SCL

This was a fun read. Some of those stereotypes had me cracking up, especially the public school ones.

I went to public school for 13 years, then a 4 year Christian university, and now I'm in seminary. That is what worked for me and my parents.

Public schools, Christian schools, and homeschooling all have their pros and cons; there is no option that is better than the other two. It all depends on what the parents feel is best for the child.

I think that the stereotypes were right on. I was home-schooled, AND come from a large family, so there were plenty of stereotypes going around. I had a good experience being home-schooled: both my parents were teachers, so they really knew what they were doing, and my mom is very organized and dedicated. However I always say that it's not not for everyone, and I don't even know if I'll choose to home-school my own kids someday.
The "socially awkward" stereotype is so true. So many people seem to assume that, even now when home-schooling has so many co-ops and places and that offer classes, sports, and even proms. (need I also say that church is a good place for social interaction?)
Everyone has to make their own decision about their child's education. I think that if a parent is dedicated to, um, parenting, and being involved in their kids lives wherever they get an education, that's the most important factor.

I'm something of an education mutt– home-schooled for elementary, private Baptist school for junior high, Catholic school for high school, and a Methodist college. And I'm neither Baptist, Catholic, or Methodist.

I think that the affiliation of a school– be it governmental or religious– has nothing to do with the experience your kids will have there. I know home schooled kids who are still living for God, and I know ones who are sweaty philistines, and the same goes for all the other schools I've attended. People are just people, and putting your kids in a Christian school doesn't give them faith anymore than putting them a garage gives them headlights and 4 wheel drive (stole that from one of my favorite sermon illustrations).

I wouldn't change my education, and I will probably do some similar arrangement when I have kids. I think the whole package has made me a very well-rounded person.

i was home-schooled until my sophmore year of high school… i love my mom but man… enough is enough… but i gotta say that as a result of a lot of one on one time with the "teacher" aka mom, i really did learn alot and was better at most of the basic stuff (reading, writing, math, grammer, etc…) than most of my classmates in the public school system… but that didnt stop me from being a slacker… and yeah also as a result i can spot a fellow "homeschoolie" from a mile away haha…
p.s please dont blame my current state of gram-crappery (poor grammer) on home-schooling…

Having been through both Homeschool( Grades 1-5, 11-12) and Public (Grades 6-10) at various points in my life so far, at some of your stereotypes are dead on.

I'd have to say though, that I think my faith is stronger because of being homeschooled at the younger ages of my life, and having Bible as one of my classes.

I went to public school, public college, and I became a Christian while a crazy public school teenager. I couldn't imagine such an insulated environment, like being in church every day, when I was a teen… mainly because 45% of the teens in youth groups are jerks, much more than the usual. I probably would be totally turned off.

I ascribe to the theory that Christians are like Fertilizer… spread around, they make things grow, but together, they just stink.

When my oldest (now eight) was a baby, a casual acquaintance who did not even attend my church said, "You're going to homeschool, of course."
"No," I said. "I'm not."
"You're a certified teacher; of course you're homeschooling."
"No," I repeated. "I'm not."
Ever since that conversation with Madame Busybody, I really don't care how other people judge the decisions my husband and I make for our children's education. My husband has a Ph.D. and I have a Master's, so I sure as heck don't feel I have to defend the choices we make. Do I feel GUILTY? 8-0! Are you suffering Skittles Delirium?
Mr. Five starts public kindergarten next month–and I'm proud of it!

My husband likes to tease me because I was homeschooled K-12, yet I am a public school teacher. Weird.

Personally, I think homeschooling is beneficial for some, but few, and was not beneficial for me. My brother and I were homeschooled because my mother was unhappy with her public school experience (she had a learning disability that was not addressed in the 60's) and she wanted us to not end up pregnant or on drugs by middle school…
I feel I was confined by homeschooling and could have received a better education elsewhere, but that belief is specific to my circumstance. Still today at the age of 24, I occasionally feel socially awkward, and regularly feel athleticly awkward, even though I was involved in many homeschool sports teams. (is athleticly a word??)

I will send my future children to public or a charter school. I personally refuse to homeschool. The private schools around me are all either $20,000 a year (no thank you!) or have low standards for education.

I truly believe that no matter where you send your kids to school, the deciding factor for faith, morality, and success in school is almost always their parents. The more the parents are active in their children's lives, faith, and education, the more likely their children will turn out well. As a teacher, in almost every parent conference that I have because of an academic or behavior issue, the parents are not actively involved in their lives.

Indoctrination occurs regardless of where the schooling takes place.

I feel it is the parents' responsibility to know what their children are learning at school (be it public, private, or in co-op classes), and actively discuss it at home.

Yes, yes, YES! I went to a Christian school and was taught some very messed-up things about sex and sexuality. Basically we were told that if a person/couple sinned sexually, it was all the woman's fault because women are too tempting for men to resist. I was pulled aside many times and told that my outfits were immodest (even though they fell within the bounds of the dress code) because I had "more breasts than the other girls" (I developed pretty early) and that if some boy was looking at me, God would punish me for making him think about sex.

Hello, body issues! For many, many years I've had sex and image issues because of the awful things the men AND women taught me there. And my parents never knew because I never told them. I never told them because they never asked!

I was a public school kid who went to a tiny private christian college. Having been public schooled myself and wanting to be a band director (which, let's be honest, most tiny christian schools don't have outstanding music programs) I want to teach in a public school. My History and Philosophy of Education class was debating evolution one day–it's place in the classroom, how it should be taught where, if religion should be taught in school, etc, etc. I raised my hand to share that I didn't really think this was going to be a huge issue for my future music classes, but I think in a public school classroom, students should just get a brief overview: "these major religions exist and here's an idea of what they think. This is what evolution is, here are the concrete examples of it and here's the theory for the rest of it. Go decide for yourself." At which point my prof asked me what I thought should be taught in christian schools… and in a room of mostly home-schooled and private-schooled peers, I definitely said "Oh, I don't really care what happens in christian schools. I'm not teaching there."

Yeah. I was really popular after that.

Constance wrote "Every kid will have their rebellion. For some kids, it will be in high school and for some, it will be in college. It will happen if you go to public school or private. It may not be huge, but it will happen. It's part of the growing up process."

I think that is a really dangerous mind set to assume that kids will inevitably rebel. I am an example that your assumption is false. I'm sure there are plenty out there like me.

As a DoD student & public school student, I asked my parents to homeschool me when I reached 8th grade. I was in a "great" school district but that status didn't account for the early loss of my innocence by what I was exposed to (that was seen as 'boys will be boys'). They kept me in public school and I am not thankful as another commenter wrote. Not only that, but I still feel my education there was seriously lacking. Maybe that has something to do with being called stupid by a teacher in front of the class. "Great" school.

Homeschooled! I'm so excited when people can't tell… esp. when the hearthrob next to me in my college class can't tell I am grateful to have been homeschooled, and very grateful to have (hopefully!!) avoided many of the stereotypes that come with this form of education (overachiever headed for homeschool Harvard, or never-showers-what's-a-tv-can't-spell-my-name-right-prairie-girl)! I have two scholarships and a 4.0 gpa, but I'm spell-checking like crazy right now and calculators are my best-best-best friend :} Also I freeze if asked to tell the time on a non-digital clock in front of watching people… (AHHHH which hand it which???? AHHHH I look dumb!!! AHHH-I,I, oh, they're gone… 2:32pm…"

lol btw this is not a homeschool thing, my sister and my zillion ex-homeschooled friends at my church are very intelligent and have no trouble telling time… haha I better post this anonymously :}

Homeschooling has its ups and downs, but if you're doing it for the glory of God, not for yourself or to please others, it can be a good thing! I hope to homeschool my kids, but would not have a problem with putting them in a school (if my husband wanted to. yes I believe in (godly, not slave-ish) submission to your own husband. and drinking with wisdom. and ironic tattoos. on other people… yukky on me

-a girl who used to be homeschooled

My dad was the principal of the Christian elementary school I attended. I went to a Christian middle/high school, too. Then I got a college degree from ASU, one of the nation's top party schools.

In Christian schools I learned a lot of essential truths about Jesus that have stuck with me. The challenge for me has been legalism. I sometimes tend to find myself focusing on my behavior rather than my relationship with Jesus.

I will say that many of the most important relationships in my life were developed through my Christian high school and have lasted. It was great for me. It wasn't a good environment for my brothers, though. Depends on the kid I think.

Also, Arizona has a neat program called ACSTO which promotes Christian school tuition funding through tax credits. Perhaps other states have similar programs?

Pray for your kids and teach them to thrive in whatever environment they are in.

I have to say that I went to both the public school system here in Canada and then to a public university before I went to a private christian university for my masters (secular schools don't offer M.Div programs) and I don't regret either. Public school was hard on me but I also learned a lot about my faith and the world there and public university was great because I got into a great Christian group there was able to reach out to those around me and grow myself in fact I have found kids that go to Christian schools actually tend to be more stunted in their faith because it has never been strengthened by being challenged or pushed at all.

I am a product of a public school raised by Christian parents. My parents couldn't afford to send me to a private Christian school, and even if they could have, the only Christian school in our town didn't accept blacks (in the '80's no less!). They didn't accept blacks because they claimed the Bible said that blacks and whites should not mix. So I'm glad that I had God-fearing parents who taught me about God and the Bible, and these teachings kept me through public school, college, and life. I'm not a parent, but I know that the decision is up to the parents, and what works best for their child. Thank you for making a controversial topic funny.

@Alida –

Good for you for going to CalArts! (And thanks for the link to your blog.) I agree totally, when you have (and want to develop) a specialized talent, you need the best training, regardless of the religious affiliation, or lack thereof, of the school.

I am a working screenwriter here in Hollywood, and a professor at USC's film school (the best in the world, she said modestly), and I am so tired of seeing Christians who think that they don't need to work hard to excel in their craft because God is on their side. (On the flip side, I rejoice on those few occasions when I see a Christian whose craft is good enough to get in to USC!… Like the USC film school alum who just won a student Oscar, and just happens to be a Christian.)

So knock 'em dead at CalArts, Alida! If you were good enough to get in there, you made the right choice to go there. There are a *lot* of believers here in the entertainment industry, and you will find a lot of support and encouragement when you finish school, if you just look for it…

Oh, I thought of a stereotype:
kids going to Christian school assuming that public schooled kids cannot possibly have a strong faith or know much about the Bible b/c they dont go to chapel 4x a week.

The other Christian school stereotype is the kids at youth group who dont bring their Bible because they "left it in their locker" and think that makes them sound super-holy.

Or, if you go to a state college, you must be a real heathen. Never mind that a ton of universities have Christian fellowships on campus.

Or that you are public schooled b/c your parents just havent thought through their options, sacrificed enough to afford it, or care enough about their kid's future.

Oh yeah, re being salt and light in govt schools-we've had Bible class and Scripture memorization since they 5 & 6 and neither of them is saved. Just bcause we are doenst necessarily mean they will be. Since they aren't saved, then they can hardly be salt and light. D

Thank you so much for your post! Someone had put it on Facebook which is how I found it. I have heard most of those stereotypes. Ironically, I found another one in the comments section. Someone said that is their child got hurt in a public school setting, the teacher couldn't/wouldn't comfort them like in private school. I teach in a public school (kindergarten), and I haven't had any problems with comforting my kids when needed. I have never had the desire to homeschool or send to a Christian school…we have four kids. And all four have been fine in public schools. If later I feel like there are issues, I will gladly do what I need to. Oh, and I have taught in both private and public schools. There were definitely some pluses for private, like being able to talk openly about God (though a lot of my kids do in public school…I just can't say much). At the same time, I have felt a lot more parental support in public school. Anyway, I always encourage anyone to explore their options and do what is best for their family, whatever God has laid on your heart (which may not be the same as on other's hearts). Sadly, I have felt some condemnation in the church setting, maybe some imagined, some not so much. But I feel like we are doing what God has called us to do, and for that, I am not ashamed.

I was public schooled all the way from kindergarten to my 5th year of college (it's not that uncommon).

I always said that I was going to public school my kids if and when they come around to existence. Sure the education system in AZ is like 48th in the nation (it would've been 50th if not for Stacy from Louisville teaching sex ed here), but if it weren't for Christians going to public schools, I wouldn't be one today.

In the end, I think people getting saved is worth more than knowing big words or who the 17th president was.

So right on with these!! But you forgot the if you homeschool your kids your wife will become some sort of saint. On the women's side if you say you want to homeschool your kids its like saying you want to follow in Mother Theresa's footsteps

I went to public school and think I turned out better than ok…maybe a little nerdy but love Jesus more than anything. My sister is going to a private Christian school and I know it is the best place for her but man oh man Christian school is NO different. Kids are still jerks and I could bet that they are getting into the same trouble public school kids get into.

So you made the right choice in my opinion!! Your little one will learn about Jesus from her God-loving parents and church…perfect!

Well, this is obviously a subject of great interest! Now I have to put in my 2 cents worth. . . I was no remotely close to homeschooled. I went to about 10 different schools in all ( one christian, one catholic and the rest public). For me it has all come down to what my heart longs for. I did stupid things. I played the line (pastor's kid, mild partier. . .) But the core of it comes down to Jesus. Not acting good, but receiving all my goodness from Jesus.

Having said all that, I am choosing to homeschool for a variety of reasons. The primary reasons being that there is no montessori school around, and I want my children's earliest, most formative years to be based on learning by living life, not achieving good grades or trying to please God. That is why I could likely never send my child to a christian school or most church gatherings for that matter. Because the emphasis is on being a good Christian, or getting good grades, or instilling good values. Let me tell you, if you know what Jesus has done for you and that He has done it for you then your actions follow – as a Result. I just want my kids to have the privilege of pretty much what would be termed unschooling. I want them to be able to question why we do the things we do, why we believe the things we believe and the origin of these thoughts and ways.

As you can see, I don't want to do something just cause it is the expected norm. If I feel I need to send my kids to public school for some reason, then I will. There is no law dictating movement. I just ask Him to let me know the best direction for now. It's quite freeing and fun that way. Ultimately, my greatest longing for my children (and everyone else for that matter) is to fall in love with Jesus and move from His strength and be a conduit of love no matter where and what they do.

Christian school grade 1 (I missed the age deadline for public school by 7 days so private school was the option for me to start school.)
Public school grades 2-5 (Came out to show my mom poster I was doing for 5th grade science and she about passed out that it was a chart of the evolutionary eras.)
Christian school grades 6-12 (Parents chose environment over academics; I needed better academics, but my brother lost his way spiritually in our public high school and he’s never really recovered.)
Christian college and grad school
Private grad school
Christian school teacher/administrator up until five years ago

I’ve seen Christian school academics at their worst and at their best I think.

I have no children so my opinion probably means little, but I think so much has to do with the parents involvement with the children and know who there friends are and what they are doing.

A cousin once asked me what I where I would send children if I had them when they were considering their options, and I really carefully thought through my answer. I told him that I think that when I stand before God one day I want to say that I gave my child every opportunity to know Him. I think that includes school but way more things in the child’s life as well—church, media, friends, etc.

Can’t stand the argument to send kids to public school as their mission field. Jesus sent out his trained adult disciples. Yes, we want our kids develop to know and be able to explain their faith, but they aren’t equipped as children to stand up to all that is wrong with the public school curriculum—not all the curriculum is wrong but all that is wrong within the curriculum. We put our garden flowers in hot houses to protect them until they can withstand the difficulties of survival outside, but we act as if parents who shield their children are stunting them. Do I want to put my teenager in a position to defend their faith against a well-liked, (post) college-educated, sexually immoral person in a position of authority?

I’m actually not against the public school, but think it’s ludicrous to think our children should be missionaries to the public schools. You should have seen the uproar about a former prominent pastor in town who decided he’d be a missionary to the bars for a year. Yeah, non-Christians had a heyday with that in the paper.

I went to public school and often wonder if I would have had a more God-honoring educational experience had I gone to a private Christian school or been home-schooled. Then I'm forced to acknowledge that much of the debauchery I was involved in was with the kids of other ministers at the church youth group. Grant it I was often the ring leader, so maybe that was my public school stuff kicking in. I didn't know any home schooled kids growing up and don't know enough 30 year olds who were home schooled to say what affect it's had on their walk.

I am a graduate of the public school system, but attended a private Christian college. I have taught in the public school system, and in a private Christian school and just recently finished my 2nd year homeschooling my oldest child. He is going to be entering a Christian school in the fall. I think each family is different and each child is different.

The one BIG thing for us, is that in a Christian school, the teachers don't have to wait to be asked about the Bible–it is the source of all things taught. As a teacher you can pray with your kids, resolve conflict using scripture and prayer and pray for them outloud when they need it!

I was homeschooled and had a lot of good experiences. However, while I wouldn't call myself socially stunted, it took me a while to shake some of the excess insular thinking.

I haven't had a chance to read all of the comments, but those that I have read did a really good job of pointing out that each child and school is different; you have to go situation by situation.

I don't have kids yet, but when I do all of the above are options. Each have their own pluses and minuses.

Here's another one for homeschooled kids (I was one for 12 long years )

if you homeschool, your kids' social development will be severely stunted and they'll have to deal with strange looks, jokes and ridicule for years to come.

I went to 2 different Christians schools and was homeschooled for 4 years. The years of homeschooling were difficult because of the only contact being my family and the few people I saw at church. One of the schools I went to was so small it could technically could have been a one room school house. Almost half of the graduates from that school have "gone the wrong way" (including me) which for them is piercing and not going to their church. The other school I attended for 7 years and we used to joke that it was just a public school with Christian on the sign. Kids in some of my classes had piercings that weren't allowed so they would take them out for school but as soon as it was done they were back in. Teachers even broke the dress code. One year over half of the Jr class got kicked out for drinking. I drink socially now, have ear piercings, and attend a non-denominational church. I am considered a bad one but yet so many of my friends from those schools are even worse. Very few are even in church. When I have kids I plan on sending them to a public school…someone else mentioned about being socially stunted by going to the Christian school…I completely agree and I want better for my kids. Also the stereotype of the kids who were homeschooled/Christian schooled who went to the small Bible college…that's me

wow it took 1.5 hours to read all these comments!

here in California there was recently a bill suggesting to homeschool a parent should have a teaching degree. How telling that it was the church that got all up in arms about it. I'll refrain from sharing my opinion b/c that could start a huge ugly debate!

I had 2 years public, the rest Christian school. Our school would only admit students if one parent at least was a Christian, so that cut down on reform school usage. but I still managed to find the one druggie to befriend! The apathy about faith was rampant b/c it was cool. the kids i met at youth group, who went to public school, were on fire and always talking about witnessing at school. so that makes me lean toward public school for my kid. the most important thing in the world to me is his spiritual faith.
However, in California the school system is so bad that it makes me hesitate. When I came here with my Christian high school ed (even with using drugs and skipping half my classes) I was able to test out of the whole first year of college. I guess that's what AP is for but we didn't have that opportunity at a Christian school. So maybe we'll look for a private secular or charter school, or move to a neighborhood with highly rated public schools before my kid is 5. I sure as heck am not homeschooling! I can't WAIT to get that free time back! 9which I'll probably use to work in public schools as a school based counselor, lol)

Person who posted those crazy stats on kids leaving the faith – what is your source? that's very frightening but I have not idea if I should give it credence unless I can verify it.

My biggest argument against private Christian or homeschooling: most of the time it's isolationist. It keeps Christian parents from having a say in public schools. I became a Christian at age 15 and was one of the only Christians in my (tiny) public school because all the Christian parents were homeschooling or sending their kids 45 mins away to Christian private school. Except in extreme circumstances I say send your kid to public school, and volunteer in their classroom, head up the PTA, be an involved parent. These same people who refuse to send their kids to public school wouldn't dream of not voting in an election. Why let your influence go to waste?

why can't Jesus just come back before my son has to go to school?

Some of my friends that are the worst friends and example to me came from my Christian private school. In contrast some of my friends from public school are politer and more moral (not necessarily Christian) than my private school friends.

I think that people way overestimate the affect a private school has on a Christian. I have seen many friends turn away from God in a private school while being spoon fed the bible. It is all in the heart. If someone really wants to serve God they will do it in a private or public school.

As well can we get rid of the stereotype that private schools shelter their kids from the entire world. We are not stupid. We know about stuff like sex and drugs. We just choose not to do it.

Lastly a private school is of no use if it refuses to promote and enforce Godly rules and guidelines. If it allows everything the same as a public school (except for evolution and sex ed) than it is just a normal school.

By the way good post. It was really well done and funny.

Your stereotypes are both funny and have that kernel of truth that give them some punch — we've all either said, heard, or thought most of them.

Funny, but the schooling wars aren't. I never appreciated being told I was giving my kids to the devil because I sent them to public schools. If you've ever heard that speech, you might think it's wiser to be a coward about 'fessing up to your choice.

All too often we Christians take the "one way" slogan of the Jesus people in the '70's and paint it over all the rest of life as well.

I grew up in a private Christian school. We did have a lot of kids who got out and went crazy, I wasn't really one of them. I did pierce my nose senior year, which was a no-no. One of the things I didn't like about it was I found it very hard to make friends. Its soooo much smaller than public school and it's very hard to find a "group". All of my best friends went to public. My friends that went to public school turned out fine as well. They did get tired of having their beliefs challanged, but they tried to stand up for Christ in the midst of it. I don't have children yet, and I have no idea where I'll send them to school.

Hannah.

Oy… I've been there both personally and now as a parent. Did Christian school for a few years until my son wound up in school only after I literally dragged him into class kicking and screaming. I thought, OK, maybe he needs public school with the possibility of a GATE program and such. 2 years later, my son was "the bad kid" and Gate was not on any teachers mind. So back to private school with the hope that we could turn my kid around. The difference really wasn't in my son, but in the accountability, love and prayer on behalf of the teachers (and some students) at Christian school.

On the other hand, I went to public school most of my schooling and it was never an issue what I would do.

My daughter is the same, she does equally well in a public or private school environment. So ultimately, I think it's a decision to be made based on the child and the family.

Don't yet know what to do about High School. I am now afraid of my son "going wild" and waffle between wanting that to happen at home while he's in high school or while he's in college.

WV: bellyche
How I feel about making decisions that might ruin my child forever. OY!

This made me laugh:)

The non-profit I work for often sets up info booths at homeschool fairs, and I would like to add this:

All Homeschool kids like to dress up in long capes and play sword fighting or gun fighting or fighting of whatever sort, but the capes are important.

Oh, wait, these aren't supposed to be true? Never mind:)

All stereotypes aside…

What education does the Bible tell parents to provide for the eternal souls God has intrusted them with?

All decisions must be based in the Bible first and foremost. No decision is “godly” if it contradicts the commands of the Bible.

As for kids "walking away" from the church, I think where you go to school can't be assigned any more blame or credit than your family, your friends and your church (and some churches should be walked away from). Some of the strongest Christians I know spent all of their formative years in an evolution-spouting public school (ditto for college). Conversely, some of the most anti-Christian people I know spent all or a good deal of those formative years in a Christian school or being homeschooled.

I went to a private Christian school (kindergarten though 12th grade), with very good and very bad experiences – as I'm sure people with public school and homeschool experiences can say. That's life.

I went to the same private Christian school from 1st through 12th grade. My mom made a lot of sacrifices to make it happen and I'm truly thankful to her. Going to that school helped make me who I am and I have a foundational knowledge of theology that has served me well as I've moved on to college.
I go to a public university now and I have to admit, it is kind of a culture shock. At the same time though, kids in private schools go through the same things everyone else does (especially middle school, there is no middle school you can go to to have a completely positive experience), so it's not like I'm shocked at what I'm encountering. In fact, I'm well-prepared for it (I've also found that I'm ahead academically).
That's not to say that public school isn't the answer for some Christians. Especially in elementary school…I don't think the cultures are all that different then.

All of the homeschoolers I know are socially awkward, arrogant because all of their ideas come from and are reinforced by their parents, and have terrible grammar.
Just saying.

P.S. I know there must be some homeschoolers who aren't like that, but please, don't think you can teach something just because you know it. Teachers go to college for a reason.

@Janet

Thanks! I've loved my time at CalArts, and it's been challenging in great ways, both professionally and personally. I've got one semester left, and while I'll be glad to move on (school can't last forever), there are definitely things I'll miss. It's great to be in such a creative incubator, to see so much work happening on a constant basis.

I am so tired of seeing Christians who think that they don't need to work hard to excel in their craft because God is on their side.

Yes, yes, yes! I can't tell you how many times I've heard it said, in a prayer before a performance by a Christian group, "Help us to forget about [yes, I've heard people pray that they'll forget what they've rehearsed!] everything we've learned, and to realize that it's not about our skills and abilities, but because You're with is."

Sigh. God is with us in our talent, training, excellence, and ability–as well as in the final performance–and choosing to forego the discipline of becoming excellent because "God will use the work anyway" is dishonoring and unfaithful with the gifts we've been given. Not to mention the fact that it cheapens the act of worship when we give less than our best.

I actually WAS home schooled and I loved it. I am now a professional dancer, and so it gave me tons of time to train.

As well as study the piano, voice, play outside building forts with my brothers, and read like a fiend.

I went to college, too–an extremely liberal arts school and was absolutely psyched to be there and learn from so many masters.

As for the comment that was waaaaay back stating that "every kid will have their rebellion," well, that isn't actually true. Though sure, I have certainly made imperfect choices, I can honestly say that I have known God's love in my life through it's entirety. And this is a testament to who HE is–not something I've managed to do.

Also, my parents' made sure that I was socialized and did stuff OUTSIDE oh the home; I was constantly dancing at the studio, at church with other kids, and spent summers either at dance intensives or mission trips.

And my parents' aren't staunch home schoolers, either–they have five kids and each kid had a different education that ranged from homeschooling, to private Christian school, to the public school that had the best football team, depending on are gifts and personalities.

So there you go–my take on it all. Sorry to leave a book, but I honestly think that there are many different paths of education and there isn't just one way that is the best.

i went to a public school but now teach in a private christian school. i see the same problems in both schools most of the time. the only big differences are that in a christian school we incorporate God of course. also, if the christian school is smaller, which they often are, usually the kids get a little more one-on-one teaching. we have a little more time to spend with each child to help them understand something, and so forth. also, at my school, we take in kids who have had a very hard time in other schools, and find that often they just need someone loving, someone consistant, and someone who can take the time to show them that they matter, but they still have to follow school rules.

to the anonymous commenter @3:20–

I am sorry that has been your experience; hopefully you meet some home schoolers that prove your theory wrong!

Also, my psychology professor told me that a lot of Ivy league schools are very excited to matriculate home schoolers since they seem to have an excellent sense of discipline and motivation.

Although, I am positive the same could be said of individuals from private schools and public schools, as well;-)

What the kids learn at school, any type of school, is nothing compared to what you as parents teach them. Keep it honest, open, and God focused. Love and guide your kids in the word (and donate that private school money to a needy village or something) Oh….snap..whole new argument. (That was a joke folks.)

Public school teachers accept hugs from and comfort their students. My mom taught at a public elementary school for 40 years and received tons of hugs from her students.
Also do most Christian schools seriously not go over evolution in biology class? I had no idea, wow.

If you want really funny jokes about home education, ask the kids. Their stories are more outrageous than anything someone else would make up about them.

I just finished 17 years as a home school mom. All three will be in college this fall. It was a lot of work, but a huge amount of fun as well. I would not trade those years together for anything.

I attended only public schools. In addition to fights, drugs, race riots, and abysmal teaching practices, I saw a close friend be nearly strangled to death in an art class. The teacher turned out to be a drug dealer. I wanted to go to a private school and offered to pay for it myself, but I was not allowed to go. I wanted something better for my kids.

Ha! I was home schooled all the way through high school. It has its pros and cons, but it's really all in how you do it. Every experience is unique. I think it's great for some kids, and even necessary for others, such as a child who has a learning disability or a personality that wouldn't fit in well in a traditional school setting. In my perfect world, kids wouldn't be forced into a traditional classroom setting until they are a bit older, say 10 or 11. I think home schooling is great for younger kids because it can be customized to their learning style. It's true I don't like public schools, but I'm sure some are better than others. Again, there really isn't one hard and fast rule that applies. I think every person's experience is unique.

@Ann (6:08pm) – The small Christian school where I teach doesn't cover evolution in our science classes, not even as a theory. That is the decision of the current teacher, and I couldn't disagree more. It handicaps our students on state testing, which is a shame.

@Bruce IV (5:08am) – I have told parents who ask me about our school to not see it as a sheltering device for their kids. Our philosophy (read: financial situation) leads us to take all students despite behavioral issues in the past. In some of the smaller classes, parents are sending their kids to spend a whole lot of time with the very types of students they were trying to avoid.

Having said all that, I'm unsure where I want to send my kids. I have 2.5 years before I have to figure it out for the first one.