above comments that so many kids just don't seem to have time to just play - especially outside. I am so happy to teach art to children but am saddened when some have been in school all day, come to art class, then go straight to tennis and gymnastics, then homework and projects, etc. etc....
I also think there are so many wonderful schools and teachers. So much of public school is what you make of it, and depends on supportive involvement of active parents. There are advantages and disadvantages related to either choice. I have many good public school students whom have obviously had excellent instruction. And most of my family are dedicated public school educators whom I am really proud of.
Anyway, my two cents worth.....
SoWal Guide
this topic just gets more and more interesting with the input from all of you with direct homeschool experience. all such excellent points.goddess: you bring up an issue that really concerns me too. as a parent, I want to try to keep balance in our lives...between school and extra-curricular, family, friends and of course lots and lots of play. I'm learning to keep extra curriculars to a very minimum, and choose activities very carefully. also, we went all fall with no extra curricular, and it was just great.
Beach Lover
It seems to me that it is all about personal choice and your family's needs. I can only share my viewpoint... Tootsie, I think you have hit the nail on the head for all of us - we are all doing the best we can to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Cheers!
Cheers!
SoWal Guide
It seems to me that it is all about personal choice and your family's needs. I can only share my viewpoint... Tootsie, I think you have hit the nail on the head for all of us - we are all doing the best we can to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Cheers!
great synopsis on an interesting/educational thread.
if anyone has any additional resources they would like to share for parents who home school or are thinking of home schooling, please list them here or start a new thread!
thanks to all for telling us your stories.
Beach Crab
I constantly wonder about the level of instruction and socialization skills home schooled kids get. I'm not saying that it isn't a good option for a few rare kids, but IMO it doesn't teach kids the wide variety of skills they need for life and I wonder how much it really teaches them in general.
Here's a short list of homeschoolers a bit more well known than some of those from Walton County who have done very well
just a lil FYI
FAMOUS HOMESCHOOLERS
Constitutional Convention Delegates
a
? Richard Basseti - Governor of DE
? William Blount - U.S. Senator
? George Clymer - U.S. Representative
? William Few - U.S. Senator
? Benjamin Franklin
? William Houston ? Lawyer
? William S. Johnson
? William Livingston - Governor of NJ
? James Madison - 4th U.S. President
? George Mason - Justice of VA
? John Francis Mercer - U.S. Rep.
? Charles Pickney III - Governor of SC
? John Rutledge - Chief Justice
? Richard D. Spaight - Governor of NC
? George Washington
? John Witherspoon
? George Wythe - Justice of VA
Presidents
? John Adams
? John Quincy Adams
? Grover Cleveland
? James Garfield
? William Henry Harrison
? Andrew Jackson
? Thomas Jefferson
? Abraham Lincoln
? James Madison
? Franklin Delano Roosevelt
? Theodore Roosevelt
? John Tyler
? George Washington
? Woodrow Wilson
Statesmen
? Konrad Adenauer
? Henry Fountain Ashurst
? William Jennings Bryan
? Winston Churchill
? Henry Clay
? Pierre du Pont
? Benjamin Franklin
? Alexander Hamilton
? Patrick Henry
? William Penn
? Daniel Webster
Military Leaders
? John Barry - Senior Navy Officer
? Stonewall Jackson - Civil War General
? John Paul Jones - Father of the American Navy
? Robert E. Lee - Civil War General
? Douglas MacArthur - U.S. General
? George Patton - U.S. General
? Matthew Perry - naval officer who opened up trade with Japan
? John Pershing - U.S. General
? David Dixon Porter - Civil War Admiral
U.S. Supreme Court Judges
? John Jay
? John Marshall
? John Rutledge
? Sandra Day O'Connor
Scientists
? George Washington Carver
? Pierre Curie
? Albert Einstein
? Michael Faraday - electrochemist
? Oliver Heaviside - physicist and electromagnetism researcher
? T.H. Huxley
? Blaise Pascal
? Booker T. Washington
Artists
? William Blake
? John Singleton Copley
? Claude Monet
? Grandma Moses
? Charles Peale
? Leonardo da Vinci
? Andrew Wyeth
? Jamie Wyeth
Religious Leaders
? Joan of Arc
? William Carey
? Jonathan Edwards
? Philipp Melancthon
? Dwight L. Moody
? John Newton
? John Owen
? Hudson Taylor
? John & Charles Wesley
? Brigham Young
Inventors
? Alexander Graham Bell - invented the telephone
? John Moses Browning - firearms inventor and designer
? Peter Cooper - invented skyscraper, built first U.S. commercial locomotive
? Thomas Edison - invented the stock ticker, mimeograph, phonograph, and perfected the electric light bulb
? Benjamin Franklin - invented the lightning rod
? Elias Howe - invented sewing machine
? William Lear - airplane creator
? Cyrus McCormick - invented grain reaper
? Guglielmo Marconi - developed radio
? Eli Whitney - invented the cotton gin
? Sir Frank Whittle - invented turbo jet engine
? Orville and Wilbur Wright - built the first successful airplane
Composers
? Irving Berlin
? Anton Bruckner
? Noel Coward
? Felix Mendelssohn
? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
? Francis Poulenc
? John Philip Sousa
Writers
? Hans Christian Anderson
? Margaret Atwood
? Pearl S. Buck
? William F. Buckley, Jr.
? Willa Cather
? Agatha Christie
? Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
? Charles Dickens
? Robert Frost - Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
? Charlotte Perkins Gilman
? Alex Haley
? Brett Harte
? L. Ron Hubbard
? C.S. Lewis
? Amy Lowell
? Gabriela Mistral
? Sean O'Casey
? Christopher Paolini - author of #1 NY Times bestseller, Eragon
? Isabel Paterson
? Beatrix Potter - author of the beloved Peter Rabbit Tales
? Carl Sandburg
? George Bernard Shaw
? Mattie J. T. Stepanek - 11-year-old author of Heartsongs
? Mercy Warren
? Phillis Wheatley
? Walt Whitman
? Laura Ingalls Wilder
Educators
? Amos Bronson Alcott - innovative teacher, father of Louisa May Alcott
? Catharine Beecher - co-founder of the Hartford Female Seminary
? Jill Ker Conway - first woman president of Smith College
? Timothy Dwight - President of Yale University
? William Samuel Johnson - President of Columbia College
? Horace Mann - "Father of the American Common School"
? Charlotte Mason - Founder of Charlotte Mason College of Education
? Fred Terman - President of Stanford University
? Frank Vandiver - President of Texas A&M University
? Booker T. Washington - Founder of Tuskegee Institute
? John Witherspoon - President of Princeton University
Performing Artists
? Louis Armstrong - king of jazz
? Charlie Chaplin - actor
? Whoopi Goldberg - actress
? Hanson - sibling singing group
? Jennifer Love Hewitt - actress
? Yehudi Menuhin - child prodigy violinist
? Moffatts - Canadian version of Hanson
? Frankie Muniz - child actor
? LeAnne Rimes - teen-prodigy country music singer
Business Entrepreneurs
? Andrew Carnegie - wealthy steel industrialist
? Amadeo Giannini - Bank of America?s founder
? Horace Greeley - New York Tribune founder
? Soichiro Honda - creator of the Honda automobile company
? Peter Kindersley - book illustrator and publisher
? Ray Kroc - founder of McDonald's fast food restaurant chain
? Jimmy Lai - newspaper publisher; founder of Giordano International
? Dr. Orison Swett Marden - founder, Success magazine
? Adolph Ochs - New York Times founder
? Joseph Pulitzer - newspaper publisher; established Pulitzer Prize
? Colonel Harland Sanders - started Kentucky Fried Chicken
? Dave Thomas - founder of the Wendy?s restaurant chain
Others
? Abigail Adams - Wife of John Adams; mother of John Quincy Adams
? Ansel Adams - Photographer
? Susan B. Anthony - reformer and women?s rights leader
? John James Audubon - ornithologist and artist
? Clara Barton - Started the Red Cross
? Elizabeth Blackwell - first woman in the U.S. to receive a medical degree
? John Burroughs - Naturalist
? George Rogers Clark - Explorer
? Davy Crockett - frontiersman
? Eric Hoffer - social philosopher
? Sam Houston - lawyer; first president of the Republic of Texas
? Charles Evans Hughes - jurist; Chief Justice
? Mary D. Leakey - fossil hunter; wife of Richard Leakey
? Tamara McKinney - World Cup Skier
? Harriet Martineau - first woman sociologist
? Margaret Mead - cultural anthropologist
? John Stuart Mill - Free-market Economist
? Charles Louis Montesquieu - Philosopher
? John Muir - naturalist
? Florence Nightingale - Nurse
? Thomas Paine - political writer during the American Revolution
? Bill Ridell - Newspaperman
? Will Rogers - Humorist
? Bertrand Russell - Logician
? Jim Ryan - World Runner
? Albert Schweitzer - Physician
? Sir Ernest Shackleton - Explorer
? Herbert Spencer - philosopher, sociologist
? Gloria Steinem - founder and long-time editor of Ms. magazine
? Jason Taylor - plays in the National Football League
? Mary Walker - Civil War physician; recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor
? Lester Frank Ward - "Father of American Sociology"
? Martha Washington - wife of George Washington
? Frances E. C. Willard - educator, temperance leader, and suffragist
? Frank Lloyd Wright - Architect
? Elijah ben Solomon Zalman - Jewish scholar
Famous Homeschool Parents
Will Smith - singer, actor
? Michael Card - singer, songwriter
? Mike Farris - lawyer and co-founder of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
? Robert Frost - Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
? Christopher Klicka - attorney and Senior Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
? Len Munsil - attorney and President of The Center for Arizona Policy (CAP)
? Paul Overstreet - musician, songwriter
? Kelly Preston - actress, wife of John Travolta
? Mike Smith - lawyer and co-founder of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
? John Travolta - actor, pilot
? Lisa Whelchel - former actress, "The Facts of Life", now a pastor's wife and author
Beach Crab
My biggest concern wouldn't be so much relating to other people, rather being able to handle different situations, both good AND bad. I'd worry about kids being unequipped to handle situations that deal with negative aspects of the world (bullying, conflict, etc.) as well as worrying about "street smarts".
Not to worry, canoehead....homeschooling families have covered the "socialization" deficiencies right at home!
Once a week, the dad of the family takes the child into the bathroom, beats them up and takes their lunch!
::rofl:
Not to worry, canoehead....homeschooling families have covered the "socialization" deficiencies right at home!
Once a week, the dad of the family takes the child into the bathroom, beats them up and takes their lunch!
::rofl:
Beach Crab
That is one of my biggest concerns about home schooling - parents think little Fred is a genius and gifted and coddle him and control his schooling.
Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.
Most homeschooling parents I have met do not dwell on "gifted" or "advanced" classes. As homeschoolers, they move quickly through courses and are not concerned with the stigma attached with the entire "gifted" mindset of public-school parents.
Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.
Most homeschooling parents I have met do not dwell on "gifted" or "advanced" classes. As homeschoolers, they move quickly through courses and are not concerned with the stigma attached with the entire "gifted" mindset of public-school parents.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.