The Homeschool View
Who’s to Choose
By Hunter Fell

November 25, 2010

Someone asked me recently, “What happens if a homeschooled student wants to go to public school, but their parents want to continue homeschooling?” Well, this definitely complicates things because unity – or at least cooperation – between child and parent is a key component to homeschooling success. I can think of three instances of this happening with people that I know (my mom may know of others). In most cases, I would say that the parent, ultimately, will have the power to decide what happens, but hopefully parent and child can work it out together. My instances, all have different results:

The first student - let’s call him Johnny – attended public school in the first grade, was homeschooled 2nd - 5th grades, and then wanted to return to public school in the 6th. His parents supported his desire, but after attending for a year, Johnny found that he didn’t like the bad influences and asked to return home, which his parents also supported.

The second – let’s call her Jill - wanted to go to public school (can’t remember what year), but her mom wouldn’t hear of it. At the end of that year, Jill was so unhappy that her mom allowed her to go for a trial period. Some schools allow a student to attend for a couple of weeks, or “shadow” another student, to see how they like it; this is what Jill did. After seeing how much happier she was, her mom transferred her for the next school year where Jill happily remains.

The third – let’s call him Jason – after being homeschooled through elementary and Jr. High, thought he’d like to attend public school for his high school years. Together, and after much prayer and discussion, he and his parents decided to have him “shadow”, like Jill had, at his local public school. However, being an excellent student, the wasted class time dealing with discipline issues and busy work drove him crazy and Jason realized that he would be giving up freedoms in personalizing his time and studies toward his own interests. Enlightened, he decided to continue homeschooling through high school, feeling blessed to use his extra time to benefit his future.

I must mention that just as it can be the request of the parent or student to begin homeschooling, it can also be the desire of either to stop. Sometimes the child is the one who wants to begin or continue homeschooling, but the parent does not feel cut out to homeschool them, or needs/wants to go back to work, or - for any multitude of reasons - feels that the child should stay in, or start attending, public school. I, personally, know of one case of this happening (again, my mom probably knows of more):

Oh, let’s call her Jessie – liked being homeschooled, but her mom, taking an offer for her “dream job”, could no longer teach her. So, Jessie - only 8 at the time – entered the public school; however, after half a year of daily stress and crying over bullying issues, her mom decided to quit her job and began homeschooling her again.

There are pros and cons in all of life’s choices, sacrifices and benefits to each, but this week I am thankful that we live in a country that protects our personal freedoms, educational or otherwise. Each family must decide what is right for their own home, but with communication, respect, and prayer, families can find contentment in whatever they decide.

Whatever your view, I hope you find reasons to give thanks this week. I love hearing from you guys, so thanks for reading the Homeschool View; and send any comments and questions to dillsburgbanner@dillsburgbanner.com.