Teenagers, home schooling, and schools?

Question

Do you think that teenagers have the right to say if they want to attend school (i.e. public, private, charter) or be home schooled. They are old enough to say what they want and what makes them happy. Shouldn't that mean they should have a say in how they want to be educated?
I know that the final decision is up to the parent but I just wanted to know what you all thought of that.

Answer 1

I believe teens should have a say in their education. I also firmly believe from experience that if you were to polls teens on this, you would find that the majority of those that DO have a say in where they receive their education are homeschooled or have been homeschooled.
I don't think you would find very many publicschool or privateschool students that ever sat down with their parents to discuss this issue, but just about every teen I've met that is homeschooled has had those types of discussions with their parents.
People think that homeschool parents are these total control freaks and we homeschool because we don't trust our kids, or we can't stand to have them out of our site or something else like that.
BUT, mostly it is about what's best for our kids.
I've had that discussion with my teen several times. We will continue to discuss options and tailor her education to her needs as she continues to change and mature and grow. Sadly, I just don't see that happening with her friends that are in the publicschools. They just go to publicschool and that's the way it has always been and that is the way it always will be, end of story.
Hmmm, seems I come across as less controlling than her friend's moms that made the decision for them way back in kindergarten and will not change no matter what.
Isn't it funny how that works out?

Answer 2

I think at any age a child has a right to their opinion and that parents should take these things into consideration.

But, alternatives to public education require a lot of dedication of time and money from a parent, and when making choices these things are also part of the equation. As parents, we have responsibility not only to be certain you have adequate education to support yourself in your adult life, but adequate social skills. In this day and age there are still many who do not believe social skills can be maintained with homeschooling or even online charter or highschooling.

Experienced homeschooling familys know this isn't necessarily so, but it is all part of the equation when a parent makes the decision. A large part of it would also be, how much time would that leave a minor unattended at home?

For each family this is different, for each child/teenager this is different, as things like the kid's motivation and maturity come in to play.

You don't say how old you are, but one thing I sometimes recommend to teenagers who are trying to convince mom and dad is to take the next summer break and show them how much you can accomplish. This means completing work in a chosen area of study as well as maintaining a job or other extracurricular activity which keeps you in contact with other human beings.

If you are looking at online alternatives, this can also earn you credits towards finishing high school early so in the event it doesn't work out you still have an advantage.

Answer 3

Yes, teens should definitely have input into their schooling. It goes along with everything else in life: teens should have input into what they eat and where they go and what they wear, but if they were to choose to eat junk food all day and go to bars and dress immodestly, then most parents will intervene. The top reason that a teen is allowed to do anything should NOT be 'because he wants to.' That would not be allowed in any other decision - why in education?

HOWEVER. If a teen wants to be hs'ed and has good reasons and the parent can do it, the parent should consider it or some to a compromise. If a teen is hs'ed and wants to go to school, the parent should certainly consider that. If it is not an option, for whatever reason, the parent really really really should find out what the problem is and take care of it. There could be a few minor issues but the biggest one is going to be loneliness/boredom. If the parent is not taking care of these needs by activities and such, then the teen is not going to be happy. I think that the hs parents I know have gone to great pains to help their kids find friends and activities, so the families are happy in hsing, but I read on these various posts of kids that were SO unhappy being hs'ed, and it makes me really sad! I do think I should point out here that it is the exception, not the rule, and there are plenty of kids in school that wish they were hs'ed...

Answer 4

Yes, I do strongly believe that. There are so many more options available to people in private or public high schools-- sports teams, clubs, theatre, etc etc. By high school, the student should be able to make this decision.

I was homeschooled throughout elementary, and was allowed to decide from then on. I made the choice to switch to public school in sixth grade (I'm a senior now), and though the first year was really tough, I'm glad I did it. There are few things that can provide an adequate subsitution for socialization and extracurriculars when it comes to high school.

Answer 5

I think teens should definitely have their say and that parents should listen carefully, but it is ultimately up to the parents. Teens still aren't necessarily old enough, mature enough, to make decisions that are in their best interests, plus they are still under age and it is the parents' responsibility to make some decisions for them.

Just as a note, the vast majority of homeschooled teens I know actually have the option of deciding where they want to school. The vast majority of public/private school students don't. I did meet one teen girl this past summer who didn't have the choice, and it really was in her best interests. But there are probably opposite cases, as well.

Answer 6

I think their voice should be taken into consideration but I think one has to look at where you live, the crime rates, the school success rates and how well homeschooling is going.

I personally feel that it should be manditory for a nominal fee for all homeschooled kids to take a "standards" test and see how they faired with other students. Like the STanford test. It should be administered at least eveyr 4 years and priced so people can afford it.

Maybe allow the kids to take it at a local school and pay a nomial fee like $40.

Now, if a kid who is homeschools showed WHY higher test scores even the kid has to releazie going to a school may not be a good idea.

If the opposite is true then maybe it's time for a change.

Answer 7

Yes I belive so, most kids even are smart enough whether to know if they enjoy leanring and their school situation, but during the teenage years this becomes even more important as they are at an age where many life changes take place including possibly using drugs, working, and exploring options for their future.

Answer 8

I think that the older a child is, the more right he or she should have to determine his life.

Since people mature gradually, their right to make their own decisions should come gradually.

Unfortunately, too many people lump all teenagers into one category. A 13-year-old is NOT the same as a 17-year-old. And, not all 17-year-olds are at the same level of maturity. You really have to take it on a case-by-case basis.

But remember, if kids are micromanaged by parents during their teens, they'll never learn how to make wise choices.

Answer 9

They should have a right. My parents were good enough to give me the option of being homeschooled, and I loved it. I had panic attacks and I couldn't sit in a classroom without having one, so the homeschooling worked perfectly. I still had a social life, and I didn't turn into a hermit or anything. It really depends on the situation of the child.

Answer 10

Interesting that people are giving THEIR opinion of homeschooling rather than answer the question: should teens have input? (Did it never occur to you, perhaps the teen wants to homeschool? LOL)
---------------------------
Yes, I think teens should get to voice their opinion re: education and their REASONS for their opinion, but also yes the parents have final say until the teen leaves home. They are ultimately responsible.

In sharing reasons for their opinions, it's possible to find outlets that meet both the parents' goals and the teens' goals, be those financial, social, educational, extracurricular, etc. Communication, compromise, these are great life skills!