Am I just being arrogant or have other people felt this way?

Question

I have been unschooled for five years, and spent five years in public school before that.

When I look at my homeschooled friends, and then at my schooled friends, it seems like my school friends are sort of stupid in comparison. They often have more facts stocked in their heads, but they have no motivation, they can't really think critically and they're really peer-dependent compared to us homeschoolers.

And it seems like we're happier. I mean, we're human and we're teenagers so there's a degree of backstabbing, rumors, and so on but we just seem to be much better adjusted and less childish.

My school friends always need to move in packs and seem to be really obsessed with possessions and buying stuff.

They're still my friends and I like them, but I think homeschooling turns out better people in the end.

Answer 1

I have felt that way as well before. I always seem so much happier than my schooled friends. They are always dealing with some kind of drama at school, I feel bad for them, because they think that I have it so bad and I tell them I'm much happier, I don't have to deal with people always talking behind your back and I have some real great friends who are always there for me that are homeschooled and even though there are some always there for you, super friends, they also sometimes give you some real bad advice, you know what I mean?

Answer 2

As much as I agree with homeschooling, I do think it's a bit arrogant to believe that homeschooling turns out better people. It's just such a blanket statement. Not all homeschoolers turn out better, for a variety of reasons. And many public schooled kids turn out great. Of course, there's no way to know what they would have turned out like had they gone to school--could have been worse, could have been better, could have been the same.

I went to public school and was sort of 'on the side'--most of the kids were how you describe public school kids. But I didn't fit in. And I was never homeschooled. I didn't get into backstabbing, rumours, parties, buying stuff, clothes, etc.

Of course, I do believe that homeschooling *can* help turn out better people. But just homeschooling isn't enough. It'll depend on the type of homeschooling, the parenting, etc.

Answer 3

Well, I was in public school for 11 years and homeschooled for the last 2 years of high school. I preferred homeschooling. I have some friends from p.s. who are immature and others who are mature. Same thing for homeschooling. Really it depends entirely upon the person.
Homeschoolers have the history of being, generally, more mature and smarter, but this is not always the case. So really, I think it would be better for you if you didn't mention this to any of your friends.

Answer 4

I feel this way! I am 15, and have been homeschooled all my life. (I'm in 9th grade) I am three times smarter than all my public schooled friends. (I actually don't have that many, but I do have about 10 ps friends) My friends across the street, brothers, ages 13 and 15, are 'computer geeks'. All they do all day is sit in front of the computer all day and say they are 'building something online'. *pshaw* Yeah, right. That was a year ago, and when I ask today, they say they don't know what I'm talking about. When their mother, who isn't much better, tells them to go outside, they whine and complain that A) it's cold outside (60*), B) it's too hot outside (geez, ur a boy! take ur shirt off!) or C) My back hurts. (From what?! sitting in a chair playing games all day? Puh-leez.)When I tell them that I'm reading Homer or Livy or Herodotus or Shakespeare, they don't know who I'm talking about, or don't believe me. When I tell them I write articles for the local paper or library, they just say that I got lucky. (I am often in the paper because of my accomplishments, while they can't even read!) So yes, I love to gloat. I love to see their faces when they look at the paper and see my face splashed across the front page. I like to wave at those moments as they pass me by! (Capt. Jack Sparrow, my personal favorite pirate!) And yes, they are stupid compared to me. They also are very rude in public. When they are with friends from ps, they don't introduce me for fear that I'll become so popular that they won't spend time with them! As a result, I rarely see them anymore and instead spend time with my fellow homeschool friends. We are much smarter than the average ps kid. My proudest moment as a homeschooler occurred last year, at the LaPorte county Symphony Orchestra, and it was their annual kid's day, and as the man on stage read off school names, the kids would applaud halfheartedly when they heard their school names. The man read the word
"homeschoolers" last. We, the underdogs the homeschoolers, rose as one and in a united voice in a sea of people screamed, "WHOO-HOO!!!" Everyone stared at this group of kids who were actually proud of their school. As I looked around, I saw all of my friends who had started homeschooling around the same time: My friends Joe, Becky, Sam, David, Emily, Nate, Janelle, and Jenni had made ourselves known in the world. We, not these imbecilic, mindless, brainless robots, would one day be the leaders of the world.

Answer 5

I've noticed that in my teenage son (13 yoa). He is homeschooled & doesn't care about the latest fashion trends and stuff the other teens are wearing. I was buying him some clothes for Christmas and asked him if he wanted the new trendy jeans, and he said no, he thought they looked silly, just wanted plain Levis. I was glad as they were cheaper, but I could see that could be a con for some teens because you might not fit in as well, not wearing all the latest trends, or caring what they are.

He's not arrogant, just doesn't care about fashion or trends or things because it's not important to him. He does care about the environment, war, and things like that so it's not like he doesn't care about anything in society, just fashion & trends don't matter to him.

Answer 6

you're not alone. i'm a homeschooled teenager after going to a ritsy private school from k-5 to 8th grade. my sisters were homeschooled for 2 years and decided to do public school this year. and i must say they have changed. and not necessarily for the better. homeschoolers tend to be smarter because they have to learn things on their own without having a teacher explain everything to them. however homeschooling can make things a little more difficult in your 'social life' but you have to deal with less drama and tend to be more mature. but a lot depends on the person who's being pressured into dealing with peerpressure. there are strong ones out there and weak ones.

Answer 7

Being homeschooled seems to agree with you and your parents have done a WONDERFUL job. As far as your friends.... YOU ARE IN THE REAL WORLD. I am not "bashing your friends" but they still have a lot of growing up to do, where as you have already done this. Keep up the good work!!!

Answer 8

No, you're not arrogant. Is it arrogant to call an apple for what it is? Even those outside the homeschooling circuit recognize the difference (on all levels) of those who are homeschooled versus their public school counterparts.

Answer 9

School is about ROTING, memorizing. Not about why or what you memorize, it's about memorizing.

I have a college graudate friend.

I only went 1 year.

I was asking him about the significance of SINE and COSINE and ALL he could tell me is they are a ratio.

That's a definition.

When I looked into it I found a site on waves and SAW how SINE, COSINE, TANGENT and other aspects work in tandem.

After I tell him about that he tells me that's advanced Masters degree work in harmony and symmetry.

So I guess on my own I'm doing masters work

His BA just limits him to what he was MEMORIZED.

He doesn't think.

HE REPEATS

He repeats, like a parrot, what he was taught

I want to see the BIG PICTURE

How it all realts and works together.

That is the difference between High School
Undergrduate College

AND

Masters and PH D Studies

With my 1 year of college and THIRST to UNDERSTAND how it works, I'm looking at the Masters or PH D picture

He just ROTED or MEMORIZED the BA bull hockey!

He doesn't THINK

HE MIMICS!

Answer 10

That is not arrogant at all!!!! I am a homeschooled freshman. i know exactly what your saying... everything you just said i was thinking Oh my goodness no way! im glad to know im not the only one that feels this way!

The teens in my homeschool group went to the house of blues and everyone we talked to said "WOW! these are the most well behaived kids weve ever had here!"