Homeschool... what exactly is that? First of all -- even if you aren't planning on homeschooling (or homeschooling one of you children), I still recommend that you read this. Maybe it will help lessen the massive ammounts of stereotypes and assumtions in the world today.

Okay, lets start by saying this -- homeschoolers are *not* dropouts. I see homeschool as a different form of education. A much *better* form. What do homeschoolers do? They learn. Why can't they learn in public school? Well, they can, to a certain degree. Anyone can. But this is not the point. The point is, that in public schools, the kids are forced to learn. If you go into any public school, I assure you, most of the children will tell you that learning is boring, that reading is boring, and that they hate tests. Try going to a homeschooler and asking the same questions. Homeschoolers are taught that learning is a very important part of life. Public schooled children are taught that they must pass tests in any way possible just to make it through. Public schooled children aren't going to school to learn, they are going to school to pass.

Being homeschooled is a way for kids to gain independence, initiative, and confidence in themselves. Children in public school feel that they must complete things for their teachers, and for their parents, not for themselves. This is public schools worst fault.

Now, how does homeschool work, exactly? Homeschooled kids set goals, also referred to as objectives. They set these things for themselves, they are not planned out for them. Homeschoolers get out in the real world, and learn first-hand. Public school kids sit in a classroom all day. Homeschooled kids get more involved with a variety of people, not just their peers, but they have adult friends as well. Kids in public school tend to see adults as their enemies. The ammount of homeschooled kids increases every year, and I hope to see it increase even further, because I believe this is the best, and most effective way of learning.

You might also want to read a report I wrote before I began homeschooling about my personal experiences and learning about how the system works. To read this, go here.